Wood Craft
The Board of Water Supply's parking lot was the place to be if you had a medical emergency last Saturday night as many doctors were in the area. So were Gov. Ben Cayetano, Mayor Jeremy Harris, UH President Evan Dobelle, Councilmen Duke Bainum and Jon Yoshimura and other VIPs. They were there for the Mauka Makai fund-raiser for the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii. Dinner was served under a huge fancy tent. Chris Pablo called it "first-class camping." Event chair Nathan Minn can be proud because it all came off well. The Mauka Makai Award went to Loyal Garner. Loyal, who has cancer, could not attend. Janice Ukauka, her manager, Carole Kai and Nohelani Cypriano accepted for her. Na Kama, Ilona Irvine, and a keiki hula troupe entertained. Kimo Kahoano was a smooth emcee. Food was by Michael Rabe's Creations in Catering ... Doctors, VIPs turn out
for cancer researchOfficials and supporters of tomorrow's Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure warmed up for the event at a Neiman Marcus reception Monday. Vik Watumull, race chair for the past seven years, says much work is involved but when he sees so many happy faces on race day he can feel the energy and it's all worth it. His mom, Indru, is a breast-cancer survivor. Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono is honorary chair. She said she wants to do things to support women's issues. She will run in the race. Honorary cancer survivor chair is Jackie Young. Singer-musicians Mona, Ethelynne and Jeff Teves performed at the event. Vik's dad, Gulab, recalled that when he managed his family's Leilani Gift Shop on Fort Street in 1952, he used Jackie and Joan Bickson as live models in the store's window, a first for Hawaii, he said, and they drew huge crowds ...
Chef Alan opens in Niu
Chef Alan Takahashi, asked about leaving as chef at the Honolulu Club to open Le Bistro in Niu Valley, said, "It was temporary insanity, I think." However, the new spot is doing strong business and it is getting better each week, said Alan's wife, Debbie, the restaurant's hostess. Alan says he's grateful so many people, such as friends from the Honolulu Club and people who live nearby, are supportive ...Sam Choy loves good food and island music and there was plenty of that, along with various wines, at the sixth anniversary party of his Diamond Head restaurant Wednesday. The party benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities. Sam was out of town, but his partner James Lee and key employees Paul Ah Cook, Dean Fujimoto, Candace Lee and the staff greeted guests warmly. The Makaha Sons -- John and Jerome Koko and Moon Kauakahi -- with Robi Kahakalau were outstanding. They were followed by Brother Noland, with Kimo Bell and Ben Taaca. Rodney Villanueva, Sam's TV commercial buddy, was emcee. Jerri Chong represented the McDonald charity ...
Happy birthday, Alice
Cheers to Alice Lombardo, Beachcomber Realty owner and polo player, who had a birthday yesterday. The polo players tossed her a surprise party Wednesday at the Waimanalo field. Alice has owned a restaurant and often prepares huge food spreads for the polo gang. But they cooked for her Wednesday. She danced hula for them. The polo season at Waimanalo ends tomorrow ...
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