Lord built
isle film industryJACK LORD'S death Wednesday at age 77 brought back a flood of memories about Jack and his wife, Marie, both longtime friends. I feel that Jack, as star of "Hawaii Five-0," did more to develop Hawaii's film industry than anyone. Under his watchful eyes, a large company of local actors learned their craft and they learned it well. Jack may have been tough on them at times, but he got results. Few shows have a 12-year run, and Jack was THE MAN who made it work. The show was seen worldwide. I remember a London cabbie asking me about Jack. He said to tell Lord to get an English tailor. Jack laughed at that. Jack and Marie came to my wedding and a few other parties. We had interviews in the late '60s and early '70s at the Kahala Hilton, now the Mandarin. He ordered the "Jack Lord Special," a super hamburger steak of prime beef with sauteed onions and mushrooms by chef Martin Wyss and his staff. It's no longer on the menu, but I still get the "Jack Lord Special" there, thanks to chefs Oliver Altherr and Herbie Isara. I had one Thursday with a little merlot in Jack's memory ...
Another major loss
MONSIGNOR Charles A. Kekumano, 78, was a good man and a good friend. We both lived in Harbor Square, and every time we saw each other, he brightened my day with his smile and a joke. He blessed a Christmas lunch I had for friends at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Dec. 15 and later spoke to the gathering. He was hurting, and I was honored that he took part. People were eager to sit next to him at the lunch. Owana Salazar and Conne Sutherland won out. Owana said he was such a help to her after her mother, Princess Helena Kalokuokamaile Wilcox Salazar, died in 1988. Irmgard Aluli was across from him, and Wednesday said she was so happy to have had the chance to talk with him. The Feb. 1 testimonial dinner for him, a benefit for Maryknoll School, has been rescheduled for Feb. 22 at the Sheraton Waikiki. Call Maryknoll ... Rell Sunn, 47, whose ashes were spread at her beloved Makaha Blowhole last Saturday, was another big loss for Hawaii. I wish I had known this remarkable woman better ...ONWARD: Mandarin Hotel Group Managing Director Robert Riley flew in from Hong Kong with his family and celebrated his 50th birthday Thursday night with a luau at the Kahala Mandarin with 30 friends, all but four from overseas. The islanders were John and Karen Miho and Dave and Nery Heenan. Kimo Kahoano emceed a Hawaiian show. The Riley party took in the Rolling Stones last night. The Stones play again tonight at the stadium ...
ATTORNEY Michael Green celebrated his 55th birthday at a Ciao Mein party tossed by wife, Estelle, last weekend. Tony Cando played guitar and sang for the 36 guests who danced to his music. It's been busy for Estelle as the Greens' daughter, Liana, had her 16th birthday on Sunday. About 160 attended that party at the Green house. The Sudden Rush Band played music ...
Island style
MARK PHILLIPS, Princess Anne's ex, and his wife, the former Sandy Pflueger, were spotted Tuesday at California Pizza Kitchen in Kahala. They were wearing shorts and slippers. Sandy's a local girl ... "Sam Choy's Superbowl Party I" will be held tomorrow at his Breakfast, Lunch & Crab eatery, starting at 11 a.m. Sam has two 94-inch screens set up ... A jazz salute to Hawaiian Music will be presented by the Hawaii Jazz All Stars Friday at the Academy of Arts. The All-Stars are Sam Ahia, guitar and vocals; Rich Crandall, piano; Noel Okimoto, vibraharp, and bassist Byron Yasui. These guys are good, believe me ...