Natives are taking control

I'M NOT going to waste space and try to convince you to check out the Barefoot Natives' Oahu debut tonight and tomorrow.

That's because Willie Kahaialii and Eric Gilliom don't need my help. They've already built quite a buzz from their home on Maui, and have won crowds over from the neighbor islands since their self-titled album was released last month.

What I will tell you about, however, is how much more there is to Kahaialii than meets the eye.

Did you know the man loves golf, and has plans to take his successful annual fundraising tournament on Maui and turn it into a state-wide affair? Or how about his efforts to open a youth center on Maui that will teach keiki about the music business? Or the fact that he's been clean and sober for almost a year?

Just don't think he's mellowing out too much - he is still Willie K, folks.

"I still tell them how I really feel," he said with a laugh earlier this week. "I put them in their place.

"My favorite line is when people go, 'excuse me, I don't want to bother you.' You know what I tell them? 'But you're going to anyway,' and they go right ahead. But it's all good. It's all different now."

The Barefoot Natives take over the Hawaiian Hut tonight and tomorrow starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 at the door ...

IT SEEMS like Pro Bowl weekend all over again, as Hot Lava Entertainment brings a bunch of pro athletes to town for "Celebrity Paintball Hawaii."

The fun kicks off with a welcome party piggybacking on Russell Simmons' appearance at Fashion 45 tonight in conjunction with his new Phat Farm clothing line. Another party is scheduled tomorrow at Zanzabar, with the paintball event taking place at Hawaii All-Star Paintball on Saturday and an afterparty at Coyote Nights.

All events are open to the public, who will have a chance to meet and greet stars like Gary Payton, Ray Lewis, Jalen Rose, Terrell Owens, Willis McGahee, B Real and Tamiko Nash. Call 429-0715 for info ...

TOMORROW NIGHT at thirtyninehotel, the Nocturnal Sound Krew presents "Soul Clap," with DJ Pase Rock making the trip from New York to spin. He's frequently hired by celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Larry Flynt and Jessica Simpson for private parties, and also tours with the Five Deez crew.

Hawaii's own DJ Eskae and Maria Remos will join Rock tomorrow, with no cover before 10:30 p.m. for those 21-and-over ...

SATURDAY'S PICKS: Racesauce Hawaii celebrates its fourth anniversary at the O Lounge ... "Glitter 'N Glamour" returns, resurrected from the Wave Waikiki at NextDoor ... and the "B-Boy Reunion 2006" jumps off at noon at the Waikiki Community Center ...

In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Reach Jason Genegabus at jgenegabus@starbulletin.com.