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Wood Craft

By Ben Wood

Saturday, July 7, 2001



Kimo’s finale would have
made him proud

Kimo McVay's finale yesterday at the Outrigger Canoe Club was a show that would have made the irrepressible promoter proud. Kimo, 73, died June 29 of cancer. He managed and/or promoted many of Hawaii brightest stars. Most of them took part in his farewell. Don Ho gave a short speech and as the canoes took out Kimo's ashes, sang "I'll Remember You," bringing a tear to many an eye. Kapono Beamer followed, playing the nose flute, adding more emotion. Kapono and Keola Beamer reunited to sing "Honolulu City Lights" for the first time in 20 years to a standing ovation. As they were being embraced by their mother, Nona, emcee Andy Bumatai said that Kimo was once asked if the Beamers would ever get together again, and Kimo replied, "Over my dead body." This brought a roar from the crowd of about 300. Andy was a super emcee taking shots at the stars and taking a few himself. He said that the program was ahead of schedule -- "but I'm sure Don Ho will fix that." John Berger said Andy's career was somewhat like the fireworks at Ala Moana the other night. The fireworks sputtered out twice. Dave Donnelly did an excellent job telling many funny Kimo stories. U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie was hit hard by emotion at the end of his speech. Tom Moffatt spoke and presented Corky Trinidad's terrific cartoon on Kimo at the Pearly Gates to Kimo's widow, Betsy. Other speakers included Cha Thompson for Wayne Harada, John Hirokawa and Pastor Jerry Saludez. Maunalua played music before the program and the original Krush sang a song ...

Kincaid's draws a crowd

Singer Jan Brenner, her husband Steve Ozark, radio-TV personality Tiny Tadani and singer Dita Holifield were in Kincaid's lounge last week discussing marketing for Jan's new CD, which comes out Sept. 1. They were also digging the cool sounds of Jon Basebase's band, a vocal instrumental group. Jan will have a big September as she is chairing the annual Bed Race fund-raiser on Sept. 15 ... Kimo Kahoano, sisters Audrey and Janet Hyrne, Lois Hunter and Carole Pregill were grouped in the popular Kincaid's lounge last week ...

The music of the Hooheno Serenaders -- Scott Hooheno, Kaipo Asing and Gary Aiko -- and the hula of Kanoe Cazimero created a pretty picture last weekend at the opening of Pacific American Gallery's exhibition spotlighting 15 isle artists. Retired police officer Joe Dawson did a huge painting of a volcano spewing lava that is impressive. Marcus Lee's paintings dominate most of one wall. Friends worried that Marcus might not make the opening because he didn't arrive with his mom Lila, until halfway through the night. Cookie Isaacs is gallery director ...

Trades cool DHT

Trade winds returned last evening to help make Diamond Head Theatre's silent auction fund-raiser on the theater grounds a success. "Our goal was $10,000 and we made $10,253," said DHT managing director Deena Dray. The musical "Cinderella" followed food and wine ... John Kramer, who turns 80 in October, is recovering from open-heart surgery at Kaiser Hospital. John is senior VP of investments for Prudential Securities. Years ago John was the bass player for Martin Denny's group and later for Arthur Lyman ...



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.
E-mail him at bwood@starbulletin.com





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