COMMUNICATIONS PACIFIC'S
'JULY 3RD FIREWORKS BASH'

READY FOR THE FIREWORKS: A red lei identified Christina Kemmer, left, executive vice president of Communications Pacific, as one of the hosts Sunday night at Communication Pacific's "July 3rd Fireworks Bash" atop the Fort Street Tower of the TOPA Financial Center. The company's offices overlook Honolulu Harbor, and Major General Benjamin R. Mixon, second from left, kumu hula John Lake and Maile Meyer were among the 623 guests who enjoyed "the best seat in the house" for the Aloha Tower Marketplace Pre-Independence fireworks show. Indigo catered the event with a superb selection of lean meat and fresh vegetable dishes that included seared premium ahi, red Chinese spiced chicken salad, Hau ula tomatoes with mozzarella and olive oil, Szechwan peppercorn island chicken, and wild rice and pine nuts with saffron. A decorative five-layer "4th of July" cake designed for the party by Cakelava was served after the fireworks show ended.

NO FREE PLUGS HERE!: KITV newscaster Jill Kuramoto and her husband, "Big Beer Dave" Randall, arrived fashionably on time. Multiple buffet lines and drink stations were set up on two floors in the building so guests wouldn't have to endure the long waits in line that sometimes spoil big events. Kuramoto said one benefit of not doing the early morning news show is that she can enjoy evening's out. Randall turned the label on his beer bottle away from the camera because he doesn't want to be seen endorsing any brand.

MEET THE HENDERSONS: Versatile actor and recording artist Tanner Henderson, left, enjoyed the party with his wife Michelle Henderson, and sons Cross and Connor.

IT'S GOOD TO BE PROMPT: Aukai Reynolds checked out the sight lines on the rooftop viewing area with his mother, Myang Reynolds. Late arrivals had to settle for less optimal locations but still had a good view of the fireworks over the harbor.

ANTICIPATING "OTHELLO": Dwayne Fujitani, left, shared a table with Charles Timtim and Zan De Peralta Timtim. The three are veterans of Lisa Matsumoto's shows. Charles Timtim is preparing to reprise his Po'okela Award-worthy performance as Othello in Honolulu Theatre for Youth's revival of its 2002 hip hop version of the classic tragedy.