Wood Craft
Attorney Green takes barbs
on turning 60Estelle GREEN, with son, Ariston, and daughter, Lani Jennings, tossed a warm, entertaining birthday dinner party for her dapper husband, attorney Michael Green, and their daughter, Liana, in the Royal's Monarch Room Sunday. It was Michael's 60th and guests were urged to wear '70s or Studio 54 attire. It was Liana's 21st. Liana said she gets her attitude from Dad. Michael said Liana is a university student but he has never seen her grades. Michael took much ribbing over turning 60. Guest Gary Liebman gave him a walker that old folks use. Estelle wore a nifty Tina Turner outfit and wig. Entertainment was by the Greens' grandaughter Anelaikalani, Estelle's sister Veronica Buck, Dis Guyz, Cassandra Freeman, Kalai Stern and others. Ariston, as bald Yul Brenner, was emcee. Rep. Neil Abercrombie praised Michael in a passionate speech. Among the 200 guests were Mai Tai Sing, with a broken toe, Kimo Kahoano, Anita Hall, Tom Moffatt, George Chun, Ken Makuakane, Stephanie San-chez and gem designer for celebs Justin Davis ...
Gan joins Mandarin
VIVIENNE GAN has been named communications director at Kahala Mandarin by G.M. Jan Goessing. Vivienne comes to Hawaii from Singapore with PR and journalism experience that includes being on a national morning TV show. She was also host for food and travel segments ... Don't forget smooth jazz sax star Dave Koz tonight with Matt Catingub and the Symphony Pops at the Concert Hall, 8 p.m. Daniel Ho is supporting act ... Want nostalgia? Catch Keith Haugen's radio show on KIPO tomorrow, 3 p.m., when he features the Halekulani Girls -- Alice Fredlund, Linda Dela Cruz and Sybil Andrews ... Elroy Chong and Danny Kaleikini will announce finishers at the Sony Open at Waialae today and tomorrow. Danny's been hanging out with Waikoloa Prez Thos Rohr and has been doing commercials for the resort. Rohr got in a round with pro Brad Faxon and Faxon's golf coach Ron Gring recently ...
Aloha to Gladys, Honey
I feel fortunate to have known Gladys Brandt, 96, and Don Ho's mom, Honey Ho, 90, both of whom died this week. I spoke to Gladys at a concert at Blaisdell in early November. She was with Joan Bickson and Kapiolani Marignoli Kawananakoa. She looked well. Federal Judge Sam King, one of Glady's co-authors of Broken Trust which led to sweeping Bishop Estate trustee reform, was seated near her and they conversed. Gladys also attended Jim Nabors' Christmas show at the Hawaii Theatre with Joan Bellinger. Gladys' accomplishments during her long life are remarkable and earned her great respect. Had she come along later in life when the political doors were really open to women, she could have been elected to any office she desired in Hawaii. Frank Brandt, Glady's nephew, said, "She was a great lady, she gave us direction" ...Honey and I had the same dentist, Bob Cushnie of Kaneohe, and we would talk about Don's career when we were at Bob's practice. She was often at Don's shows giving him support. Condolences to Don and the family ...
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