Hawaii
AT one time, having a baby was referred to as a "blessed event." It's probably as blessed as it ever was, but in this rock 'n' roll world, it's also an excuse for a radio contest. Witness STAR 101.9 D.J. Hudson. She's "heavy with child," emphasis on the heavy, and yesterday began a "Pop-Out Pool." People can guess just when Hudson becomes a mom (Mother Hudson has such an angelic sound to it!) and win a trip for two to the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. According to Hudson, who should know, the winner gets to stay not just in the same hotel, but in the same room where the baby was conceived. I know, you can file that under "more information than I need," but a win is a win. The preggers DJ says she's expecting in early February, but my bet is on the under -- a January "pop-out" would seem more likely to me, and I've seen her recently. She's about as wide as the river she's named for. Well, maybe that's a slight exaggeration ... ‘Pop-Out Pool’ prize is
trip for 2 to Las Vegas’ MirageEXPECTATIONS: Big Isle resident Brian "Joe" Baker, a four-year platinum sponsor of the Sony Open, has a heart of gold, according to long-time Halekulani employees Gary Arakaki and Terence Yano. Baker, who's stayed at the Halekulani since its grand re-opening in 1984, has over the years golfed with both Arakaki and Yano, but they were staggered when he invited them to play on his team in the Pro-Am of the Open. As luck would have it, they were paired with defending champion Brad Faxon. They report Faxon was helpful in reading the greens and offering swinging tips, though he may have been just a mite preoccupied since he's due to become a daddy this week ... And you can bet the Halekulani had the best trained waiters at the tournament in its hospitality suite. Sales manager Bonnie Bise had lined up a tentful of waiters from La Mer, who, after each day's play, had to hustle off to work at the somewhat more elegant French restaurant ...
Beaucoup di Burpo
LOCATED just under the oversized Dave & Buster's sign at the Ward Entertainment Center is a small sign proclaiming Buca di Beppo, the only thing small you'll encounter in the new Italian eatery. The name refers to Joe's Basement, where the cuisine we sampled was super yummy and super-sized. Konishiki would feel right at home in the place, and the rest of us will have enough left over from the ordinary order to prepare a dinner for two or three at home, later. A winner in every sense ...
Mimy and Mihana
PETITE Chinese singer Mimy Chen, who recorded a CD here with Hawaiian tunes sung in both English and Chinese, is now headquartered in L.A. for recording purposes, though she spends a good deal of time in Hawaii. She's just finished her third CD, a dance album with a Hollywood producer, but insists, "Hawaii is my home. I can't wait to go back." ... Meanwhile, Mihana Souza, who's been singing Hawaiian songs all her life, does so well with country songs on her new solo artist CD, that an explanation must be given. She explains she was born in Tennessee and it just "comes naturally." The title tune on the CD, "Rust on the Moon," was written at Mihana's birth by the late Aunty Irmgard Aluli, who helped raise her ...
Dave Donnelly has been writing on happenings
in Hawaii for the Star-Bulletin since 1968.
The Week That Was recalls items from Dave's 30 years of columns.Contact Dave by e-mail: ddonnelly@starbulletin.com