Heartwarming
island momentEMME Tomimbang had a touching Emme's island moment at the end of her holiday show Sunday. She called Willie K's mom, Ivy Nuuhiwa, to the Hilton Coral Ballroom stage after Willie said he will be spending his first Christmas with her in 32 years. His mom had been living in Las Vegas. She and Willie were recently reunited and Willie whispered to Emme that she was in the crowd. Emme quickly called Ivy on stage for the special moment. Besides Willie, Genoa Keawe, Keali'i Reichel, Hapa, Na Leo Pilimehana and Amy Gilliom performed. The show was a benefit for conductor Henry Miyamura's outstanding Hawaii Youth Symphony, which backed the acts. Emme did an excellent job as emcee after Harry Soria warmed up the crowd of 1,000. Emme fell off the stage into a Christmas tree last year. She took kidding about the spill but she was sure-footed this year. See the show Dec. 18 and 25 on KHON-TV at 9 p.m. ...
It's Cal Lee's time
TWO weeks ago I wrote that the UH Brass should remove football coach Fred vonAppen at the end of the season and hire Cal Lee immediately. The winless season ended last Saturday and VonAppen was fired on Monday. VonAppen went out a winner as far as the way he took his firing was concerned. UH Prez Kenneth Mortimer handled the situation well. I like his style. Now let's get Cal up there, pronto. June Jones is my second choice ...TIM GUARD, head man at McCabe, Hamilton & Renny, had a sling on his arm at the company party at the Outrigger Canoe Club Tuesday. Tim had recent shoulder surgery but his wife, Devon, said Tim was wearing the sling to support the heavy diamond encrusted Super Bowl ring he received for being on the Denver Broncos' board. Tim heaped praise on former isle resident Pat Bowlen, the Broncos' owner, attributing much of the team's success to Bowlen's hard work. Ethelynne Teves, Harris Kaleikini and Mona Teves played Hawaiian music for the party ...
G.M. Mike White and 20 of his Kaanapali Beach Hotel employees tossed a mahalo party at the Moana Surfrider Wednesday. Mike was happy to report his hotel was rated No. 1 in the state and No. 3 in the world for "Best Value" by Travel and Leisure magazine readers. Sam "Kumu Kolohe" Ako, with singer-musicians Haunani Chandler and Dee Coyle, led the Kaanapali staffers in isle songs and hula. Sam is a kick. Chris Kaioakamalie, Dwight Kobatake and Eric Hoku drew much applause for their hula, as did Luana Paahana and guest Kanoe Bright. The hotel's sales chief, Katherine Huske, did good hula for a gal from Texas. Violet, Irma and Elaine Lilikoi made up the house group ...
SCHUUR THING: Singer Diane Schuur, after her Saturday-nighter at the Concert Hall, helped Anita Hall celebrate her birthday at David Paul's. Diane and husband, Les Crocket, dined with Anita, Nohelani Cypriano, Sonia Mendez, Gina Lovern and Lori Kuriyama. On Sunday, Anita had lunch with Diane and Les at the Halekulani. Anita sings at David Paul's. She's hot ...
Happy birthday Mahi, Miki
MAHI BEAMER marks his 70th birthday tonight at the Prince Kuhio Hotel piano. It's also the birthday of his brother Sonny's wife, Miki Beamer. It'll be a special night ... Don't forget Jim Nabors' Christmas shows tonight and tomorrow at the Hawaii Theatre ... Rocky Brown sings at Brew Moon tonight ... Nick's Fishmarket has Abe Weinstein's band playing swing dance music tomorrow, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ...
Ben Wood, who sold the Star-Bulletin in the streets
of downtown Honolulu during World War II, writes of
people, places and things every Saturday.
His columns appear online every Monday.