People can be so cynical. Donna Cadiente started to realize this about 15 years ago, when her brushes with fame were met, not with squeals of delight, but with pooh-poohs. Star struck and
up to the challenge"I would go out, and I would see these celebrities, but when I told people, no one would believe me," she said. So Cadiente started taking pictures to document the blessed events. Now, she says, "I carry a camera at all times!"
Earlier, the Star-Bulletin issued a challenge to see if anyone could top Brenda Lopez's collection of 90 pairs of sunglasses. Collections could be of sunglasses or whatevah.
Cadiente wrote in to tell us about her 100 California Raisin figurines and 50 refrigerator magnets, but what got us were the 240 photos of her grinning cheek to cheek with the stars.
About 90 percent are local celebrities such as Ms. "Hawaii Stars" herself, Carole Kai. Then there's Andy Bumatai, Don Ho, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Magic Johnson and former Pittsburgh Steeler Lynn Swann.
Cadiente's favorite photo is one of herself with Fabio, which she had laminated to be cherished for all time.
Having heard the horror stories of the paparazzi, Cadiente said she's never been yelled at or slugged, but she says with glee, "I'm waiting for that! But I don't think so. Not in Hawaii. Everyone's so nice.
"Also, I know when not to bother them, like when they're in a restaurant eating with their families. I can tell they want their privacy."
The Star-Bulletin is her abettor as she scans the paper cover to cover, looking for clues to performances and appearances.
Still, if there's any chance of a mob scene, Cadiente will retreat. She didn't try to snap Michael Jackson's picture when he was here, and she avoided the Planet Hollywood-Waikiki opening attended by Sylvester Stallone and Jean-Claude Van Damme. "I don't want to go where I'll be disappointed," she said.
Nadine Kam, Star-Bulletin