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Wheeler bowling
alley makes excellent
birthday party venue

I attended another child's birthday party this weekend and for the first time it wasn't at Chuck E Cheese, Ice Palace or the beach. Wheeler Army Airfield's bowling alley was the perfect size for this party of about 20 kids -- the youngest looked to be about 2 -- and their families. The eight-lane bowling alley can be rented out at $85 an hour and $1.50 per shoe rental for up to 80 people. There were no other hidden costs, and food and drinks can be brought in, although no alcohol is allowed. Cheston Davis and Norton Molina were very pleasant and helpful in assisting the group on Sunday. To schedule a private party, call 656-1745. ...

And now, back to business. Congratulations go out to Kaanapali Golf Courses' Ed Kageyama and Scott Ashworth. Kageyama, who began his career with Kaanapali Golf Courses in March 2001, was named General Manager of the Year for 2004 by Billy Casper Golf (BCG), the fifth-largest golf course management company nationwide. Ashworth was hired by Kaanapali Golf Courses about a year later as an assistant golf pro and worked his way up to PGA head pro. He was recently nominated for Head Golf Professional, and Kaanapali Golf Courses was nominated for Merchandiser of the Year for 2004 by BCG. ...

Don't forget: For those who like to party, next Tuesday is the fifth annual Nuuanu Mardi Gras celebration, also known as Fat Tuesday. Nuuanu Avenue, between Pauahi and King streets, will be closed so people can feast, drink and be merry before fasting for Lent. There will be two stages of live music, a parade and a juried costume contest at 9 p.m. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. Don't forget your beads! ... Looking for something to do with your Valentine? Paul Ogata of 102.7 Da Bomb and Edwin San Juan will have your date laughing with their stand-up comedy act. San Juan is a native of Los Angeles. His credits include BET's "Comic View," PAX's "Destination Stardom" and Showtime's "Latino Laugh Festival." Tickets are $20 ($25 at the door) for the Feb. 11 and 12 shows. The Feb. 14 show comes with a dinner ($32.50, $37.50 day of show) that includes spicy noodles, roast pork, Korean chicken, banana cake and more. All shows will be held in the Pikake Room of the Neal Blaisdell Center. Tickets available at the Blaisdell box office and all Ticketmaster locations, or call 877-750-4400.