Isle woman rules
on immigrationIT'S a long way from Castle High to becoming Hawaii's first Immigration judge, but "local girl" Dayna Dias, 42, has made that journey. Dayna was formally invested last week as judge of the new court which also has jurisdiction over Guam. U.S. Chief Immigration Judge Michael Creppy, here from Washington, said more than 750 people nationwide were in the pool for the post and Dayna "was the best." Creppy had Dayna's parents, Ken and Carol Dias, place the robe over Judge Dias' shoulders in the impressive ceremony at the Federal Building. Speakers included Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Robert Owens, state Attorney General Margery Bronster and Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Mario Ramil. Dayna said she has much more respect for judges after sitting in the new court since April. Deputy Chief Immigration Judge Jere Armstrong was here for the ceremony and joined the other visiting judges at a Sea Life Park party for Dayna Sunday. Roy Kruse and Ken Dias, Roosevelt High pals, emceed ...
ONWARD: Armand Kainoa Chong, Iolani '79, received the school's Alumni Service Award last Saturday from headmaster Val Iwashita, '67, at Iolani's all-class reunion. Mark DeMello, '77, G.M. of the Waikiki Parc Hotel and former lead singer of the Casuals, performed. Graphic designer Clarence Lee, '53, donated the door prize of five Lunar New Year Stamps he designed, framed and signed ...
HAWAII Theatre's Sarah Richards received a hearty round of applause at Ruth's Chris Steak House last week when she reported the theater is in the black. She said 165,000 people took in 153 shows in the opening year following restoration. Al Hosoi opened Ruth's for lunch for the Committee of 75 for the theater's 75th anniversary ... Cheers for Sarah's report
CRUISING ON: With 500 employees and three boats, including the Star of Honolulu which can carry 1,400 passengers, Paradise Cruises owners Ron Howard and his wife Mitzi Hirasawa had good reason to celebrate the line's 40th anniversary last weekend. When the couple joined Paradise in 1981, there were only 21 employees. And it was tough to make the payroll, Howard said. Mayor Jeremy Harris congratulated Howard & Co. in his speech at the firm's new headquarters next to the Cinerama Theater. Howard, trying to keep a straight face, said that in 1981 Mitzi, Paradise V.P., "insisted we get married. It was the best move I ever made," he wisely added ...
MARTIN and Jeanie Wyss will close Swiss Inn for brunch Sunday Aug. 10 so they can attend the UH graduation of daughter, Suzie. The Inn will be open that night ...
ANDREW'S Restaurant and the Executive Centre lobby were jammed Wednesday as the hotel celebrated its fifth anniversary with a preview of the Hawaii International Jazz Festival. The fest ends tomorrow at Hawaii Theatre. Linda Wong, Manny Rezentes, Al Souza and Andy Friedlander were digging the USC Jazz Band and digging into the food prepared by Lori Wong's staff ... All that jazz
SINGER-musician Owana Salazar often performs at benefits and that's why many entertainers turned out Wednesday at Ocean Club to raise funds for her daughter, Miss Hawaii Teen USA Mahana Walters, headed for the Miss Teen USA competition ... Cheers to Oahu Country Club's Alice Clay of One Kala-kaua Senior Living, who marked a birthday yesterday by golfing with Lila Chrystal, Betty Ohama and Chiz Shoji, mom of UH Wahine volleyball coach Dave Shoji ... Mauna Lani Hotel reopened yesterday after renovation ...