Wood Craft
PUAMANA -- Mihana Souza, Aima McManus and Doug Tolentino -- waited for Don Ho to finish work Monday at the Beachcomber and come to Don Ho's Grill at Aloha Tower so they could sing for him. While singing "Makee Ailana" at Don's table, Mihana handed him her guitar and did the hula. Don strummed the guitar. I told him I hadn't heard him play the guitar since we were UH students in the early 1950s. "I haven't heard myself, too," Don said. Puamana has a Monday gig at Ho's from 6 to 8:30. The members stroll through the crowd doing requests before taking the stage fronting the lovely harbor setting. Waitress Kanani Kaulu sang and danced hula with Puamana to much applause. We should be hearing more from this talented young lady soon. This Monday, Puamana won't be at the grill because the trio is performing on the red carpet at the "Pearl Harbor" premiere ... Don Ho strums guitar
with Puamana trio
Na Leo packs 'em in
THE SHERATON Waikiki ballroom was packed last Sunday for Na Leo's Mother's Day show. Family pictures shown on giant TV screens and much talk about moms brought tears and cheers. Naturally, there was Na Leo's beautiful harmony. The women -- Nalani Choy, Angela Morales and Lehua Heine -- sang songs from their new album, "Anthology II." Guest singers and musicians included Angela's husband, Rick, and Ken Makuakane. Zanuck Lindsey was given guitar and vocal solos. Kimo Kahoano was emcee. Paiea opened the show ...A LAVISH Halekulani party was held Wednesday to mark the 120th year of Meiji Life and the 25th anniversary of Pacific Guardian Life. Meiji donated $50,000 to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii earlier. Ryotaro Kaneko, Meiji President, spoke on how he was involved in Meiji's investment in the American insurance firm 25 years ago. First Hawaiian Bank chief Walter Dods spoke about his bank's involvement. Kaneko and Meiji exec Terumichi Tsuchida were party hosts ...
DENNIS RODMAN played golf at Koolau Tuesday, wearing black shorts and a white shirt with Koolau logos, Koolau G.M. Rob Nelson said ... Aaron Placourakis and partners Jiro Noguchi, Al Souza, Dino Hernandez and Chuck Sweeney are holding a celebration at Sarento's on the Beach in Kihei, Maui, Friday. It's a benefit for the Hawaii chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Wine and pupus will be served, $75. Call 1-888-533-9255 ... Bernie Caalim-Polanzi is leaving as Hilton P.R. chief to join McNeil Wilson Communications ...
Superb pops concert
CRAIG SCHULMAN's concert with Anita Hall and the Symphony Pops orchestra was one of the best in years in the pops series. The singers worked so well together on show tunes that it seemed as if they had performed together for years. They did two performances Saturday to make up for Friday's show, which was scrubbed by a bomb threat. Craig has starred on Broadway but Anita held her own with him. Schulman should use her regularly. Anita wore a man's tux she bought from Saks Off 5th at Waikele and altered it herself. Craig went to see his pal, Al Waterson, at Fisherman's Wharf after Saturday's second show ...
Ben Wood, who sold the Star-Bulletin in the streets
of downtown Honolulu during World War II, writes of
people, places and things every Saturday.
E-mail him at bwood@starbulletin.com