TheBuzz Erika Engle

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Whew! Hukilau expat eateries in California are doing just fine

WORD THAT a joint called Hukilau in Northern California would be closing caused a columnist gasp, followed by hurried communication.

Whew -- the restaurant that closed at the end of April wasn't one of three Hukilau bar and restaurants owned by three local-boy-expats.

It was Hukilau Island Grill in Sacramento, which is being renovated and changed into a quick-service Italian eatery by its owners. The restaurant had a five-year run.

"Not us, those guys weren't even kamaaina," said Hukilau (da bar) co-owner Eric Tao.

The first Hukilau was actually a 15-seat bar in Isuzu restaurant in San Francisco's Japantown, but the clientele outgrew the place, sending Tao, Al Omoto and Kurt Osaki looking for another spot, which they found at Masonic and Geary streets. The trio later expanded the concept to San Jose and Palo Alto.

They've also gotten into the recording business, Tao said.

"We recorded live at three different Hukilaus last summer," he said. All the local bands that play were recorded.

"Believe it or not, because of our restaurants, there is more island/Hawaiian music being played consistently in the Bay Area then ever, every Friday and Saturday night, three bands play at the three venues."

The CD is called "Live at Da Hukilau Vol. 1."

Being from Hilo and not wanting to sound tan-ta-ran, Tao added, "Yeah, we only get one volume, but sounds good, 'Vol. 1.'"

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The twins are coming

Only 200 were made and Hawaii got two of them. They are Volkswagen's limited edition Touareg Individual models.

You can get any color you want as long as it's black with a beige cricket leather interior.

"They've got all the bells and whistles," said "Aka" Akamine, a sales representative at McKenna Motors Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Sadly, the dealership was not allocated one of the SUVs, for which the manufacturer's suggested retail price is $51,800.

The two local dealerships that got one of the limited edition Touaregs were Cutter Ala Moana Volkswagen on Ala Moana and at Tony Volkswagen in Waipio.

They come with a V-8 engine, "five skirts in a matching color, a rear spoiler in a matching color and 19-inch Sienna alloy wheels, bi-Xenon headlamps" and special door plates, said Rick Troutman, Internet sales manager at Tony Volkswagen.

Oh, there's also a DVD map system, an upgraded sound system with a CD changer, rear cameras and electronic parking assistance, he said.

The 200 Individuals are being distributed only in the Pacific, Rocky Mountain and Southeast Regions of Volkswagen of America, Troutman read from a dealer notification.

The tricked-out Touareg for toolin' around was created "to create excitement in the V-8 Touareg," the notice to dealers said.

If you're into that sort of thing, the Touareg also comes in a V-10 diesel edition.