News from Waikiki

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http://honoluludailyphoto.blogspot.com/ 5.28.07

Off to Wyoming and back

By Papa Al, 5.20.07

It’s a long way, lush tropical air to sage brush and dry, green to brown, city to small town, from Waikiki to Wyoming, but it’s worth the trip. I’m just hours back from a two week trip to Cody, Wyoming which is the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park.

Cody is a cowboy town. They make no bones about it. In fact, during the summer tourist season, they are probably the only town in America to hold a rodeo every night. And quite often a gunfight in town. Staged, of course. Monday through Saturday, 6 p.m. Summers only.

I woke at 2 a.m. the first night to a ghostly blue scene of snow on the black mountains and a cutting low 40’s chill. It was one of those early spring snows. My first walk was with a jacket and a polar fleece sweater. It was just right and comfortable.

It did not seem incongruous to have fresh green leaves and buds against the snowy backdrop. I didn’t know any better. In the dead of winter, everything’s brown. But it was late spring, and the land had just turned green for about two weeks. All the snow on the lowlands was gone by afternoon.

I was a guest of a friend whose family lived a kind of hearty pioneer style with everybody gathering for breakfast around 9 a.m. They wake up at seven, exercise, do chores, then get breakfast.

The children are home schooled and Josh’s father builds log cabins with electrical wiring built in so the timing works out. Lunch is on your own, we’re warned, but dinner is promptly at 6 p.m., about four hours before dark. There is always dessert. Or maybe it was just because there were people in town.

After supper, it was weird to see Josh’s brother James riding his bike in the long twilight well past time it should be dark. In Cody, when you’re out on the South Fork, the night is black but it creeps in slowly.

One of the big draws in Cody is the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. I met a lady at the airport in Denver who told me all about it. She said it was world class. And it was. It has five buildings covering natural history, the Buffalo Bill era, plains Indians, western art and firearms.

Even the guys will love this museum. It holds more than 2,000 guns of all sorts. Gold ones. Famous ones. Small ones. Kinky ones. And big fat 45s.

Artifacts, video presentations and multi-level recreations are all used to make the visit authentic.

The town is actually small. A big wide main street. Not many restaurants, in fact, just a few compared to Waikiki. Some gift and art shops. A great saddle shop with the artisans upstairs. It’s across the street from the Irma, which is the center of town and the oldest hotel and saloon in Cody. Buffalo Bill built the Irma in 1902.

Of course, if you want to see the real old town or how it was, you’ll have to head west where you’ll find Old Trail Town, a compilation of circa 1800’s wooden building, one which still contains bullet holes, possibly made by Butch Cassidy or the Sundance Kid, who frequented the one tiny saloon.

Truth be told, most people don’t come to Cody just to see the town. They come for Yellowstone or the museum or the cowboys.

So, we took a trip into Yellowstone. Actually, our destination was Sun Valley, Idaho, some 300 plus miles from Cody, over the pass up into Yellowstone, out the west end, south towards Idaho Falls, take the exit at Rexburg-Salmon, west to Arco, then north on 75 through Bellevue and Hailey to Ketchum, which was once a mining town.

In Yellowstone, we saw buffalo, elk, two wolves. We were lucky, the pass had just opened after the winter’s snow and the park was relatively quiet. Kind of gurgling and fuming and hiding Grizzlies while we went on our way.

We got as close as three feet to a Buffalo, though it’s not recommended. One was just sauntering down the middle of the road and cars were passing in each direction. We just went slowly by as Josh explained how they sometimes will turn suddenly and gore a car.

After Yellowstone, we found our way by asking. We’d stop and look at a map in a gas station since I explained that I had made my way across the entire country in ‘94 without buying a map.

The scenery changed dramatically in the Wood River valley. It sort of became gentrified, if you can imagine the wild West thet’a’way.

As we passed Hailey, in countryside I remembered as open and scruffy, there were two-story varnished log cabins with porte cocheres and chalets on the hill and manicured condos on the low land. There was a traffic light on what used to be a country road.

We were looking for the Bald Mountain Lodge. A web site had said it was the cheapest hotel in town. Just $39! All that was left of the lodge was the sign. We pulled around and inspected an empty block right near the center of town. Right next to it was a bank. Nearly every big building on Main Street was a big bank with huge log cabin architecture.

Gratefully, the Pioneer Saloon and the Sawtooth Club were still there. It made me feel at home. In fact, one of the oldest bars in town, the Casino, was the only place crowded on this early May week night. And the Sun Valley Resort next to town hadn’t changed a bit. I spent a winter selling ski school tickets in 1994. It was great to be back.

Then off further into the valley, over Galena Pass, to a 5 horse town named Stanley, Idaho. I had met a girl there in ‘94 who didn’t want to meet me in Ketchum for a date because Ketchum’s 2,200 permanent residents had too much traffic for her bones.

I hoped to see her again, but there was a new girl working at the café in Stanley this time around.

Making time while the sun was up, we twisted our way alongside the Salmon River, which Lewis and Clark crossed on their way to the Pacific. We would cross their trail several times. The Salmon is a great rafting trip in June when snow melt is highest. It twists within narrow valley walls with meadows or cliffs around each bend.

From Ketchum, we were headed to Montana. One man in the Casino said to take the Trail Creek road over the mountains. Then on the road to Challis, catch another creek road. In Idaho, they call it a “backwood scenic route.” Read gravel road. No problem since the snow has already melted, he said.

I wanted to see the road to Salmon as I remembered, but Josh had backwood scenic route on his mind. In Salmon, he got the gas station attendant to point out a gravel mountain pass that would cut 20-30 minutes off our time, easy. If you take the gravel backroads, it’s always 20 minutes off your regular time, easy.

He told me about this as I mentioned that we were headed the wrong way.

We headed south from Salmon past the old Nez Pearce trail which Louis and Clark had taken west to a tiny two horse town named Leodore and turned left over gravel.

Up over Bannock Pass we headed down toward one of several long north south valleys that make this part of the country one of the prettiest in all America. The valleys might run a hundred miles long by 15 wide with pasture land and farms and sundry 5 acre housing developments with 3,000 square foot summer getaways for the rich and not so famous.

Virginia City is another 300 plus mile, solid nine hour drive from Ketchum. It’s just a few miles off one of the main two lane paths to Yellowstone from the Montana east west interstate. It was a started by a man who collected old log cabins and wild west buildings. He bought and shipped so many buildings in that it’s now two towns, Nevada and Virginia City.

The town looked mostly like a museum. Everything was closed, they don’t open the town till Memorial Day. But when we went into the only place that was open, the Pioneer Bar, it was packed. With locals.

The locals all work the tourists in summer and oil the rest of the time. Virginia City was once one of America’s richest gold strikes. They dredged the one stream to a depth of 26 feet and never found the mother lode. There’s still some wildcatters panning back in the hills. The rest of the time, Montana and Wyoming are booming with new oil fields.

We stayed at a place called Just an Experience. It’s just two log cabins and the downstairs bedroom next to Nevada City. It was great. We could have had the best steaks in Nevada City if we had checked in earlier but we didn’t, so we had steaks at In the Back, which is a restaurant in the back of Chick’s Bar nine miles down the road in Alder.

I believe that almost anyone can make a great steak out of that Montana beef.

The owner of our B&B gave us a short private tour of Nevada City. It was quite a sight, especially looking at the sparkling locomotive locked in the shed and the old log cabin China Town dried food display.

Then on the road again, to a regional track meet in Gillette, Wyoming, down past green, green pastures through the Crow reservation, Bozeman, Sheridan, Buffalo and 425 miles more.

From Gillette back to Cody, it’s over the Big Horns stopping at Ten Sleep and the best ice cream shop in the west, Dirty Sally’s. Sally was serving a bus load of high school kids on the way home from a soccer match. She was one gal against about 35 kids.

Back in Cody, I puttered around and found deer in town at a baseball game, otters in the irrigation ditch, antelope in pastures. We helped Josh’s father at the K3 Guest Ranch, which is a very colorful, imaginative B&B a few minutes from town with secluded views of the range and mountains in the distance. The K3 was recently featured in the magazine, Bed & Breakfast America.

It has a unique open air tepee for summertime lounging, bedrooms that kind of bring in the wild west to you with murals and log furniture. One bed is made from a chuck wagon and another features an indoor corral rail to hang your saddle.

Then I found a real, live buffalo ranch down the old South Fork Road. Actually, if you go there, the sign says “Lower South Fork.” Sometimes, too much local knowledge is dangerous.

At one time, the buffalo breeding business in the US went crazy and prices soared up past $2,600 per animal. But it was plummeted since. And few of the farmers had developed markets for their meat.

Mike Schneider is a retired LA police detective who surfed and sailed for many years. When he retired, he realized he was fed up with the crowds and traffic. So he bought 80 acres up Cody way, when there was just a “dozen houses along the road.” He still has his surfboard up the attic, in case.

The Big Skull Buffalo Ranch sells to bed and breakfasts throughout the country and to dude ranches in the west. Buffalo is great for you, has less fat and cholesterol than beef, tastes great, is tender. But it’s pricey. So only a few specialty markets can afford it.

I bought buffalo steaks for the family all around. Even in Cody, that’s a treat!

If you want, Schneider is one of the few ranches that will sell buffalo over the internet.

Then it was up to the cabin. The cabin is up at the 8,000 plus foot level. We passed several herds of elk and small groups of elk going up. It’s one to two hours of rough house driving over dirt, not gravel, roads.

If it rains or snows, get down fast. The dirt turns to mud. And not just any mud. More like slush. And many a good man has had to walk down the mountain and leave the car to the wolves and bears.

There are bears there. The cabin was originally broken into by bears. So, it’s protected now with iron shutters and doors.

This is country where an SUV makes sense. It’s amazing how many guitars are sold to people who can’t play a lick. And how many SUV’s will never see a mud hole on a deep back woods country road.

Josh caught a real country backwoods trout in a creek not more than 15 feet across.

Then it was over. It was sort of like going to the moon and back. From brown back to green. Dry to tropic wet. The sound of woodpeckers in the still to surf murmuring in the trades.

Good to be back. Good to have gone. Will go again.

Walking in Waikiki

Endings & Beginnings With Cloudia Charters 5.4.07

When I was a kid, DON HO struck me as kind of “hokey.” I was more interested in Rock & Roll. Don’s easy-going, happy island music and manner seemed too close to “easy listening” to my young ears I guess. You see, back then I didn’t understand the Aloha Spirit, certainly not the way I cherish and try to practice it today after 20 lucky years in Hawaii Nei.

It was an island pal attending school in Chicago, Joe Dunne, who alerted me to Don’s passing in a text message: “Is Don Ho DEAD?!” A chill went through me. Yes, something was different in the trade winds and the gentle surf. A great Hawaiian has left us, and a special time is passing away.

The Waikiki of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku and Hawaii 50 is becoming a precious memory that we share with our oldest and dearest friends. Remember? Aloha and Mahalo, Don Ho. A piece of our heritage is gone, but the joyous Aloha you shared with all of us will never dim. A Hui Ho!

Yes, a great Hawaiian has passed, but new beginnings follow every ending, and every wave trough is followed by a crest that we can ride.

Friday evening around Pau Hana time I got a call from a friend I had never met. A neighbor island couple was at Queen’s Hospital unexpectedly, and a serious health crisis had turned their thoughts toward marriage. Saturday was the anniversary of their first date, and they wanted to know if I could come to the hospital and perform a wedding ceremony for them! All the details were worked excitedly out. They could see the health department’s Kinau Hale (marriage license!) right across Punchbowl Street just outside their window. Performing a wedding ceremony has to be one of life’s true “highs.” So mahalo to my new friends for asking, and new husband: Get better soon!

Saturday marked another very special opening at the new Waikiki Beach Walk. Mana Hawaii is the place for authentic Hawaiian arts, music, books and even Lomi Lomi massage! A large happy throng of Hawaiians and their friends was present to bless the new store, and I’d have to say it was the largest and most exciting event yet down on the new Lewers Street.

Mr. Waikiki, Jeff Apaka, MC’ed, welcoming all of us. Did you know that Jeff’s dad Alfred Apaka was one of Hawaii’s great vocalists? His influence was world reaching in his day, and you can even see his statue at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Hula Halau Lokahi, from the Lokahi Hawaiian Language Charter School performed under the direction of their Kumu, cultural specialist Hina Wong.

Maile Meyer, of Na Mea Hawaii shop, and one of the guiding lights of the new store, made time to graciously welcome old friends and new. I spotted another Mana Hawaii luminary: Maluhia Rang of Native Books (genuine local books from scholarly to children’s’ and everything in between!) Tony C of the Hawaii’s Stars TV show, and even slack key guitarist extraordinaire Keola Beamer was there! Do yourself a favor and buy one of Keola’s CDs when you check out the new store.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Haunani Apoliona, herself a wonderful musician, was kind enough to talk story with me for a few moments. Her evident humility and sincerity touched me. The future of the Hawaiian People is something she takes as a sacred responsibility. “Pray for us.” Was her simple request. Join me in that, won’t you? I asked kumu hula Pat Namaka Bacon if she would be judging any competitions again soon. You see we all missed her at this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival judges table. “The young kumu think I’m too strict!” she smiled in answer; but I sensed a great deal of pride and satisfaction about the current flourishing of Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian-fluent children dancing before us spoke volumes!

Before pulling myself away from the festivities I had the chance to chat with Paleka, the craftsman who helped to construct the new store interior. He introduced me to Maile Lee, of the Lomi Shop(s) (herself a kumu hula). They painted such an exciting picture of the events and authentic entertainment to be held in Waikiki this Spring and Summer that I can hardly wait!

Looking down from the second floor lanai, just outside of the Holokai Grill, I noticed the small lane entering Lewers and it’s street sign. I had seen that sign hundreds of times before without paying it much mind: “Don Ho Lane.” The old Islander Coffeehouse, where I had eaten my first breakfast in Hawaii over 20 years ago, is gone, but that sign remains, a fitting tribute to a man who did much to change the face of Waikiki. Beginnings & endings, eh? Endings, openings, weddings, the rebirth of a culture; the circle of life. . . Which reminds me! The Lion King will be here in September! Get your tickets and your hotel reservations and Be Here!

Till then. . . look for me on Kalakaua Avenue. . . walking in Waikiki. . . Aloha!

Quick note: Welcome to Big Islanders, Milt & Ruth Weiss who’ve taken up residence at the beautiful Waikiki Banyan! Bet they didn’t know that their new street, Ohua, is named after the small fish that run off of their new beach every year!

Cloudia Charters` Hawaii novel: “Aloha Where You Like Go?” is available at Amazon.com and Isle bookshops. Contact her to plan YOUR affordable Waikiki wedding at www.cloudia.charters@gmail.com

You can see great Hawaii pictures daily at http://honoluludailyphoto.blogspot.com/ 5.1.07

Saimin shops

Papa Al 4.26.07

Back in the 60's, more than two generations ago, before the United States sent a man to the moon, there were little saimin or noodle shops in every little town throughout Honolulu.

The communities are all part of the city now, but they were more like little towns in the old days, in my father's time. They had little central areas with retail shops and restaurants. Churches. Then stretches of homes in between.

By the 60's, there was very little open land. Nearly every spot was filled, mostly by one story and a few two or three story buildings.

I used to go to explore those saimin shops, not only because I liked saimin but because the little shops always had cute little waitresses.

The shops were all family run, and the daughters had to work in the family business.

Nearly all are gone now. Over the years, the newspapers would announce which shop was closing, perhaps after 30 or 40 years in business. The children didn't want to continue.

Those modest shops paid for college educations, schooling in far away places, like Boston or New Haven.

But I always liked those shops. There was one in Liliha, two daughters, there was Washington Saimin, Kaimuki Saimin, and Zippies, the huge local chain which started, really, because it had great saimin.

Today, there only a handful left. Boulevard Saimin on Dillingham serves some of the best noodles in the history of Hawaii but it's in a fairly decent two-story, hollow tile building now. The old time ambience is lacking.

Palace Saimin is one of the last in an old beat up building on N. King Street. But it's open when they feel like it. It's not uncommon for them to be closed when their sign says they should be open.

Places like Likelike Drive-in and Kenny's in upper Kalihi were modernized. They look more like Mainland diners than saimin shops.

Shiro's tried to turn saimin into big business. His Aiea shop was big business. He kept it open all night and made enough money to build himself a big house on the hill. He tried franchises. But it didn't work.

We went to Jane's Fountain in Liliha recently. This is one of the last of the last. The paint is fading outside, the neon sign doesn't work, the window opens up to a counter that looks like it hasn't been used in years.

There are two manual cash registers, the kind that ring when you push the key. The kind with fancy engraved metal.

Jane's was great. It looked like it was dying, but the waitress said, "No, people come from all over the island, all times of the day."

It was about three in the afternoon, and there were about 10 people in 32 seats. There were 5 booths for four. Some counter seats. Not bad.

The waitress said people come in breakfast, noon, dinner and night. Not bad.

Then again, a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich for $3 is not bad either. Local favorites like corned beef onion for $6.50 and spam and egg for $4.70. Pork with bitter melon. You can see why people come in from Kaneohe to eat at Jane's.

And saimin is only $3.15 for small. Where else can you get anything for less than four bucks?

But Jane's is going the way of all saimin shops. To the great saimin stand in the sky. Jane's is for sale.

The shop doesn't just come with a recipe. It has two rental units out back and another shop in the same building. Jane is asking $5 million for the kit and kaboodle.

A lot that was razed sold for $3 million about a hundred feet from Janes, just at the corner of Kuakini and Liliha Streets.

It's not hard to imagine that Jane will get her price or close to it.

Yeah, you'd better come down for your last taste soon, or it will just be another sweet page in Hawaii's history.

Talk about landscaping! This is the Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon being remodeled. They've dug 7 well heads and will clean up the lagoon, pump fresh sea water into it, and always maintain a positive flush so that it will be more inviting. The amount of work it takes to do that is staggering. Papa Al 4.24.07

Walking In Waikiki: Mornings

With Cloudia Charters 4.17.07

Morning is a special time of day wherever you awaken, but gentle Waikiki mornings seem to have a distinct excitement and uniqueness about them every day. Perhaps it is those “first day of vacation” tingles pulsing through the trade winds. Or maybe it’s the poignancy of sunburned, baggage laden visitors yawning at the taxi stand, steeling themselves for the ordeal of returning to…. wherever else. It doesn’t matter where. Those of us in thrall to Waikiki wish them a sad Aloha, with a bit of a happy twinge (truth be told) that it’s not US (!) leaving the magic beach town; or not yet anyway!

Thoughtful Diamond Head shields us from the earlier dawn, letting us sleep in a bit, and Splash the harbor cat stirs in the pink basket of a little girl’s bicycle chained to the rack at the head of G – Dock. Little feline “Radar O’Reilly” will follow her hunger unerringly to a friendly early fisherman, McMuffin sharing tourist, or juicy trash can fish head. Then, satiated and casual, she will patrol the docks, keeping an eye on the Kolea and Java finches feeding on “her” bit of lawn. Then it’s time to snooze again, no doubt under the dark blue canvas of some neighbors covered boat, till it’s time to work for her dinner again, posing for vacation photos, and licking her paw in the afternoon sunlight. No one exactly “owns” Splash, but she has lots of friends, and lots of names, and is clearly too friendly and self possessed to be a feral wild child. She is simply part of the Ala Wai Harbor, part of our community.

Hard working Hilton, Ilikai, and Hawaii Prince workers fill almost every public parking space in the harbor on some days, like the morning tide rolling in, just as the hard working harbor residents leave for their jobs. And Stan the Man, who builds and maintains everything at the Hawaii Yacht Club walks his two miles from home, smoking like a narrow gauge Japanese locomotive, and saying funny-friendly things to everyone that matters as he passes.

Older (or younger!) couples whose very appearance screams: “Maine!” “Ohio!” “Stuttgart!” or “Beloit!” thoughtfully muse upon the tethered boats, and our alluring harbor bulletin boards where boats for sale, and crewing positions to Tahiti, are offered. Till the wife (usually it’s the wife) gets hungry for breakfast at the Harbor Pub and, clutching her discount coupon, drags her husband away from what “might have been” back to whirlwind vacation fun, Waikiki edition: the beach, the bar, the lunch, shopping at Ala Moana Shopping Center, the world’s largest open-air mall, and finally, the bus to the Lu`au. Very few akamai souls will take a customized, really local and personal tour with Papa Al, or get off the beaten path by themselves to experience the wonders of America’s oldest China Town, the royal Iolani Palace, or the historical and breathtaking Pali Lookout. You came this far; so check out the stark and beautiful Ka Iwi coastline, and the lush, tropical Windward Side of our island of O`ahu while you’re here!

Then there are the lucky and blessed folks who simply rest and rejuvenate in the healing sands of Waikiki, this ancient spa favored by the Chiefs, Chiefesses, Kings and Queens of this kingdom by the sea. Very few modern people, I think, fully relax long enough to truly benefit from our medicinal breezes, chanting waves, and rustling palms. But Waikiki waits patiently as always, full of tangible magic for the lucky one who lets everything loose just to listen to the warm, the song of birds, and the laughing voices of children from all over the world playing together. Yes, too few of us surrender to the Lomi Lomi of Waikiki’s healing Mana. Try. . . You’ll like!

Having fallen under that magical spell, a lucky, blessed few of us never leave, like Splash the harbor cat waking to another gentle Waikiki morning. What will there be to eat today? Who will I smile upon or talk with on my slow progress up the beach this afternoon?

I hope that I will awaken here in Waikiki as long as my boat, my mooring permit, my luck, and my body hold up. Each day here is unique in beauty. . . like all the others, just because it opens its petals here in magical Waikiki. So the white doves of Fort DeRussy, Splash the harbor cat, and me, we’ll hold a place for you under the palms, right in front of the Hula Mound.

Till then. . . I’ll be here. . . Walking in Waikiki. . Aloha!

Read Cloudia’s novel: “Aloha Where You Like Go?” available at Isle bookstores and at Amazon.com. You may contact her to plan YOUR beautiful, personalized, affordable Beach Wedding, or just to say “Aloha” at: cloudiacharters@msn.com outskirtspress.com/Aloha_Where_U_Like_Go

Up close and personal at the Kahala Mandarin in Honolulu. Papa Al 4.10.07

Walking in Waikiki: Hawaii Music Awards

Cloudia Charters outskirtspress.com/Aloha_Where_U_Like_Go 4.1.07

Friday night I attended the 10th Annual Hawaii Music Awards courtesy of my good friend Mark Coleman, who’s CD “Tunes With Love” won this year’s trophy for Rock & Roll. It was one of those “only in Waikiki” nights as winners took the stage to perform.

Brittni Pavia wasn’t the youngster in the group anymore. First time winner Misaki, an ultra-poised, local middle school student with a really nice voice, just captured everyone’s attention. We even stopped eating when she sang!

Waitiki, a group of deceptively young guys, lovingly interpreted the classic Polynesian Exotica of Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman along with nostalgic Hapa-Haole songs of Alfred Apaka and Mahi Beamer. Chicken Skin, eh?

But lest you think that the new kids ran away with the evening, let me hasten to mention a few of our reliable local talents who please their many fans, and

make new ones, everyday around town. Pierre Grille, that wizard, accompanied several groups in various musical styles all night. You should catch him some Friday night at The Dragon upstairs on Nu`uanu Avenue in Chinatown where he sometimes “solo-duets” playing trumpet with one hand and piano with the other!

Fortunately local chanteuse Ginai keeps right up with him as they improvise, play obscure requests, and turn on a musical dime! Speaking of a masterful stage presence, Ernie Cruz Sr. who is patriarch of a large and talented clan including sons John Cruz, and Ernie Cruz Jr; got the whole place stomping with his Big Island Paniola music accompanied by his youngest daughter who also acquitted herself quite nicely on a solo number.

Legends Manny K. Fernandez and Peter Apo also won well-deserved accolades this year. Mahalo to ALL who paddle this wonderful canoe that we call “Hawaiian Culture.” Which brings us to a surprise (to me!) winner: Aloha Joe of Alohajoe.com. Since 1994 this haole man on the continent has been web casting great Hawaiian music all over the world! Joe won an award this year for producing a tasty compilation CD entitled “Aloha From Paradise” and was seated with several tables of his listeners who joined his party from all over the world including England, Europe, Canada, and the continental USA! As far as I’m concerned, Aloha Joe is one hanai brother; thanks for sharing Hawaii’s healing magic with the world!

Saturday morning, walking down Kalakaua Avenue, I talked with quite a few couples who were exploring our beach town before cruising on the Pride of Aloha. Sure hope they come back sometime to spend more than an afternoon in Waikiki!

Arriving in Kapiolani Park where the Prince Kuhio Hawaii Folk Life Festival was taking place, I had the serendipity to catch kumu hula, songwriter, master musician, and Hawaiian cultural specialist Manu Boyd dancing the hula Makee Ailana on the New Waikiki Bandstand. Many folks don’t know that the bandstand is surrounded by ponds and water features and is especially designed to recall that pleasant landmark (Makee’s Island) of King Kalakaua’s day.

Hula certainly makes us all part of living history. Looking out at the gathered Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Hula Halau, Canoe Paddling clubs, and our local artists, artisans, and food vendors, I couldn’t help but think that the Merrie Monarch would be pleased that his beautiful park, and his beloved people still carry on their precious culture to this very day. So lucky we malahini who’ve joined them in Hawaii, eh?

Walking back to the Ala Wai Harbor I was admiring the new Beachwalk project on Lewers Street when whom should I meet but everyone’s old pal Brickwood Galuteria! Brick played great local music for years on local radio, performs musically with Imai & friends on occasion, and even headed up the Hawaii State Democratic Party for a while! Now he’s consulting with Outrigger and others to make sure that Waikiki always maintains its uniqueness, which is founded on the Aloha of our gracious Hawaiian Host Culture.

“So you’re out of the public eye.” “For now,” he replied with his eyes twinkling. Our next governor?

While down on Lewers, be sure to stop into Holokai Grill. While I adore a Ruth’s Chris steak, a Beard Papa crème puff, or gelato as much as anyone, I’m especially happy to see a local style eatery spread it’s wings in this new area. Local grinds, friendly service, and yes – REAL Hawaiian music are still on the menu…when you’re walking in Waikiki. . . . Aloha!

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Aloha News

April May 07

Local actor Jason Kanda performs in Daredevil Blues by Eric Yokomori, the darkly comic one-man show comprised of a dozen monologues. This Kumu Kahua Theatre Dark Night production runs from May 27 through June 5.

May 27

Youth Symphony Concert

The Hawaii Youth Symphony (HYS) will give its final concert of the 2006-2007 season at its annual Aloha Concert Luncheon on Sunday, May 27, 2007, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Coral Ballroom. The event opens with a silent auction at 10:30 a.m. Lunch service begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the concert and program at 12:15 p.m.

Vocalist and local ukulele master-maker Alvin Okami will join the youth symphony for this very special performance which will pay tribute to 67 graduating seniors in HYS’s orchestras. These seniors represent 18 different high schools around the state. Dr. Neil McKay, composer and Professor Emeritus at the University of Hawaii, will also be honored.

The concert will feature performances by the Youth Symphony II, under the direction of conductor Michael Nakasone. Youth Symphony I, one of the country’s finest youth symphonies, under the baton of Maestro Henry Miyamura will close the concert. Mr. Okami, with his Sinatra-esque voice, will perform with both orchestras. He will be highlighted in such tunes as “Moon River”, “Fly Me to the Moon” and “My Romance”. He will also sing an original work he composed with the orchestra entitled, “A Dream Called Hawai`i.”

June 1

2^nd annual

Waikiki by Moonlight

Waikiki by Moonlight returns for a second year on Friday, June 1st, after an extremely successful debut last year. This year’s event – WAIKIKI BY MOONLIGHT – HANA HOU! – will again showcase the very best of what Waikiki has to offer, and welcomes both kama‘aina and malihini to this very special street festival under the romantic Waikiki moon.

            Produced by the Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA), WAIKIKI BY MOONLIGHT – HANA HOU! will run from 6:00 p.m.~10:00 p.m., on Kalakaua Avenue, between Lewers Street and Seaside Avenue, fronting the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. (Street closures to begin with the makai lane of Kalakaua Avenue closed to traffic from 2:30 p.m. All lanes closed at 5:30 p.m.) Acts include:
•   The legendary duo of Nina Kealiiwahamana & Mahi Beamer, providing the nahenahe sounds of Waikiki’s classic golden era;
•   Danny Couch, sharing some of his big hits, including the world-renowned “These Islands”;
•   An icon of the 70’s & 80’s, Randy Lorenzo;
•   Local heart-throb, and talented, singer-songwriter Justin Young;
•   The earthy sounds of Ernie Cruz, Jr., which blend his love of past classics with a modern, soulful interpretation;
•   Ukulele virtuoso and international music sensation Jake Shimabukuro;
•   The cool vibes of Natural Vibrations - which are sure to get everyone “dancing on the Avenue!”;
•   Pali (T.W. Ka’aihue and Kevin Kashiwai), featuring fresh contemporary Hawaiian sounds with something for everyone;
•   Multiple Merrie Monarch winner Kumu Hula Sonny Ching and Halau Na Mamo O Pu’uanahulu; and
•   Mayor Mufi Hannemann will be our special guest, with a musical tribute to the late, great Don Ho.
•   The Waikiki By Moonlight “house band” is Kata Maduli and the Bridge Boys (including DJ Pratt and Gary Poliahu of Kalapana).
            In addition, one of Japan’s most popular bands, Tube, will be making a special appearance with Mayor Hannemann, as they present a donation check to Easter Seals Hawaii.

June 30

WAIKIKI POW WOW

SET FOR JUNE 30 & JULY 1, 2007

Sacred Island Soul, a nonprofit corporation, is hosting the Waikiki Beach Pow Wow and Multi-Cultural Dance & Music Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 30 and July 1, 2007 at Kapiolani Park, in Waikiki, Hawaii, 8 am to 6 pm, both days. Everyone is invited to attend this free event, which will feature dancing, drumming, singing, arts and crafts, and food. All dancers and singers are welcome. No drugs or alcohol are allowed.

This gathering will feature Native American singing, dancing, crafts and hot, delicious frybread. The celebration will also highlight other cultural performances, including hula, ukulele music, and lion dancing. This event will reflect the diverse communities of Hawaii and provide a unique opportunity for sharing the cultures of the many people who call Hawaii home.

Each day will start when the arts and crafts, frybread booth and Indian Village opens at 8 am. The opening ceremonies and Grand Entry will start at 11:00 am, after which there will be intertribal dancing, audience participation dancing, exhibition dancing and Native American Flute performances. Between 2 pm and 4 pm, local cultural groups will perform, after which the Native American songs and dances will resume until the Closing Ceremony at 6 pm.

Special guests include: Master of Ceremonies, Bawdwaywidun Banaise (Little Round Lake, Wisconsin); Host Drum, Spirit Bird (Waipahu, Hawaii), Invited Drum, Ice Wolf (Twin Cities, Minnesota), Head Man Dancer, Little Half Moon (Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians), Head Woman Dancer, Ogi-Mah-Banaise-Equay (Mount Pleasant, Michigan).

This event is sponsored in part by Sacred Treasures, Honolulu, HI, Giant Solar, Waipahu, HI, Angel Electric, Oahu, Maui Loa Trading Post, North Shore, Oahu, Tremendez Empowerment Group, Hawaii, and Savage Ink Tattoo, Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

There are ample volunteer opportunities for those who want to help with the pow wow—no experience required. For more information, please call 808-548-6200 or send email to sacredtreasures@hawaiiantel.net. For vendor information, call 808-677-1729.

Mana Hawai'i Offers

Free Cultural Programming

The traditions of the islands come alive at Waikiki Beach Walk with complimentary cultural programming offered Sunday through Friday at Mana Hawai'i-Spirit of Hawai'i Nei, a new specialty shop.

Programs are free and open to the public, with regular events including strum-along ukulele classes, during which visitors are able to learn a few chords of traditional Hawaiian songs and interact with the teacher to learn about the ukulele's place in Hawaiian culture. Other unique programs include hula lessons for keiki (children) and parents, sessions on Hawaiian wellness such as lomilomi, and Hawaiian language lessons.

Classes are held Sunday through Friday from 10 to 11 am at Mana Hawai'i, located on the second level of Waikiki Beach Walk, a vibrant new gathering place and shopping, dining and entertainment district in the midst of Waikiki. On select Saturdays, special guests will be invited to share their knowledge on a variety of topics.

The weekly schedule includes:

SUNDAY

Learn to play Hawaiian Hula Implements. Sponsored by Hula Supply Center Hula

Supply Center, Uli Uli, Ipu and other implements.

MONDAY

Finding the Balance-A Conversation on Hawaiian Spirituality Sponsored by The Lomi Shop Come, join the circle and learn about the breath, the HA-the life force of HA-Wai-I, the "Lomilomi of the Soul"-how we strive to balance and culturally bridge the past and the future as we journey through the modern world while maintaining a spiritual core.

TUESDAY

'Olelo Hawai'i Kakou-Let's learn some Hawaiian! Sponsored by Native Books This gathering is to help you practice your Hawaiian language. The focus is on the pronunciation of Hawaiian words, place names, and direction names.

WEDNESDAY

Hula for keiki-and mom and dad too! Sponsored by Mike "Papa" Kop of The Original Hawaiian Traders with material provided by The Hula Supply Center.

Learn simple hula moves to get little ones going, and then mom and dad can

join in.

THURSDAY

Strum along 'ukulele class (for adults and akamai keiki) Sponsored by Ukulele House (limited 5 per class) The 'ukulele is a favorite instrument of locals-young and old. Everyone plays, and if you don't-you should learn!

FRIDAY

Hula Lessons by Germaine Haili from Na Mea Hawai'i Learn simple hula moves to get little ones going, and then mom and dad can join in. This is an opportunity to learn something about how we celebrate our love of Hawai'I nei.

SATURDAY (select Saturdays during the month) Special Guest Day On select

Saturdays, a special guest will be featured to share his or her mana'o (knowledge) about a significant aspect of the Hawaiian culture.

When in Hawaii, do as the locals do:

Aloha Friday Luncheons on the beach

One of the most quintessential Hawaiian experiences you can have is to do what the locals do: hang out near the beach with great local food and great local music.

It's one reason Aloha Friday Luncheons at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach is

as much populated by local residents as it is by visitors.

Hosted by Hawaiian music radio station KINE, Aloha Friday Luncheons recently

moved to the hotel's beachfront Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar, where patrons can enjoy open-air views of legendary Waikiki Beach, Hawaiian food, and live entertainment by many of Hawaii's hottest contemporary musicians.

Aloha Friday Luncheons at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach are scheduled for

June 22, August 10, September 14, November 9 and December 7, 2007.

Wyland opens Waikiki Hotel

WAIKIKI, OAHU - A traditional Hawaiian blessing signaled the reopening of the The Wyland Waikiki following the completion of renovations valued at tens of millions of dollars.

Located at 400 Royal Hawaiian Avenue and fronting Kuhio Avenue, the property offers 405 rooms and suites in three buildings and is central to the activity, entertainment, and shopping that Waikiki has to offer. An investment group led by Lodging Capital Partners, LLC, of Chicago recently awarded Outrigger Enterprises Group a contract to manage the hotel.

The extensive renovation has created a boutique-style hotel with chic interiors inspired by the iconic artwork and conservation themes of world-renowned marine life artist Wyland. It is also the first artist-themed hotel in Hawaii.

The lobby is a living art studio with a collection of Wyland's paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Here, guests will also find large flat screen televisions throughout, the Wy-Bar lounge overlooking the pool, a comfortable library with reading materials, a "chill" room where guests can relax, read or watch TV, and a complimentary business center with two 24" iMac computers with

high-speed Internet and printers.

All 405 guestrooms and suites offer pillowtop beds adorned with Wyland designed motifs on the throw pillows and bed skirts and Wyland artwork.

May 13

Mother’s Day Offerings

Ala Moana Hotel is ready to help you make sure Mom knows just how special she is with a celebration that includes a brunch and dinner buffet on May 13, 2007. With the sounds of Ho'okena, one of Hawaii's premiere singing groups and a 2005 Grammy Award nominee, any Mom will see how much she is truly appreciated and loved.

Tiki's Grill & Bar will celebrate Mother's Day with a special brunch buffet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a vast selection of delicious offerings sure to please mom and the entire ohana. Plus, Tiki's will take your family's photo and email it to everyone for free.
"We wanted to make this Mother's Day one that everyone can remember with a special picture," said Bill Tobin, managing partner and CEO of Tiki's Grill & Bar. "It's a perfect way to capture the day we honor the wonderful women in our lives, and we invite everyone to share it with the Tiki's 'ohana," he added.

Holokai Grill, a new restaurant and lounge located at the Waikiki Beach Walk complex, is cooking up something extra special for Mother's Day this year. On Sunday, May 13, Holokai Grill will feature a brunch buffet from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a chef's omelet bar and pancake bar, a variety of pastries, traditional breakfast items, and entrees including pork loin, ginger shrimp linguine and fresh island fish.
To top it off, all moms will receive a free flower! Plus, slack key guitarist Stephen Inglis will entertain guests between 8 and 10 a.m. All that for the great price of $20 for adults and $10 for keiki ages 5 to 10!

The Star of Honolulu will have a lunch cruise and a dinner cruise for Mother’s Day. Treat Mom to a relaxing Mother's Day in paradise, aboard the Star of Honolulu! The "Mother's Day Lunch Cruise" features an ono all-you-can-eat roast beef and local-Hawaiian buffet lunch, Mother's Day cake and Champagne toast, plus door prizes for Moms, fun cultural activities and hula show.

May 17

Amy Hanaialii Gilliom

at Police Jubilee Dinner

Amy Hanaialii Gilliom will be the featured entertainment at the Honolulu Police Department's Diamond Jubilee dinner, "Celebrating 75 Years of Serving and Protecting With Aloha," at the Sheraton Waikiki on Thursday, May 17, 2007. The gala is sponsored by the private, non-profit Honolulu Police Community Foundation and will include a cocktail reception, multi-course dinner, and special presentations. The inaugural event is the highlight of Police Week, May 13-17.
Grammy nominee Amy Hanaialii Gilliom has established herself as Hawaii's most respected and loved female vocalist, songwriter and performer. She continues to be the top selling female vocalist in Hawaii and has won the hearts of many with the resurrection of the falsetto singing style.

She has won Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in the categories of Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Hawaiian Album of the Year, and Group of the Year. Her second album, "Hawaiian Traditions" placed her on the World Billboard Charts, a first for an album written solely in the Hawaiian language. She has opened for such legends as Carlos Santana in Germany, Willie Nelson, Joe Cocker, Wayne Newton and Arlo Guthrie, and has toured extensively on the East and West coasts of the U.S., Germany, Japan, China and Tahiti.
The Honolulu Police Community Foundation was founded in 1997 by former HPD Chief of Police Lee Donohue to provide scholarships for local high school graduates who intend to further their education at a college or university. Since the inception of its scholarship program in 2000, the Foundation has awarded 32 scholarships. In addition, the Foundation also provides funding for equipment purchases for the Honolulu Police Department that could not be obtained through the normal City budget process.

May 19-July 14

Raku Ho'olaule'a

Since 1978, Hawai'i Craftsmen has celebrated Raku, a fusion of EAST/WEST culture through ceramics by holding its annual series of events: Raku Ho'olaule'a. Raku is a 400 year old Japanese style of pottery which has influenced contemporary ceramics around the world.

Rob Drexel, nationally known raku ceramicist from New Mexico, is our guest artist for this year’s Raku Ho'olaule'a. He will provide a slide lecture, wet clay demonstration, and partake in the camaraderie of ceramicists firing raku at beautiful Waimanalo Bay Beach Park in the shadows of the Ko‘olau mountains. He will also jury the contemporary category of ceramics fired at the beach for our Raku Ho'olaule'a Exhibition held at The ARTS at Marks Garage.

This year’s schedule includes:

May 19, 2007

10 am – Noon: Tea Bowl Lecture/Demo East West Center Tea House; UH-Manoa by the Urasenke Foundation of Hawai‘i; Open to the Public: No charge

Noon – 5 pm Tea Bowl Workshop: University of Hawai‘i –Manoa Ceramics Lab

Open to the Public, No Charge, Please RSVP at 808-521-3282

May 29, 2007

6:30 Free Public Slide Lecture by Rob Drexel, UH-Manoa Art Auditorium

May 30, 2007

6:30 Wet Clay Demo by, Rob Drexel, UH-Manoa Art Bldg- Ceramics Lab

June 1-3, 2007

Beachside Firing and Camp-out Waimanalo Bay Beach Park:

Registration and Fee Required

June 2, 2007:

9:00 am – 1:00 pm Community Kiln--Waimanalo Bay Beach Park Open to the Public: No charge to observe; nominal charge to purchase, glaze and fire a tea bowl

June 19 - July 14, 2007 Raku Ho'olaule'a Juried Exhibition Tuesday – Saturday, 11 am-6 pm at The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nu‘uanu, Honolulu

For more information, 808-521-3282; info@hawaiicraftsmen.org or www.hawaiicraftsmen.org Hawai‘i Craftsmen is a non-profit organization that sponsors educational and exhibition opportunities for Hawai‘i’s crafts people and artists. Raku Ho'olaule'a is supported by membership and program fees and partially funded by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the McInerny Foundation. Mahalo to the Urasenke Foundation of Hawai‘i, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Art Department, Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation and The ARTS at Marks Garage, a Project of the Hawai‘i Arts Alliance.

May 25

HeartBeat opens Special Olympics

A Very Special 7 week dance program titled "HeartBeat" and sponsored by highly respected performing arts studio, 24-VII Danceforce, will culminate on May 25, 2007 when these fine "athletes-turned- dancers" take to the stage in a special performance at the opening ceremonies of the 2007 Special Olympics Hawaii State Summer Games.

The 7-week pilot program offered dance classes to 20 Special Olympics Hawaii (SOH) athletes who teamed up for hour long instructional sessions chock full of movement, fun, and laughter.

The 24-VII Danceforce troupe will also perform a couple of numbers. The athletes possess varying levels of intellectual disabilities - autism spectrum disorders and downs syndrome, to name a few. But they all love music and really like to dance.

The 7-week pilot program runs through May 20, 2007. After that, 24-VII Danceforce will continue to offer regularly scheduled dance classes for youths and adults with disabilities, though their facility is not yet ADA compliant for those with physical challenges.

“Come on sis. Are your students cute?, asks Lauren Kido (left: Salli K. Morita) of her sister, Community college teacher Sharon Kido (Denise-Aiko Chinen). “Please give me something juicy. I’m fantasizing here.” See if she gets to live vicariously through her sister in Kumu Kahua Theatre’s production of Anthony Michael Oliver’s local turn on the story of Pygmalion, Teacher, Teacher. The show runs from May 17 through June 17.

June 17

7^th Eo Concert

            Tickets for the 7th Annual Eo! Concert honoring the hula legacy of Darrell Lupenui are now available for purchase, all tickets are $5.
            The concert will be held on Sunday, June 17 2007, at the McKinley High School Auditorium, 1039 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawai'i. Craft booths will open at 2:00 p.m. and the concert will commence at 4:00 p.m.
            This concert prides in showcasing a variety of hula and polynesian dance groups of which all of its' teachers have one thing in common --- they were all past students of the late great Darrell 'Ihi'ihilauakea Lupenui, Kumu Hula of Waimapuna and Ke'ala O Ka Laua'e.
            This year's participating Lupenui students showcasing their performance ensembles include Chinky Mahoe, Derek Nu'uhiwa, John & Kahale Naki, Greg Lontayao, Wanda Akiu and Special Guests.
            There will be lots of food, crafts, singing, dancing, crying, and laughing, so bring your friends and family for a day of complete enjoyment!
            To purchase tickets to the 7th Annual Eo! Concert visit the www.kealiiokamalu.com or www.kawaihoa.org

June 25

Local Sculptor

On HG Television

Local sculptor artist, Clyde Oishi, will be featured on an episode of “That’s Clever” airing on HGTV on June 25, 2007 at 1 pm. The show will be repeated and the exact air time can be confirmed by checking local listings.

Clyde Oishi earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts at the University of Hawaii – Manoa. He has shown his metal sculptures in Seattle, Chicago and Honolulu. His pieces, which range in size from 6 inches to 5 feet high, are part of private collections in Hawaii and throughout the mainland.

When constructing a piece, he starts with a skeletal form made out of stiff copper wire. The piece takes on its own life spirit as he solders together different gauges of copper wire, finishing it with a fine layer of paint. His images celebrate the female form as well as the natural world, including wild horses, zebras, fish, turtles and birds. He also incorporates tapa patterns into his free standing sculptures, wall hangings, and koa lamps which are both functional and beautiful.

“That’s Clever” (Episode HCLVR-351) will feature Oishi making one of his copper wire zebras. It will show how Oishi selects and prepares his materials and how he moves from one stage of creation to the next. In the space of a few minutes, the viewer will see the piece evolve, from start to finish, a process that ordinarily takes more than 100 hours. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of Hawaii’s best local artists in action.

The 6^th Annual Jamba Banana Man 5K Chase is set for Saturday, May 12, 2007. Race starts at 8:00 am at Ala Moana Beach Park, rain or shine. All proceeds from the race benefit The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Hawaii. Over the past 5 years this race has helped to raise over $180,000 for MDA Hawaii.

Danny Couch opens new show

Danny Couch, the multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning local musical artist, has opened a new show at the Ainahau Showroom in the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel.

He’s come a long way since singing in the choir at Nanakuli High School, and even as a standout with the Alii’s where he sang lead for hits like “Lady You’re My Rainbow” and “Here I Am.”

Couch already has his own record label and production company…and now, is taking total charge of his professional career with the opening of his own self-produced show.

“I just felt the time was right to go on my own after a career of working for others,” said Couch. “I am truly grateful to everyone I’ve worked with over the years. I have learned so much and feel very blessed for all they’ve shared with me, and so thankful to all of my fans who have followed me wherever I’ve been.”

Danny Couch – The Voice of These Islands debuts to the public on Wednesday, April 4th, and continues each week, as follows: Mondays & Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Seating at 7:00 p.m.) Ainahau Showroom, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel.

April 2-27

Buff Mama Boot Camp

When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday April 2nd – April 27th 6:45 am – 7:45 am

Where: Kapiolani Park

Price: $12 / single class or $120 for 12 sessions

Call 561-0018 or email: info@buffmama.org for more information!

Are You Looking For a Fun, Exciting and Motivating Way To Lose Weight, Tone Up & Feel Great? Well, look no further! Our Fitness Boot Camp is one of the best ways to lose weight and get in shape...and most of all every workout is fun and guaranteed to get you the results you want! 3 Weeks of Total Body Conditioning starting Monday, April 2nd. Queens Beach, Kapiolani Park, $12 / single class or $120 for 12 classes. Monday, Wednesday & Friday 6:45am – 7:45 am. For more information email: info@buffmama.org or call 561-0018

The popular Anna Bananas on Beretania Street will be transformed into a Middle Eastern & Ethnic Beat nightclub. There will a Belly Dance show starting at 6:00 pm. Hawaii Belly Dancer Monthly Magazine presents Late Night at the Pyramids night club on Sunday, April 15th at Anna Bananas, 2440 S. Beretania Street. Belly Dancers and Belly Dance Fans can dance all night music of the Near and Middle East from 6pm to 10pm. $10 cover at the door 18 years and over. For additional information on Late Night at the Pyramids, contact Malia Delapenia 234-1006

April 21, 2007
“He Makana No Ka Makou Kumu Hula”
Tribute Concert to Aunty Leilani Sharpe Mendez
Time: 5:00-9:00pm
Leeward Community College Auditorium
Cost: $25.00
Call: 808 292-2738 or Email hula@kawaihoa.org for info.

April 22

Youth Symphony Free Concert

The Hawaii Youth Symphony is offering a FREE concert at the Pearl City Cultural Center on Sunday, April 22, 2007, 4:00 pm. The performance features 200 students from 25 schools on Oahu, Molokai, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island from two of HYS symphony orchestras, the Youth Symphony II, under the direction of Michael Nakasone and Concert Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Susan Ochi-Onishi and assistant conductor Hannah Watanabe.

The program will feature works by Jean Sibelius, Felix Mendelssohn, Franz von Suppe and a movement from Symphony No. 2 by local composer D. Kenji Akemoto (see program below).

The highlight of the afternoon will be the world premiere of a work by local composer Michael Foumai who wrote Poèm de Fantasise specifically for this concert and the debuting orchestra, the Youth Symphony II. Nineteen-year-old Foumai will conduct this premiere. The work is a portrait of the Hawaiian Islands with three dominant themes associated with picturesque Hawaii, from the colossal mountain ridges to the lucid tranquil Pacific Ocean: all of which conclude in a grand sweeping montage.

The second movement, Elegy, which will be performed on April 22, is a musical take on the loss of innocence. Foumai writes, “Hawaii has, and still is, considered a paradise of unequal beauty but behind the veil of paradise lies a growing entity, the ice epidemic.” Featured in the 2005 documentary, The Levi Report, as an inspirational youth Foumai was able to see the growing problem of ice infiltrating and tearing apart island residents and families. Thematically, Foumai wanted to create a melody that would directly relate to the issue of a paradise stained, and create a piece that contradicts itself in the co-existence of beauty and tragedy.

Mayor’s April 2007 Cultural Activities

Earth Month 2007

On display to April 3

Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kapolei Hale Courtyard

Catch a glimpse of the winning entries from the city’s Earth Month Pollution Solutions Teen Video/Photography Contest in Kapolei Hale. The photos and videos by students are from the nine participating Leeward and Central Oahu middle and high schools. Exhibit viewing is free and open to the public. For more information, call 523-4674.

Sumie Japanese Brush Painting Exhibit

April 3 to 12

Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Honolulu Hale Courtyard

Don’t miss an opportunity to view sumie paintings that capture the serene and genteel moments in our lives. The paintings are the works of the Sumie Society of Hawaii. Exhibit viewing is free and open to the public. For more information, call 523-4674.

National Community Development Week

April 3 to 12

Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Honolulu Hale, Third Floor

Learn about projects that were made available to address a wide range of unique community development needs at the National Community Development Week exhibit on the third floor of Honolulu Hale. This pictorial exhibit will showcase various city projects that were funded by the Community Development Block Grant program. Display viewing is free and open to the public. For more information, call 523-4674.

AIA Honolulu Design Awards

April 6 to 19

Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kapolei Hale Courtyard

Architectural design enthusiasts, this display is just for you! The American Institute of Architects will display banners that showcase the award winning projects from the AIA Honolulu Annual Design Awards Program in the Courtyard of Kapolei Hale. Featured projects will include the Honolulu Academy of Arts Renovation and Reinstallation by Bill Brooks of Ferraro Choi and Associates Limited and more. Display viewing is free and open to the public. For more information, call 545-4242.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Poetry Contest Awards Ceremony

April 13 at 12:30 p.m.

Mission Memorial Auditorium

Everyone is invited to a special poetry reading by the winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Poetry Contest. The purpose of the awards ceremony is to encourage students to seek to resolve conflicts through non-violent means and express those ideas through poetry. The event is open to the public. For more information, call 808-875-0315

Congressional Art Competition Exhibit

April 23 to May 4

Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Honolulu Hale Courtyard

Make an artistic discovery at the Congressional Art Competition Exhibit. More than 100 paintings and drawings by local youths will be on display as part of this annual nationwide competition. Exhibit viewing is free and open to the public. For more information, call 541-2570.

Mid-Pacific Elementary and Preschool Art Exhibit

April 24 to 26

Open Tuesday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Honolulu Hale Lane Gallery and Third Floor

Visit Honolulu Hale to view photographs, drawings and paintings by elementary and preschool students from Mid-Pacific Institute. The purpose of the exhibit is to showcase all the work students’ have done during the year. Exhibit viewing is free and open to the public. Call 371-5807.

Hawaii Project Citizen State Showcase

April 24 to May 10

Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kapolei Hale Courtyard

Everyone is welcomed to visit to Kapolei to view the Hawaii Project Citizen State Showcase. The display features portfolios by Hawaii schools that participated in this year’s program. Portfolios share issues of public concern selected by students and their proposed action plans to address those concerns. Exhibit viewing is free and open to the public. For more information, call 523-4674.

Celebration of Women’s History

April 28, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Mission Memorial Auditorium

Celebrate women’s history with feature presentations about Princess Nahi‘ene‘ena, Queen Ka‘ahumanu and others. The documentary Keepers of the Flame: The Legacy of Three Hawaiian Women which details the cultural contributions of Mary Kawena Pukui, Iolani Lauhine and Edith Kanaka‘ole will also be featured. For more information, call 522-0831.

www.honolulu.gov/moca

moca-info@honolulu.gov

April Events at The ARTS at Marks Garage

A project of Hawai‘i Arts Alliance

Wednesdays, 4 to 5:30, FREE

Youth Speaks Hawaii

Teen slam poetry writing & performance workshops

supported by The Starbucks Foundation and The SFCA.

April 3–28

Hawaii Watercolor Society 45th Members Show

Juried by leading watercolor artist Stephen Quiller.

Friday, April 6, 5–9, FREE

First Friday, Honolulu

Self-guided tour of Downtown-Chinatown art spots

Visitor painting with Hawaii Watercolor Society

Friday, April 6 at 10:30, $10*

Smashbox Productions presents:

Late Nite Comedy Spot with Shawn Felipe

Shawn Felipe hosts stand-up comics with special guest Stan Egi

Saturday, April 7 at 8, $14/10*

Smashbox Productions presents: On The Spot: Behind the Door

Guest comics without a clue until they open that door.

Monday, April 9, 6–8, FREE

Fashion Incubator

Join our discussion to help galvanize Hawaii’s Fashion Community thru this

new network, education & business group

April 19, 5–7, FREE

Third Thursday reception with Hawaii Watercolor Society

"...Myths of being an Artist..." talk with Patrice Federspeil at 6

April 20–22 & 26–29 at 8 (4/22 matinee at 3), $16/10*

Smashbox Productions presents: Framed world premiere!

Dark, adult comedy set where art world & crime world collide.

Sunday, April 22 at 6, Sunday, April 23 at 7:30, by donation

Hawaii Shakespeare Festival presents: Shakespeare’s Birthday Scenes and

songs from Shakespeare

Saturday, April 21, 3:30-5, FREE

Youth Speaks Hawaii Monthly Slam

Doors and poet sign in at 3:00, show starts at 3:30.

All ages welcome to attend but the mic is reserved for teens.

Tuesday, April 24, 8–10, $5

reVERSES, hosted by Brenda Kwon & TravisT, with featured poets, open mic, &

vinyl on rotation by DJ Mr. Nick

WAIKIKI BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA

APRIL 6

Special Associate Hula Performance

Venue: Moana Terrace

Time: Noon

Great photo op! Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa associates will be

putting on a special performance to display their graceful hula skills

for guests of the resort. Don¹t forget to bring your cameras

EVERY SATURDAY IN APRIL

Moana Terrace¹s Old Hawaiian Nights Concert Series is the perfect

place to rekindle memories of traditional Hawaiian music superbly performed by

some of Hawaii¹s greatest musicians and singers. Catch a different

performance every Saturday, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.:

· April 7 Kaulana and Friends

Kaulana will be bringing along some of his best musical friends for a

night

of amazing contemporary Hawaiian music.

· April 14 Mike Keale

Mike will be providing wonderful melodies for a night of amazing

contemporary Hawaiian music.

· April 21 Vaihi

These four Na Hoku Award nominated local boys will keep you entertained

with

their style of contemporary and traditional Hawaiian music.

· April 28 Mike Keale

Mike will be providing wonderful melodies for a night of amazing

contemporary Hawaiian music.

MONDAYS:

Hawaiian Arts & Crafts Ribbon, crochet and haku lei-making with Aunty

Nani. (Kits available for $2.00)

Handmade crafts are also available for purchase.

Venue: Resort Lobby Area, Paoakalani Tower

Time: 9:00 a.m.-Noon

Christian & Sani The duo will delight you with contemporary Hawaiian

music.

Venue: Moana Terrace

Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

TUESDAYS:

Deco Clay Craft demonstration with Yukiko Miyai-Mackay Learn how to

make a

plumeria, rose, or gardenia with Deco Clay.

(Kits available from $5.00)

Venue: Resort Lobby Area, Paoakalani Tower

Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Soulbucket Listen to the best of classic island music and rock & roll

performed Hawaiian style.

Venue: Moana Terrace

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS:

Soulbucket Listen to the best of classic island music and rock & roll

performed Hawaiian style.

Venue: Moana Terrace

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

THURSDAYS:

Hawaiian Quilting with Aunty Carol Kamaile.

(Kits available for purchase)

Venue: Resort Lobby Area, Paoakalani Tower

Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Aunty Genoa Keawe¹s Hawaiians An act not to be missed, you¹ll be

enraptured with great renditions of traditional Hawaiian falsetto music.

Venue: Moana Terrace

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

FRIDAYS:

Local Crafters ³Aloha Friday Fair²

Venue: Resort Lobby Area, Paoakalani Tower

Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Soulbucket Listen to the best of classic island music; and rock & roll

performed Hawaiian style.

Venue: Moana Terrace

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

SUNDAYS:

George Kuo, Martin Pahinui & Aaron Mahi Classic Hawaiian slack key

music

perfected and performed in true, traditional flair. An evening to enjoy!

Venue: Moana Terrace

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

June 17, 2007

2007 EO! Concert
McKinley High School Auditorium
Honolulu, Hawaii
4 - 8 pm
In honor of Kumuhula Darrell 'Ihi'ihilauakea Lupenui and perpetuate his hula legacy, in showcasing his students' halau and to gather the alumni of the men of Waimapuna and the ladies of Ke'ala O Ka Laua'e.
Call 808-292-2738 or email hula@kawaihoa.org for more info and tickets.

Sept. 15

Outrigger Brings Disney's The Lion King to Honolulu

It's coming! Broadway's award-winning musical Disney's The Lion King is coming to Honolulu. . .and Outrigger Enterprises Group is helping to make it happen.

Outrigger Enterprises Group is partnering with WestCoast Entertainment to bring the premier engagement of the blockbuster, highly acclaimed The Lion King to Honolulu. The multiple-week limited engagement begins September 15 and will run through October 28 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

"It is exciting to have a show of this tremendous caliber here in Honolulu," said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. "We're delighted to help bring one of the most spectacular musicals ever to appear on Broadway to our State, and we expect both Hawaii residents and visitors will jump at the chance to see The Lion King this fall."