IT was billed as a "Non-Run Marathon," but the food-grazing party at the Outrigger Canoe Club Monday night wasn't strictly for couch potatoes. For example, some people who were running for public office were there. Fred Hemmings, who once ran for governor, was also on hand but seemed to be confining his running from table to table, sampling the food fare put out by such restaurants as Hoku's, Sunset Grill, Big Island Steak House and Trilussa. Also on hand was Dr. Jack Scaff, one of the founders of the Honolulu Marathon - the one in which people actually run! - and he brought along the cannon he uses to wake slumbering downtownies at the 7 a.m. start of the Great Aloha Run each year. It was set off with a huge bang to start this non-run event as well. Former Vice Consul of Italy Guido Salmaggi was back from his second home in Florida, beating Bertha out of there, and showed he still remembers all the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner." My favorite moment came when I introduced Dr. Scaff to my date: "Here's living proof," I confided, "that running in a marathon every year doesn't guarantee you'll be in great shape." Dr. Scaff nodded, ruefully ... WHICH brings us to the Olympics getting underway this week in Atlanta. The lighting of the Olympic flame Friday will be the biggest conflagration in Atlanta since Gen. Sherman passed through there some years ago. And did you know that Hawaii's most famous Olympian, Duke Kahanamoku, nearly missed his chance for the gold medal in his first Olympic competition in 1912? Seems he took a nap and overslept - talk about being laid back! As the story goes, an Aussie swimmer, Cecil Healy, refused to race when officials wanted to disqualify Duke, and were it not for him, the Hawaiian might not have won his gold medal. Some of Duke's medals are currently on display, along with his Olympic ring, wristwatch, ribbons and other memorabilia, as part of Bishop Museum's current exhibit, "Sport," through Sept. 2 ...
AN interesting cast of characters has applied for a newly available FM frequency on Honolulu's radio dial. Comprising the group are Jim Boersma of Professional Communications, City managing director Bob Fishman, Momi Cazimero, Danny Kaleikini and Rep. Sam Lee ... Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono is all jazzed up this week - literally! With the Hawaii International Jazz Fest highlighting "Women in Jazz," Hirono is introducing Ann Patterson of the group Maiden Voyage tomorrow. Tickets are still available for the fest that runs tomorrow-Sunday at the Sheraton Waikiki. For details call Abe Weinstein at 941-9974 ...
SO she didn't win the Mrs. Hawaii Pageant. Jewelry exec Maggie Breeden finished first runner-up, and felt like the real winner because she and husband Jerry, owners of Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry, had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. In addition, Maggie has been named V.P. of marketing and PR for the Renaissance Toastmasters Club and her next challenge is the lead role in the Chinese Opera "Red Plum" at Tenney Theater, show dates yet to be announced. All in all, it's been a banner year ...
