Wood Craft Ben Wood

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Hawaiian-language group honors Abigail Kawananakoa

Abigail Kawananakoa was given the regal treatment a Hawaiian royal should receive when she was honored Sunday by 'Aha Punana Leo at its annual benefit dinner at the Hilton Coral Ballroom. She was escorted in on the arm of nephew David Kawananakoa, flanked by Hale O Na Alii, the Kaahumanu Society, the Royal of Order of Kamehameha and the men of La'akea Suganuma's Royal Academy of Hawaiian Arts. Her head table included Maori King Tuheitia of Aotearoa, his queen and son, event co-chairs Sen. Clayton Hee and wife Lynne Waters, and David and Eleanor Kawananakoa. Kawananakoa was chosen honoree for her support of Hawaiian language programs and culture. Cathy Foy, Aaron Mahi, George Kuo, Cyril Pahinui and Alan Akaka played and sang cocktail-hour music. Kimo Alama Keaulana's group performed, and Suganuma's five daughters danced the Kawananakoa family mele. Larry Kimura and Randie Fong composed "Ko Lei 'Awapuhi" for the honoree. It was sung by Manu Boyd, Fong and Mahi, and danced by Tracie Farias. Closing the evening at the piano was Mahi Beamer. Mahi led the crowd of 800 in "Aloha 'Oe" ...

Hilton to celebrate Lagoon rejuvenation

Hilton is inviting friends to the blessing of the newly rejuvenated Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon Oct. 16 ... The Ralph Lauren store, which recently reopened after a complete renovation job, is a beaut. Cathy Yoo is store manager, and Cameron Wahineokai manages the men's department ... Amy Hanaiali'i sings at Michel's Tuesday through Friday, at 9 p.m. She'll be backed by Matt Catingub, Jeff Peterson, Steve Jones and David "Chino" Montero. This is a preview of the show she will present Oct. 9-13 in Feinstein's nightclub in the Lowes Regency Hotel in New York ... A short story by Waimanalo's Virginia "Ginny" Whiting Walden appears in "Life Lessons for Loving the Way You Live: 7 Essential Ingredients for Finding Balance and Serenity," the latest book in the New York Times best-selling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series ...