Global Chicken Beauty Pageant Coming to Maui?

Not to be outdone by the first beauty pageant for chickens in Libya, a group of Maui locals are organizing what they bill as a global contest to see who has the nicest-looking poultry.

"I mean, come on, it's Maui! No one on Earth has such a diversity of roosters, hens and chicks roaming all over the place," said Esther LaCock of Makawao, whose family raises domesticated chickens for eggs, their meat, and feathers for arts and crafts projects. "I saw the news video, and we definitely have better-looking chickens around here. I saw a stunningly beautiful rooster just this morning in Kihei near Nalu's."

Days ago, youths in Tripoli entered their best chickens to competed in Libya’s first-ever chicken beauty pageant.

The event was staged to determine the best-looking bird, but also to generate youth interest something positive, and not involving the country's ongoing governmental and political conflicts.

For the Maui organizers, it's more than that. Bragging rights are on the line, they say.

"No one tops Maui for beautiful roosters and chickens," said Hyde Plummer of Pukalani, another Upcountry Maui chicken expert. "Haven't they even seen 'Moana'?"

Being planned is a Miss Universe-like organization and event, with participants and entries from around the globe. LaCock says they are working with government officials for potential use of War Memorial Stadium.

"We could have an opening ceremony and everything, with chickens from around the world circling the track to begin festivities," she said. "It will be like our Super Bowl."

A tentative title for the event is Da Chicken Bowl, she said.