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Upstairs at Washington Place
opens at Jean Ariyoshi’s event

It was Jean Ariyoshi's night at Washington Place Monday for her book signing and she shared it with guests as it was the first time since 1858 that the second floor of Queen Liliuokalani's residence was open to the public. Jean said her husband, former Gov. George Ariyoshi, gave her the inspiration to write "Washington Place, A First Lady's Story." Their years at Washington place covered 1974 to 1986. It was a beautiful Hawaiian night at Washington Place Monday, blessed by a gentle rain before guests arrived. People were greeted by Mary Philpotts McGraw, president of the Washington Place Foundation. Cathy Foy-Mahi sang with Randy Hongo at the piano. Nola Nahulu's Kawaiolaonapukanileo choral group sang beautiful songs composed by Liliuokalani. Guests included former Gov. John and Lynne Waihee, Mayor-elect Mufi Hannemann, William Richardson, Judge James Burns, son of former Gov. John Burns, and of course the Ariyoshi family. Foundation founder Vicky Cayetano, wife of former Gov. Ben Cayetano, was ill and could not attend. In the book, Jean writes that she first met Ariyoshi at a party when she was a UH student and they danced the jitterbug. Things didn't go far that night because he had a date. But he soon called her for a date and that was the start of a great change in her life -- a life that had her meeting some of the world's best-known and most powerful people. Her book costs $35 and sales benefit the foundation. Call 536-8040 for sales info. The public may view the second-floor area from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday or by calling 586-0248 ...

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center holds roof party

The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and its management company, the Festival Companies, threw a "Deck the Roof" party Wednesday for about 350 people, mostly in the visitor industry. Marketing director Anne Murata and her staff lined up entertainment, food and drink for the guests, who were welcomed by center G.M. Marleen Akau. Performers included Da Braddas and the Sean Na'auao Trio. Les-Lie Productions provided dancers. Prizes were awarded. Susan Todani, Kamehameha Schools Investments director, spoke about the upcoming $55 million renovation to the center, starting in April ...

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