Hawaii
It’s a new beginning
for political clichesWHILE the swearing in ceremony went smoothly for Gov. Linda Lingle -- it'll take a little time before that title becomes second nature -- I have one quibble. Why did so many speakers, including the new governor, talk about "a new beginning." We were expecting maybe "an old beginning?" The phrase came up so often I was reminded that you can't listen to President George W. Bush for more than a couple of minutes before he utters that instant cliché phrase, "weapons of mass destruction." Didn't we learn last year in New York that a 747 can be a "weapon of mass destruction?" Still, the Lingle ceremony, despite the "new beginning" phrase, was a carefully staged made-for-TV event. And it might assuage any fears people (read "Democrats") may have had over a Republican governor. And incidentally, the first and up until now the only elected GOP governor, Bill Quinn, looked great and was all smiles in the audience ...
STILL walking on air is Tim Moore, back in Maui after helping the Old Lahaina Luau in its annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, viewed by 65 million viewers on NBC. Moore, one of the partners creating the float, made an appearance of his own, and while there were only about 2,000 viewers, it fulfilled a lifelong dream for him. At an auction for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Moore won a walk-on part in Broadway's hit musical "Rent." His character was part of a therapy group, and he had but a single word, "Tim." For all the TV coverage afforded the Maui contingent, none came close for Moore to his Broadway debut ...
Warhol was right
IT was artist Andy Warhol who opined that everyone will have 15 minutes of fame. In the case of the Honolulu Festival's Masazumi Kasuya and JTB Hawaii's John Ikeda it was more like 15 seconds, but you can bet they'll be buying the video or DVD of Paul Thomas Anderson's "Punch Drunk Love" when it becomes available. Partly filmed in Hawaii during last year's festival, star Adam Sandler was making a phone call on Kalakaua Avenue with the parade as the background you can clearly make out local officials like Kasuya and Ikeda. Sandler was calling the girl of his dreams and dozens of parade goers were visible behind him. The ninth annual Honolulu Festival launches in mid-December and will be held next March ...
Big ticket item
FRIDAY'S grand opening of the Honu Group's 2100 Kalakaua will mark the first time nine luxury retail powerhouses will open cheek-by-jowl simultaneously. It promises to be the biggest thing to happen in Waikiki since the DFS Galleria, a $65 million project, opened on Kalakaua. Three of the global giants are moving their Hawaii flagship stores: Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Gucci. Three others are new to Hawaii: Yves Saint Laurent, Tod's and Boucheron. Headlining the entertainment is Al Green and the Honolulu Symphony. Two blocks of Kalakaua will be blocked off for the huge entertainment stage and concert and guests will be in black tie and gowns. Flying in for the opening party is designer Paloma Picasso, daughter of the artist Pablo Picasso ...
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