Wood Craft
Compadres G.M. John Langan III and his girlfriend, Nina Ching, got quite a thrill on a recent vacation in Maine with his family. They were golfing with John's dad, John Jr., and Tom Thorne on the Cape Arundel course near Kennebunkport. They thought it was strange that no one was behind them for a number of holes. Then, on the 10th tee, a group of men arrived and crossed behind them to another tee, just after Nina hit her best drive of the day. "You've got a great swing," said former President George Bush who was in the other group. Bush, a notoriously fast player, was playing his second round of the day. He played with his son, President George W., in the morning ... Ex-Prez Bush praises
Nina’s golf swing
Triple play for Dwyers
When Kahala California Pizza Kitchen G.M. Dave Dwyer joined the eatery in 1999, the restaurant had slipped from No. 1 to No. 4 in sales volume in the chain. Under Dave, the Kahala CPK climbed back to No. 1 last year and holds the top spot today. About two months ago, Dave, who also is president of the Kahala Mall Merchants Association, was offered a promotion to CPK regional manager, with headquarters on the Mainland. About the same time he found that wife, Linda, was expecting triplets. They want to raise their ohana here so Dave turned down the promotion. He's still in shock about the triplets ...Jazz lovers must keep Nov. 6 free. That's when the Honolulu Symphony presents the great trumpet man Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra at Blaisdell Concert Hall ... Movie sleeper of the year is "Big Fat Greek Wedding," a heartwarming romantic comedy that has big fat laughs ... Ruth Lin, on the property tax board of appeals, marked her birthday July 4 with children, Deborah and Andrew, and family friends at Canoes ... Na Leo is inviting friends to its record release party at Gordon Biersch tomorrow ... Don't forget the fund-raiser for ill Didi Ah Yo, a musical feast, tomorrow, 2 to 7 p.m., at Kapono's; $10 donation ...
Within the Reef
Ocean House is a new showplace restaurant in the Reef Hotel with million dollar views of surf, sand and sky. The spot is tastefully designed with a Hawaiian theme, using much wood and with colorful island prints on seat covers. Overseeing the spot are owners Eric Horst and John McMannus, operations manager David Nagaishi, chef Keith Salvador and manager Robert Comstock. Dave is a master when it comes to restaurants, having managed Acqua, Bali, Nick's, Mariposa and Don Ho's Island Grill. Prime rib and seafood are specialties. Diners are entertained by quiet island music by strolling duos such as Hailama Farden and Alika Souza ...The Moana Hotel's Banyan Veranda has beautiful views of Waikiki Beach from a perfect island setting. Mihana Souza and Conne Sutherland celebrated their birthdays there together recently. The birthday girls received applause for dancing hula at Sunday brunch, backed by musician-singers Kama Hopkins and Kanaia Nakamura, who were filling in for Doug Tolentino and Pakala Fernandez ... Conne is busy today as her daughter, Tiffany, marries Jeff Tether at Lanikuhonua. Tiffany's dad is Campbell Estate heir Jon Sutherland ...
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