Kanoelani feels the kuleana, or responsibility, of being the Lei Queen, as it carries many years of tradition and history.

After a full day of competition in lei making, Hawaiian language, poise, personality and hula, the 2009 Lei Queen for the City & County of Honolulu was announced as Lauren Kanoelani Chang, a Punahou graduate who was 1st Princess in the 2006 Lei Queen competition. Her 1st Lei Princess is Kalai Sina Kamau’oha, whose mother, Hina Kamau’u, was the 2004 Lei Queen. 2nd Princess is Jodie Miyagi, a student of Kumu Hula Kaha’i Topolinski. The announcement was made by City Managing Director Kirk Caldwell, representing Mayor Mufi Hannemann.