For Kamae,
kids countIT was typical of Eddie Kamae and wife Myrna that before they unveil their new documentary, "Hawaiian Voices: Bridging Past to Present," at McCoy Pavilion Sunday, they previewed it for school kids. Just before the first screening Wednesday, Kamae sat on the edge of the stage, talking with the kids of Punahou teacher Hattie Phillips about the film. Just as they were prepared to start, and Kamae announced, "It's show time," he was interrupted by Bruddah Smitty of the Sons of Hawaii, who interjected a personal note: "When I was small," he stated, "I always wanted to go to Punahou School and today, I'm here." The kids were delighted with Bruddah Smitty and the documentary and they gave it a standing ovation. It'll be shown periodically through the Hawaii International Film Festival...
WAIKIKI Trade Center manager Daisy Yamada is back from attending a lavish costume ball in New Orleans that made her feel she'd gone to the dogs. You see, the ball, for dog lovers only, was called the "Mardi Growl Ball." New Yorkies and old Yorkies alike attended the benefit for the Yorkshire Terrier Rescue Effort, and their owners were dressed to the nines. The canines, that is. Many owners and pets came in matching outfits. Author Amy Tan, her husband and dogs came dressed as a family unit, she as a biker chick, hubby as Elvis and their two Yorkies in motorcycle outfits. The event was not only fun, but raised $9,000...
Beastie girls
LOCAL photog Russell Tanoue has been in San Francisco this week shooting young women in unusual garb for an upcoming book called "Beauty Without the Beasts." It's being written by Heather Chase of Models with Conscience, which urges consumers to outfit themselves without harming animals. It's not as easy as it sounds. Models must wear cruelty-free fashions from head to toe, prompting Tanoue to quip it was the first time he's shot a model wearing vegetarian shoes from England...LOCAL-born actress and model Vonnie Rhee attended the grand opening of the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas and the VIP premiere of Cirque du Soliel, which she calls "the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." She'd done a commercial swimming underwater for them two months ago and the V.P. invited her to the hotel and show. Rhee can also be seen on MTV in Dru-Hill's music video, "These are the Times," shot by director Billy Woodruff, who's done "Titanic" and Babyface videos ...
CHAMINADE'S fund-raiser, "Symbols of Celebration," takes place Nov. 20 on campus and among the items up for sale are books highlighting Hawaii's language and culture, donated by Maile Meyers of Native Books. Reception coordinator Annette Pang has been working over time lining up donations from local businesses to help provide the public with an evening reception of culinary and entertainment delights...
Busman's holiday
SO you live in Hong Kong like Bob and Judy Liu and you come to Honolulu for a visit. Where do you stop first? Why at the Mandarin Restaurant, now on Cooke Street, of course. Run by Jimmy Liu (no relation) the Mandarin has been the favorite of the Lius since he discovered it when he was Associated Press bureau chief here. He's held that same position in Hong Kong since 1973. Former KHVH owner Bob Berger was also in town this week from his home in La Quinta. He'd introduced the Lius years ago and bet Judy $10 that they'd never get married. He has yet to pay up...
Dave Donnelly has been writing on happenings
in Hawaii for the Star-Bulletin since 1968.
His columns run Monday through Friday.Contact Dave by e-mail: donnelly@kestrok.com.