About
HiRiZ started at Easy Music Center where Ka’imi and Steve worked. They talked about starting a band not knowing what would become of it. Steve knew a drummer and a rhythm guitarist. The first couple of practices were rough but it soon started to take shape. By that time, they did not have a band name. Practices took place in Papakolea over looking downtown Honolulu. Shannon came up with the name “high rise” but the others took it to the next level. Thus, HiRiZ was born.
HiRiZ has built up their original and cover material to with stand a five hour gig. With the island reggae and rock fusion technicality, HiRiZ has a distinct sound. Not limiting their horizons, they also like to mesh the reggae vibe with genres such as Bossa Nova, Jazz, Alternative, R&B, and Funk. With the addition of Whitney Haugen and Lance Motogawa, HiRiZ won’t disappoint.
Ka’imi Hanano’eau – Lead Vocals & Guitar
Born on O’ahu and raised in Maui, he started playing Ukulele at the age of 5. By freshman year at H.P. Baldwin High School, he was already affiliated with a Halau/Production company at the age of 14 . He was a professional musician through out his high school years. When he graduated, he could play ukulele, bass, guitar, piano and Tahitian percussion. He then moved back to O’ahu to attended BYUH in La’ie where he graduated with a B.A. in Music (Major) and Hawaiian Studies (Minor) furthering his knowledge with music theory and live sound engineering. After college, Neva Rego took him in after a five year wait, teaching him the Bel Canto vocal style. He worked as a Sales Associate at Easy Music Center Pearl City for 6 years where he specialized in ukulele and live sound equipment. Ka`imi has experience with all aspects of music ranging from behind the stage as a sound technician to on stage as the main act. His current instrument of choice is the guitar. He alone has enough material for a five-hour solo gig but jamming with HiRiZ is his new passion.
Whitney Haugen – Drums & Percussion
Steve Keola – Bass & Back-up Vocals
Born and raised in Punchbowl/Papakolea, he rocks the bass in HiRiZ. Like his band mates, he always had a passion for music. Starting off with the Ukulele, he slowly worked his way up learning the guitar, bass and drums. He also DJ’s and runs Live Sound PA. Recording and producing an album remains a dream for Steve, which seems to be in the near future. He also enjoys watching movies, golfing and Xbox360!
Shannon Tanudra – Rhythm Guitar & Lead Vocals (inactive)
Born on Oahu and raised in Ewa Beach. Growing up he always had a passion for music and loves all genres ranging from Reggae to R&B. He is the youngest person to enter and perform at the Maitai Rumble. He plays rhythm guitar as well as bass, ukulele and Tahitian drums. He also loves hunting, diving and fishing. Since playing with HiRiZ he feels that his dreams are coming true as people start to notice their unique style of music that they have introduced to the islands and hopes it spreads internationally.
Kainoa Ah Chong – Drums & Percussion (inactive)
Born and raised on O’ahu, Kainoa resides in Waihe’e Valley of Kahalu’u. This 2008 Damien Memorial School grad comes from a musically inclined family, which makes him no stranger to the music biz. Always down to play anything with good vibes and feeling, especially those “Oldies Classics”. Drumming is his passion and he tends to stick with it. He also loves diving, body boarding and being with family.