AMID THE CARNAGE caused by a faltering economy and changing tastes, there are still a few brave individuals attempting to bring something new to Clubland.

The latest is Bonsai Restaurant + Lounge at Restaurant Row, just around the corner from Hiroshi. Formerly known as Las Palmas, the space is tough to promote due to its semi-hidden location.

Burt Kawasaki

After signing a lease in January, general manager Burt Kawasaki spent nine months personally supervising all renovations to the restaurant's three levels, at a cost that ran into “;the high six figures.”; Changes are evident, and it's now possible to take a lap around the entire venue—something that was never possible before.

“;It's designed to be lounge-friendly,”; Kawasaki explained during Bonsai's grand opening party last weekend. “;We're not a huge space, but we're going to have DJs ... and we want to start up an (acoustic) night.”;

Following a successful career as a club DJ himself, Kawasaki served as general manager at Fashion45. When he lost that gig in June 2007, his thoughts turned to opening a spot of his own.

With nobody to answer to, Kawasaki seems to have an easier time realizing his vision. DJs KT and Doggfather bring credibility to the restaurant's late-night party scene, and the decision to hire a number of longtime Pipeline Cafe employees ensures service here will be top-notch.

Besides regular Friday and Saturday night offerings, Kawasaki has partnered with Tantriq Entertaiment to present “;The Tanuki Lounge”; on Tuesdays. Visit www.bonsaihonolulu.com for info about upcoming events ...

  LOOKING TO get a jump on Halloween? A number of local attractions will open for business this weekend in advance of the big night next Friday.

Start off at Blaisdell Center, where Tom Moffatt Productions and X-1 World Events have brought back “;Shockhouse!”; after a four-year hiatus.

Approximately 30 actors, including students from Waipahu High School, have been hired to staff the 10,000 square-foot haunted house that's configured as a 10-room maze. Hours of operation are 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 31 and 5 p.m. to midnight Nov. 1. Tickets are $10 at the door.

On the North Shore, the family-run Gunstock Ranch hosts its third annual “;Haunted Hayride”; next week. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with rides available for $5 from 7 to 10 p.m. Call 293-2026 for more details.

And Leeward residents don't have to drive into town to get scared; Easter Seals Hawaii hosts its ninth annual Haunted House at 92-1251 Renton Rd. in Ewa Beach from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is just $5, with a separate “;Children's Fun Area”; and face-painting station also available. Call 681-0747 for tickets ...

Big Teeze

FRIDAY'S PICKS: Jenko Hawaii and Dr. Phil Manzanero partner for the second annual “;Malama Wahine”; benefit party at thirtyninehotel. The Spacifics, Cherry Blossom Cabaret and DJ Kittylee will perform, with proceeds going to the High Risk Breast Cancer Program at the Kapiolani Breast Center. Doors open at 9 p.m. ... VIP-808 Entertainment presents “;Friday Night Live”; at the Waianae Beach Club, with entertainment by Cease Fyah and Big Teeze hosting. Pre-sale tickets are available at Hale Nalu Surf in Waianae ... Blue Hawaii Surf and Matix join forces for “;The Preview”; at Blue Hawaii's Kalihi gallery (1215 Kaumualii St.). David Tamaoka will perform, with art by Natali Li. Cover is $10; $20 VIP tickets are available. Call 845-9300, ext. 26 ...

  SATURDAY'S PICKS: Chinatown favorite thirtyninehotel celebrates its fourth birthday with DJ Eric Duncan. One half of DJ tag-team Rub-n-Tug, Duncan promises a bunch of “;musical curveballs”; as he brings the New York late-night disco scene to Honolulu. He'll be joined by Mark Chittom; cover is $12 at the door after 10 p.m. ... Sneaker fiends will want to be at The O Lounge from 1 to 5 p.m. for “;DUNKXCHANGE,”; a mainland-based streetwear trade show. Bartering is encouraged, but keep in mind that you'll have to spend $10 at the door just to see what's available ... After hosting Irie Love's CD release party last week, the Vertical Junkies and OMNI return to The Shack Waikiki for a live performance by Mike Pinto. Cover is $5 after 9 p.m. ...

Check out Jason Genegabus' blog: www.sonecessary.tv.