Miss Ka'u Coffee Contestants, 2011

Jaeneise P. Cuison, of Nā‘ālehu, is the daughter of Tracyann and Mathias Cuison, Sr. and sister to Jolynn, Mathias, Jr., Mark, Micah, Britney, Ernest, Jernest, and Otto. Jaeneise is a senior at Ka‘ū High School. She has “a passion for volleyball, baking assorted desserts and spending time at the beach with family.” She plans to major in nursing and dreams of becoming a registered nurse because she wants “to be able to help the sick and needy within our community.” She loves “living in Ka‘ū because of its beautiful and serene beaches and its majestic hilltop mountains that continuously sustain us with resources.” Jaeneise’s platform is “community service: giving back to my community by preserving and perpetuating the environment.” Her talent is Tahitian dance.

Brandy Nicole Eder, of Pāhala, is the daughter of Bert and Tina Eder and sister to Nathaniel, Fresno, Angelbert, Michael, Chris and Melinda. Brandy is a Kaʻū High School senior. Brandy likes to play sports, read and cook. She “would love to be a doctor someday.” She says, “What I love the most about Ka‘ū is the aloha spirit; the way everyone is like family.” Her platform is "Domestic Abuse: Helping to identify verbal and physical abuse in teens through volunteer counseling in schools." Her talent will be performing her own original composition on the piano.

Alina Berlina Jerilong, of Ocean View, is the daughter of Youlina Henry and Kosmi Silk and sister to Nerling, Eiko, Lomon and Sesmi. She is a junior at Kaʻū High School. Alina enjoys helping people, playing volleyball and doing her work at school. She says she dreams of being a nurse because she wants to help people in need suffering from sickness and illness. She likes Kaʻū because she says she "loves to see the mountains," and enjoys the people, having a good time and talking to them. She added, "I like to live in the Kaʻū side." Her platform is Inspiring community to build a healthy life style. She says,"I believe it is very important to maintain healthy eating habits, stay physically fit and get enough rest to sustain an individual's needs." Her talent is hula.

Kayla Kimiko Nishimura, of Pāhala, is the daughter of Gail and Ned Nishimura and sister to Marissa and Chad. Kayla is a senior a Ka‘ū High School. She is involved in “club volleyball, is Student Body Government treasurer and captain of the soccer team.” After high school she plans to go to college and major in liberal arts. Kayla enjoys living in Ka‘ū and says, “I love that whenever I’m bored, I can call up my friends to hang at the beach or play volleyball.” Kayla’s platform is “inspiring athletes to succeed and stay healthy.” Kayla's will perform a belly-dance for her talent. 

          

Kathline Diane Pataray, of Nāʻālehu, is the daughter of  Esmenia P. Hernandez and her stepfather is Gerald Hernandez. She is sister to Kathryne and Jessa Mae and is a senior at Kaʻū High School. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, competing on the school tennis team and trying new things. She plans to major in travel and tourism in hopes of becoming a travel agent or ticketing clerk in an airport or travel agency. She loves Kaʻū because "the mountains and beaches bring out the beauty of nature." She added, "The people treat each other like family is why I love living in Kaʻū." Her platform is "Perpetuating the Filipino Heritage: Learning from our elders and encouraging the youth to recognize their dedication and work ethic." Kathline's talent is a traditional Filipino dance.

Brandy Kayumi Haunani Shibuya, of Wai‘ōhinu, is the daughter of Terry-Lee and Dane Shibuya and sister to Kassie, Tiare-Lee, and Dane, Jr. Brandy is 22, an Alaka‘i for a Hawaiian culture leadership program, a Children's Miracle Network sponsor, and a hostess for island TV shows for the Big Island. “It has always been a dream of mine to represent Hawaiʻi and make a difference in the world,” said Brandy. She plans to attend Kapi‘olani Community College and aspires to become an elementary school teacher. She loves Ka‘ū because it “is over 922 square miles of rich sacred land, holding the most powerful Hawaiian history” and because she is “intrigued by its cultural diversity and natural beauty.” Brandy’s platform is “the importance of education in strengthening our children, youth and communities.” Her talent is hula.