Television & Movies

The year in Hawaii-related entertainment included some noteworthy flourishes, like the cliffhanger for the penultimate season of “;Lost”; and an Emmy win (after three nominations!) for star Michael Emerson. But there were also a few disasters.

Who could forget (or rather, who wants to remember?) the breakdown of the Gosselin marriage, shown practically in real time on “;Jon and Kate Plus 8”; after they renewed their vows on Maui, and the ongoing abysmal behavior from Hawaii's Jon Gosselin?

But it wasn't much worse than Antonio Sabato Jr. showing his nice abs and poor taste in women all over the Big Island in his reality show “;My Antonio.”;

The year closed with a few significant losses and changes. Part-time Honolulu resident and movie producer Roy Disney (”;Morning Light,”; filmed largely on Oahu) died in December, and his presence and support in the islands will be missed.

In addition, sweeping budget cuts dictated the radical restructuring of the Hawaii State Film Office after many successful years of film and television production here.

Even so, 2010 looks promising. Mega-star George Clooney and director Alexander Payne will be in town shooting “;The Descendants,”; based on the novel by local author Kaui Hart Hemmings, and they will share space with several big-budget features.

Perhaps most important, the sixth and final season of “;Lost”; begins with a Sunset on the Beach (and early screening of the first episode) soiree on Jan. 30, followed by a consecutive run of shows to the series' end, and the global auction of every last prop and costume at the end of June.—Katherine Nichols

Fashion

Due to the slow economy, fashion took a backseat in 2009, but that hasn't slowed ambition. Late in the year, several new boutiques opened in downtown Honolulu, and in 2010 starts off with local designer Cindy King introducing her Acid Dolls concept to Royal Hawaiian Center, with a grand opening celebration slated for Jan. 22.

Meanwhile, 2Couture is hard at work, aiming to reboot Honolulu Fashion Week in mid-year with a mix of local and international designers.—Nadine Kam

Dining

Girly girls will delight in the opportunity to dine in the first Sanrio-licensed Hello Kitty Cafe in the country when Cafe Laufer's Cyrus Goo and Ben Chow open the eatery in Pearlridge Center in March.

Look for light, healthful fare, including Hello Kitty-imprinted breads, as well as pastries and smoothies. Sweet.

Also, diners looking for something different may just get it in fall when Taste of Portugal opens. Can't wait.—Nadine Kam