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Hawaii Diary Michelle Ramos |
From Campbell High to
playing with Jessica’s sisterLook for 2003 Campbell High School graduate Braxton Olita, son of Janice and Kito Olita, in the new MTV series "The Ashlee Simpson Show." Olita is the guitarist in Ashlee Simpson's band. The first episode can be seen 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, following big sister Jessica Simpson and hubby Nick Lachey's show "Newlyweds." Olita, who was born and raised in Ewa Beach, moved to the mainland in October to attend the Art Institute of California -- Costa Mesa branch to major in MultiMedia and Web Design but had to put it off because he's on the road a lot. Ashlee's debut album "Autobiography," which Olita is also on, hits the stores on July 20. ...
Kudos to Aston Hotels & Resorts Hawaii for its generosity to the community. The company recently donated 20 computers and monitors to Salt Lake Elementary School. Jamie Ahlman, the school librarian, can now revamp the library search stations. ...
I've always wondered what happens back stage at concerts and other events and Saturday I got a first hand look behind-the-scenes at the Makaha Sons' "Take a Walk in the Country 2" concert at the Waikiki Shell. I went back stage before the trio went on wondering if the guys would be nervous. If they were, they didn't show it. Louis "Moon" Kauakahi was talking story with Chino Montero (formerly of the group Palolo and now the guitarist for Amy Hanaiali'i and Willie K), Jerome Koko was tuning his guitar and John Koko was just walking around waiting to go on. ... Being born and raised in Hawaii, I know the importance of food and wanted to check out the spread for performers and workers. Sam Choy provided the grindz last night: tossed salad, rice, beef stew and fresh fruit. ...
"Hawaii Five-O" fans want to head to Kahala Mall Saturday. Doug Mossman, who played Lt. George Kealoha, will host the unveiling of Jack Lord's memorial at 10 a.m. at the east end of the mall, near the Macy's entrance trolley stop. The bronze memorial was created by Lynn Weiler Liverton. Lord died in 1998. ... Also on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., four-time Na Hoku Hanohano winner Herb Ohta Jr. will be performing at the Reyn's store in Ala Moana. The performance is free, so while you're looking for that gift for dad (yes, Father's Day is Sunday!), Ohta will entertain you and he'll even have his just-released fifth solo CD "Ukulele Breeze" for sale.
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Hawaii Diary runs every Tuesday. Send items to mramos@starbulletin.com