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300 admirers help
Eddie Kamae launch
his book at Halekulani

More than 300 people gathered at the Halekulani's Hau Terrace Sunday to help Eddie and Myrna Kamae launch Eddie's book "Hawaiian Son," written by James Houston with Eddie. Halekulani G.M. Fred Honda, Eddie's boyhood friend, opened the breakfast program. The Keiki Palaka Band, directed by Mel Murata, performed. "Mahalo to The Legend," written by Mel for Eddie, was one of their songs. Sara, Tess and Julie Cramer, daughters of Teresa and Bob Cramer, performed on ukuleles Eddie had given to them. Cramer has worked with Eddie on his films. Eddie, Ocean Kaowili and Mike Kaawa gave the crowd a treat with their music. Kaupena Wong ended the reception with a chant. U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka was among the guests ...

Top uke players will take part in 'Ukulele Celebration Saturday through Monday. Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, Bryan Tolentino, Lyle Ritz, John King, James Hill and Bill Tapia will participate. The Ukulele Guild of Hawaii's convention, concerts and panel discussions are part of the celebration at the Waikiki Marriott, Japanese Cultural Center and the Academy of Arts Theatre. Call 440-4646 and 956-5790 for more information ...

Ball raises $230,000 for Hawaii Opera Theatre

The Hawaii Opera Theatre's Turandot Ball Saturday at the Sheraton topped fund-raising expectations with a projected net of $230,000. Four arias by Lea Woods Friedman and one by Erik Haines were the evening's highlights. Friedman's "La, sui monti dell'est (There, in the mountains of the east), with the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus under the direction of Nola Nahulu, was a perfect finale. The 70 youngsters sang as they walked through the audience with attendants carrying large colorful banners. Pianist Beebe Freitas gave the singers excellent support. HOT artistic director Henry Akina, who kept a watchful eye on proceedings, and his performers deserve a bravo, as do ball chair Lori Thomas and her volunteers. Shari Lynn and the Phil Scellato Orchestra wound up the night with dance music. Banquet manager Tim Masten and his crew provided top service. Owen Ho's decor theme was ancient Peking, in keeping with "Turandot." The season opens Jan. 28 with "The Flying Dutchman," followed by "Susannah" Feb. 1 and winding up with "Turandot" on Feb. 25. The first two operas will play three days each; "Turandot" will run four ...

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