---

Metallica’s lead guitarist
spotted at Roy’s in Hawaii Kai

Kirk Hammett, lead guitar player for Metallica, was spotted having dinner with friends Friday at Roy's in Hawaii Kai. He stood out from the crowd with his rock star looks and retro aloha shirt ... Congratulations to Colleen Kohashi. The Honolulu native is one of six chosen to be a National Cherry Blossom Festival Goodwill Ambassador. Kohashi is currently a senior in American University's School of International Service in Washington, D.C. She spent the 2003-04 academic year at Waseda University's School of International Liberal Studies in Japan -- her fourth experience as an exchange student to Japan. As a goodwill ambassador, she'll share her knowledge and appreciation of Japanese culture throughout a two-week festival in Washington, D.C. The festival begins on March 26. ... Also doing well on the mainland is Kimee Balmilero. The Hawaii native is one of the five role models on the children's TV show "Hi-5," and the show has garnered an Emmy nomination. ... As a lover of chocolate, I want to shout out a happy birthday to Sugar Rush by Frances. The miniature pastries catering business celebrates its first birthday Friday. Chef Frances Pons started the business because she had a passion for anything made with sugar. I can totally relate and am happy when anyone can take their passion and turn it into a living. ...

Kudos to the diners who visited Tiki's Grill & Bar on Wednesday. The restaurant's Hats Off Day raised $3,000 for the Hawaii Red Cross. ... Tiffany & Co. Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to the San Francisco-based Coral Reef Alliance. The money will help build conservation alliances and implement a coral reef preservation project in Honolua Bay on Maui. "The conservation of natural resources is an area of vital concern because it is from nature that the company draws the raw materials and the inspiration that are at the heart of Tiffany," said John Geppert, vice president of Tiffany. ...

Want to have fun while helping others? Aliiolani Elementary is hosting its first "Ka Wa Kamali'i" or "time of the children" event. The family fun day is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on the school grounds (1240 7th Ave.). There will be food, games, pony rides, jumpers and entertainment by Kia, John Feary and One Drop. For information, call 733-4750, ext. 445.