Upcoming concert backs no-smoking effort

More than 20 entertainers will present a special concert at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Hawaii Theatre to support laws that protect people from secondhand smoke.

"Breathe Concert -- Clean Air for Everyone" was announced today by the American Lung Association of Hawaii. The fundraising effort is aimed at generating support for no-smoking laws in the face of possible attempts during the Legislature to dilute or kill them.

Johnson Enos composed a song, "Breathe," especially for the concert. It was arranged with Hawaiian verse by Kenneth Makuakane of the Pandanus Club, with a vocal arrangement by Aaron J. Sala.

Entertainer Cathy Foy-Mahi, ALAH board member, said she gladly accepted the invitation to lead the concert because of the importance of clean indoor air: "I sing for a living and can't tolerate smoking where I earn my livelihood."

Hawaii became last year the 14th state to implement a law prohibiting smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants.

The concert also will provide funding to help support adults and children who suffer from asthma and other chronic pulmonary diseases, ALAH Executive Director Jean Evans said.

Entertainers participating in the concert span the alphabet from Jan Brenner, singer and dancer, to Al Waterson, singer, emcee, actor and recording artist.

Tickets can be purchased in person, online or by phone -- (808) 528-0506 -- from the Hawaii Theatre Center, 1130 Bethel St. Prices are $125, $75, $55 and $35.

For more information, see hawaiitheatre.com/boxoffice or call Evans at 537-5966, ext. 209, or Beth-Ann Kozlovich, ext. 206.