Hawaii
The great Herb
and the ancient DelIT was nearly 20 years ago when Herb Caen, the late San Francisco Chronicle three-dot columnist, last visited Hawaii. He was staying at the Halekulani Hotel with a young girlfriend -- this was before he and Ann Moller were married -- and we had dinner at La Mer. After dinner I asked if there was any place he'd like to go or anything he'd like to see. Herb, known far and wide in the Bay Area as Mr. San Francisco, said he'd love to see Del Courtney, who he knew from the latter's many years spent in S.F. So off we went to the Royal Hawaiian where Del and his orchestra were playing, and as he wrapped up a set, Herb and I approached the bandstand. Del saw me and started to wave "Hi," when suddenly he realized who I was with and for once in my life, I saw Del Courtney speechless. He was so moved that the great Herb Caen had sought him out to say hello. Lots of water under a lot of bridges since then. Herb died of bone cancer just short of his 80th birthday and Del has continued on to this day. On Sunday, he'll celebrate his 92nd birthday at the Royal and host Jimmy Borges, who still sings with Courtney's big band, has lined up an array of talent to appear from Don Ho on down the line. One performer who'll be there is 87-year-old Art Todd. Says Del, "I call him 'Kid.'" ...
Another Al Davis
WHILE Del Courtney labored for nearly 20 years as bandleader for the Oakland Raiders and still supports a championship ring given him by Raider Managing Partner Al Davis, this story is about another Al Davis, who basketball fans will remember as one of the UH's "Fabulous Five" of the early 1970's. He's now a salesman at Mike McKenna's Windward Ford. The other day, the hands-on McKenna was personally straightening some of his Ford dealership trophies on the showroom floor when Davis remarked that the boss reminded him of his mother in Chicago. He quickly explained that she spends time regularly doing the dusting on Al's 108 basketball trophies that she still proudly displays. McKenna was astonished at the number of trophies Davis has, putting his piddling amount to shame ...PETITE and perky Sweetie Pacarro fills in as "Jan Ken Po" master on the TV show of that name this weekend. And if she helps a contestant win, she gets to donate $100 to a charity of her choice. She's selected the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" to be held Sept. 29 at Kapiolani Park. Sweetie is emcee for the post-race festivities ...
Pray for no rain
THE UH Kennedy Theatre production of "The Boy Who Stole the Stars" opens tomorrow night at the theater, and to tie in to the play, Barry Peckham, president of Stargazers Hawaii and V.P. for the Hawaii Astronomical Society will have a stargazing party after the show on the Kennedy Theatre lawn. All those in attendance are invited to join in the stargazing with 10 other members of the Stargazers Hawaii team. So in rainy Manoa Valley, at least some people will be praying for clear weather tomorrow. For more information, call the Kennedy box office at 956-7655 ...
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