Chart House goes all out for Lei Beeck's graduation

CHARLIE BEECK JR. turned Chart House G.M. Scott Okumoto and his staff loose last Saturday on his daughter Lei's graduation from Iolani High and they came through with flying colors for the luncheon party. Scott is Lei's godfather. A highlight was Lei dancing hula to "I'll Weave a Lei of Stars for You" with sister Kealoha, 9, as guest Mihana Souza sang. It's no surprise the girls know their hula well because their mom is Kaula Kamahele, who danced with Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii, Peter Moon's group and Palani Vaughan. Kaula performed "Waikiki" to Mihana's singing, backed by the versatile and talented house duo, Dean Lum and Dean Shimamoto. Haunani Vieira continued with a beautiful hula, dancing "Singing Bamboo." Haunani also is a former pro who danced for Al Harrington, Iva Kinimaka and Vaughan. Other singers were Kristian Lei, originally of Waianae, who starred in "Miss Saigon" in Germany, and Greglinn Ramsey. Go Jimmy Go also performed. Charlie's dad, Charles Beeck Sr., flew in from Phoenix for the party with Charlie's stepmom Audrey and nephew Ron French. Dad gave the blessing. Nathan Minn spoke and described the graduate in glowing terms ... Cheers to Mihana, who celebrated a birthday Thursday as did Jeff Apaka. Mihana's big present was a surfboard, so now she'll go surfing with husband Chuckie and their five children. She worked her regular Thursday gig at Duc's Bistro ...

Mariposa reopens following renovation

NEIMAN MARCUS reopened Mariposa Restaurant June 16 after renovation. The restaurant and staff looked great, in crisp new white shirts. A trio of Neiman execs flew in for the event. They were: VP of Food Services Kevin Garvin, Regional Manager Michael Perricone and Manager of Store Systems Jeanie Lawrence. Local execs, restaurant managers, key chefs and cooks were all there including: Store G.M. Al Tomonari, Lucy Chelini, David Brown, Ipo Cluney, Roy Chung, Doug Lum, Jason Kagihara, and bartenders Riki Nasu and Will Lee. Paulette Imose came up from the Mermaid to check things out. Frequent customers on "opening night" included: Ralph and Elsie Reis, Varouj Artingian, Bruce and Susan Graham, Antoine and Chez Spinelli and Salvo Sardina ...

Ben Wood, who sold the Star-Bulletin in the streets of downtown Honolulu during World War II, writes of people, places and things every Wednesday and Saturday. E-mail him at bwood@starbulletin.com