Keep watch
on ‘Baywatch’THERE'S a quiet optimism in certain elements of the community that "Baywatch" filming here may not be the dead issue producer Greg Bonann announced loudly that it was. For instance, word from Australia is that they simply don't want Bonann or his Baywatchers Down Under due to previous treatment they considered shabby. The same argument could be made for Bonann's mano-a-mano go-round with Teamsters 399 honcho Leo Reed. Anyone who thinks he can arm-wrestle Reed into submission had best think again. But concessions still may be made; our government leaders have been tractable before and may yet be again; and artist Wyland, a close friend of Bonann's, feels the adage, "Where there's a will, there's a way," holds true in the case of "Baywatch." And Bonann's got to know that Hawaii as a locale would make a far easier sell than anywhere else ...
IT took just 5 minutes for all copies of David Heenan's new book, "Co-Leaders: The Power of Great Partnerships" to sell out at a Borders autograph session Saturday. People kept coming in to get his book and autograph, so late-comers had to reserve one. Borders may have to have another signing just to appease them when the new order comes in. In the meantime, Heenan is slated for another book signing at Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall, April 17. I'll never forget when Borders first brought in Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes," which went on to win a Pulitzer and is still on the New York Times best-seller list in its third year. I bought the last two copies of the store's initial allotment -- six copies! At the time I suggested to the manager they might want to order a few hundred more, and eventually they did ...
Tahiti sweetie
TRANSPLANTED island girl Pua Tokumoto is producing the 10th annual Tahiti Fete of San Jose over the Fourth of July weekend at the San Jose State University Event Center. This huge dance competition is dubbed the Merrie Monarch of Tahitian dance. Last year, 36 halau from Hawaii and all over the mainland, Mexico, Canada and Japan, joined in the largest Fete outside of Tahiti. Now, after 14 years of living on the mainland, Pua and husband Dwight this summer will fulfill their dream of moving back to the islands. They're setting up residence in Hilo and Pua has already set in motion plans for the first Tahiti Fete of Hilo at Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium on Feb. 18-20 in the year 2000. Nothing like planning ahead. Those interested in getting involved can fax her until July 26 at (408) 978-8711 ...DID you catch Christina Applegate on the Jay Leno "Tonight" show last week? She went on and on about her Hawaii vacation, swimming with the dolphins, one of which relieved himself on her. She likes to eat Tex-Mex food at Jose's in Kaimuki when here -- very local ... Barbi Benton and family enjoyed French cuisine at Chef Mavro last week. As much as she enjoyed the food, she enjoyed practicing her French with the owner, George Mavrothalassitis ...
King of Hawaii
PEOPLE who regularly tune in Rick Hamada's talk show on KHVH were surprised Friday to hear guest host Aaron Placourakis, co-owner of Sarento's and Nicholas Nickolas. Aaron, a longtime fan of Hamada's, felt right at home talking story with callers, and the feedback was so good that Hamada has asked him to return to sub on a regular basis. Do we have the next Larry King of the islands? Aaron's one of the few guys who looks good in suspenders ...
Dave Donnelly has been writing on happenings
in Hawaii for the Star-Bulletin since 1968.
His columns run Monday through Friday.Contact Dave by e-mail: donnelly@kestrok.com.