On the Scene

By John Berger

REMEMBERING 'UNCLE MOE'

ALOHA, UNCLE MOE: Jack Ofoia, left, his daughter Sammie and Ernie Cruz Jr. arrived early for ceremonies honoring the late Moe Keale and celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Lomi Shop Va'a at Windward Mall on Saturday. Ofoia, Cruz and Kilinahe were among those who performed. ("Uncle Moe" was Cultural Operations Partner at the Lomi Shop).

PART OF THE FAMILY: Japanese hula teacher Mika Goto, left, and her husband, Kuni, arrived from Japan to share their aloha with Moe's widow, Carol Keale. Carol recalled how Moe referred to Mika Goto as "Mika Goto Keale," and Mika grew misty recalling how "Uncle Moe" introduced her that way when she danced for him at the Sheraton-Waikiki.

WATCHING THE CROWD: From left, Chino Montero, Eric Gilliom, Jack Ofoia and Lisa Buza watched the crowd as Ho'okena performed. Gilliom is back home after completing six episodes of a new sketch comedy show tentatively titled "Thesenuts," with Jamie Fox and Tyra Banks. He is part-way through getting an ankle-to-waist tattoo, and says the pain is worth it.

John Berger has covered the local
entertainment scene since 1972. Contact
him at jberger@starbulletin.com.