Residents polled predict
‘Baywatch’ will be a boon

Star-Bulletin

An overwhelming majority of Oahu residents participating in Star-Bulletin/KHNL News8 poll said filming "Baywatch" in Hawaii for the next two seasons is "a good idea" and will help increase tourism.

"Baywatch" is relocating to Hawaii to film 44 episodes, and producers expect to spend as much as $44 million in Hawaii over two years. Taping is scheduled to begin in July.

Eighty-eight percent of poll respondents said filming the hourlong action-drama here is a good thing, while 77 percent said it will increase tourism.

The "good idea" question was nearly equally divided between men and women, 89 percent and 87 percent respectively. Those aged 30-44 years old thought it was a good idea while those 18-29 only agreed 83 percent. Eighty-five percent of those aged 60 years and over voted in favor of the show.

Neighbor island respondents voted 89 percent to Oahu's 88 percent in favor of the show being in Hawaii. Most of the 22 episodes will be filmed on Oahu.

As for the show helping Hawaii's slumping tourism economy, 82 percent of men polled said it would compared to 73 percent of females polled.

Local variety show in the works

The pilot for a new variety-comedy television show hosted by KITV News' Tiny Tadani begins taping at 7 p.m. tonight at the Brew Moon restaurant and microbrewery in Ward Centre.

The public is welcome to join the audience on the restaurant's lanai.

The show, which will be aired locally, is a new magazine format and variety show combination created by Tadani and Brew Moon General Manager Shawn Rubert. Rubert recently moved to Honolulu from Philadelphia.

According to Rubert, performers and comedians are invited to participate in future episodes, which will include a "battle of the bands," a comedy challenge, a karaoke sing-off and a "what's happening" segment shot at various locations.

Negotiations are in progress with various stations over which will air the series, projected for 13 episodes.

For reservations at Brew Moon, call 593-0088.

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