‘Gracious host’ Lee gave charm
By Mary Adamski
to Halekulani and Willows
Star-Bulletin
A taste of old Hawaii charm that lured resident regulars as well as returning visitors was the hallmark of hotel and restaurant executive Randolph Martin "Randy" Lee Jr. He was general manager of the prehigh-rise Halekulani Hotel for 16 years and owner of the Willows Restaurant for 13 years before its 1993 closing. Lee, 65, died Monday in St. Francis Hospice.
Friends didn't wait for the eulogy to share their memories and anecdotes about the gracious innkeeper. They prepared a memory book of remembrances and vignettes for a benefit tribute last year sponsored by friends when they learned of his struggle with cancer and medical bills.
"The outpouring of love was just unbelievable," said Dick Rodby, president of Kemoo Farms. "He was Hawaii's Princess Diana - he touched so many lives."
Entertainer Nalani Olds said that despite his frail health, Lee "could not help acting the gracious host. He was tired but he never let up on being cordial, he wanted to stand up to greet everyone.
"He always had the knack to make people feel welcome and special," Olds said.
"One of his qualities, when he engaged you in conversation, he only spoke to you. He was really interested, he remembered what you said, he remembered your children by name."
What kamaainas and visitors remember best is the "kamaaina luncheon" that Lee instituted at the old Halekulani, reincarnated as the "poi luncheon" at the Willows, the setting for many people's special celebrations. The format was Hawaiian food served with class and Hawaiian entertainment with impromptu special appearances by well-known entertainers.
"Those luncheon shows were more like a family luau, not a show," said Rodby.
"He got me started doing them at Kemoo; Randy was more refined - ours were more Haleiwa style."
Olds said she was 16 when she began dancing hula at the Halekulani oceanside shows, and numerous other entertainers were given a start by Lee.
Under Lee's administration, cuisine at the Halekulani restaurants and the Willows received awards from gourmet and travel magazines. He was honored by local restaurant and hotel associations.
"When things were going good, the training table for St. Louis (athletes) was the Willows. They could go there and have a meal anytime," Olds recalled.
Lee was a 1950 graduate of St. Louis High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in social sciences at Georgetown University. Before joining the Halekulani, he worked at Hawaiian Airlines, Hotel Hana on Maui and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island.
He is survived by his wife, Sunny Jean; sons Randolph M. III, Michael, Jon David and Peter; daughter Lori Anne; and seven grandchildren.
A Mass will be said at 1 p.m. Monday at Star of the Sea Church. Friends may call after noon. Inurnment will be private.
The family asks that flowers be omitted and casual attire be worn.
Hiatt, acting president
Staff and wire reports
of UH in ’68, diesRobert W. Hiatt, a former University of Hawaii acting president, died last weekend at the age of 83. Hiatt came to the University of Hawaii in 1943.
He developed the Hawaii Marine Laboratory and was instrumental in shaping the university’s zoology department into a world center for marine zoological studies.
From 1955 to 1963, he was dean of the Graduate School and director of research.
From 1963 until 1968 Hiatt was the university’s vice president for academic affairs.
He assumed the post of acting UH president in May 1968 and a year later became executive director of the UH Research Corporation.
He was acting president in May 1968 when students took over Bachman Hall, the university’s administration building, and staged a sit-in.
In 1969 Hiatt left his position as acting president at the University of Hawaii to join the U.S. diplomatic corps.
From 1970-1973 he served as consular officer and secretary at the U.S. embassy in Tokyo.
Hiatt served as the fifth president of the University of Alaska from 1973-1977.
He created the Rural Education Affairs division, which brought college education to rural Alaska.
E.E. ‘Al’ Wall dead at 84;
By Harold Morse
was executive at Chevron
Star-BulletinEllerton E. “Al” Wall, a Honolulu native who became a California-based regional vice president of western operations for Chevron Corp., died Aug. 31 at his San Diego home. He was 84. He worked for Chevron 43 years, having joined it in 1934, at age 21, in Honolulu. It was then known as Standard Oil of California.
In 1940, he was named branch manager at Kahului.
After World War II broke out, his wartime contribution included being responsible for providing aviation gasoline for aircraft carriers and cargo ships.
Following the war, Wall rose rapidly to positions as Standard Oil district manager in Oakland, regional manager of the Fresno region in 1955, general sales manager in 1956 and vice president of marketing in 1957.
He was named president of California Oil Co., an East Coast subsidiary, in 1958. In 1963, he became Southern California regional vice president and regional marketing manager, based in Los Angeles.
He was the son of Walter E. Wall, who served as surveyor general of the then-territory of Hawaii, and Edith Wall.
A Punahou graduate, he was a high school football, track and swimming star and was rated a top javelin thrower. He later attended the University of Hawaii and University of Oregon, and was graduated from the University of Southern California.
In his years in Los Angeles, Wall held numerous leadership posts with community and civic organizations.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia; daughters Anne Randolph and Janet Dietz; son Steven, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A private ceremony was held in California. The family suggests donations may be made to the San Diego Hospice or the donor’s favorite charity.
Lillian S. Arakaki, 61, of Honolulu, a retired senior vice president of Atlas Insurance Agency, died last Wednesday in Queen’s Hospital. She was born in Honolulu. Survived by husband Dennis Y.; son Aaron K.; daughter Shari T. Imanaka; brothers Kenneth H. and Jack Y. Naito; sisters Helen S. Sato, Shirley R. Joyo and Jane S. Umetsu; parents Yuzuru and Florence K. Naito; 3 grandchildren. Private services.
