‘Where and how
in this whole wide world
will you be spending
New Millennium’s Eve?’

We posed this question to some
prominent people around town.
Here's what they had to say.

Lois-Ann Yamanaka, author:

"Oh, mine going be so boring. I not planning to go anywhere 'cause I paranoid about Y2K and flying and whatever. So we just going sedate our dogs, batten down the hatches and stay home. That's all."

Glenn R. Zander, president and chief executive officer, Aloha Airlines:

"I'll probably be flying on an airplane - ours. We operate nighttime cargo service, so I'll probably be on that.

"All of our airplanes are certified 100 percent Y2K compliant and I want everybody to understand: don't worry about flying on an Aloha airplane. We're in great shape. Everything's done. So relax, and your bread will get there when you want it to."

Jeremy Harris, Honolulu mayor:

"Ramona and I will be attending the various events that the city is participating in. In addition to greeting old and new friends during this once-in-a-lifetime event, I will be checking to ensure that the events are running smoothly and our employees are dealing with any unforeseen problems."

Lee D. Donohue, Honolulu police chief:

"With all the festivities planned to welcome the new millennium and say aloha to the last century, the officers and employees of the Honolulu Police Department will be busy safeguarding our communities.

"I will be spending the eve of the new year in our command post at our Alapai Station and visiting our officers and employees working in the various Districts throughout the island."

Samuel Wong, Honolulu Symphony music director:

"What could be better? Our family will be at the Halekulani Hotel on Dec. 31, watching the last Hawaiian sunset of the millennium, sipping champagne, dancing, playing symphonic music with the Honolulu Symphony, and watching the fireworks at midnight.

"We have already paid tribute to Rome in August, stood in St. Peter's Square, worshipped on Ferragosto Sunday, craned our necks to admire Michelangelo's Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel, and watched the last solar eclipse of the century. But sweet music, God-kissed music, life-sustaining music will ring in the new millennium."

Tom Moffatt, concert/events promoter:

"I'll be spending New Year's Eve with (pop singing group) 'N Sync at the Blaisdell Arena."

Stanley Hong, president, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii:

"New Year's Eve 1999-2000 for me will be more than just the ushering in of a new millennium. It will also mark the beginning of the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. It is an honor to lead this historic organization, the only Chamber of Commerce chartered by a monarch - Kamehameha III - as we reach a most significant milestone, and I plan to celebrate in a big way!

"My wife, Karen, and I plan to spend the evening visiting a number of New Year's celebrations being held by Chamber members around Oahu. Our members run the highest-quality companies in Hawaii, and I know that we will have the time of our lives as we join them in saying Aloha to a new millennium. We will have much to celebrate, as I predict that the next millennium will signify economic revitalization and much prosperity for Hawaii! So, to all of the businesses planning celebratory soirees thus year and next, I say 'go for broke!' "

Chuck Furuya, master sommelier:

"My wife and I have decided to spend New Year's Eve with our children at home to bring in the new millennium.

"It may sound boring or corny to some, but when you really think about it, who or what is more important than your family. And who better to share such a historic event with."

Ben Cayetano, governor:

"The Hawaii Millennium Commission is considering a host of events to attract our friends and former residents back to Hawaii on New Year's Eve and throughout the year 2000. Before the year 2001 arrives, we want our family and friends from around the world to come home and join us in celebrating all the things we love about Hawaii.

"Vicky and I may catch Keali'i Reichel's open air concert at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, or the international skydivers performing a last jump into Diamond Head Crater, if the Commission selects it as an event. I'll probably return to Washington Place before midnight to ring in the New Year with my family in an air-conditioned room with all the windows closed."

Faye Kurren, Tesoro Hawaii president:

"On New Year's Eve, I'm sure everyone involved in a major business will have a heightened awareness of any potential Y2K issues. At Tesoro Hawaii, we've prepared for this.

"So where will I be? Right here in the islands with my family and friends, celebrating local style with lots of ono local grinds and fireworks. My radio-telephone will be in one hand, listening to news from standby teams I can count on at our refinery and stations, and probably a bowl of soba in the other."

MaryAnne Kusaka, Kauai mayor:

"Here on our beautiful Garden Island at a friend's home surrounded by dear friends and close associates."

Sam Choy, chef:

"I'm thankful that I have such hard-working and loyal employees at my restaurants. Because of them, I'll be able to be home spending New Millennium's Eve with the ones that I love: my wife Carol, my sons Sam Jr. and Christopher, and my granddaughter, Samantha. Oops, forgot to mention my dog Hoku and her five furry babies.

"We'll be at home in Kona celebrating the end of a great century quietly and simply."