Category: Life

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CAROLE KAI 80TH BIRTHDAY BASH

Carole Kai turns 80 on Monday (Oct. 28), but family and friends will celebrate her birthday this Saturday (Oct. 26) at Oahu Country Club.

Kal, born Carole Shimizu and now Mrs. Eddie Onouye, is one of Honolulu’s most active philanthropist and charity enthusiast, with a remarkable list of performing and producing credits.

Carole Kai

Let me count some of the ways: singer-pianist, piano bar;  Carole Kai Bed Race, in Waikiki; Great Aloha Run, from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium,  the Local Divas with Melveen Leed, Loyal Garner and Nohelani Cypriano;  co-host of “Hawaii Stars,” with Kimo Kahoano, on local TV.

She’s an entertainer in spirit, who certainly does a lot of charity work, which is her top mission in life.  Hauoli la hanau, Carole…

DHT sets cast for ‘White Christmas’

Diamond Head Theatre has announced its cast for the holiday musical, “White Christmas,” which opens Nov. 22 and runs through Dec. 15.

The stage production is based on a 1954 Paramount film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, featuring music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The stage version features a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, and capitalizes on the classic Berlin tunes, including the iconic title song, plus hits such as “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and “How Deep Is the Ocean.”

The plot involves war veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis,  who have a popular song-and-dance act following World War II. With love in their mind, the pair follow two singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at Vermont Lodge, owned by the soldiers’ former army commander.

DHT’s cast features Adam Allison as Bob Wallace, David Sheftell as Phil Davis, Lainey Hicks as Betty Haynes, Alexandria Zinov as Judy Haynes, Joe Martyak as General Wavery, Mary Chesnut Hicks as Martha Watson, Charlotte Miyahara/Anna Johnson as Susan Waverly,  Ralph Sheldrake as Mo Radke, Chandler Converse as Rita/Betty understudy, Amanda Ross as Rhoda,  Fedrico Biven as Ezekiel Foster, and Ken Roberts as Mike/Jimmy.

Quintet players are Samantha Allen, Sofia Garcia, Camille Michel, Reilly Choo, and Shane Nishimura.

The ensemble includes Samantha Allen, Kirra Baughn, Victoria Chang, Celia Chun, Reilly Choo, Chandler Converse, Sofia Garcia, Amanda Giang, Grace Gilbertson, Eriq James, Tyson Jao, Caris Leong, Brittany Lewis, Pono Lundell, Tai Malalis, Camille Michel, Shane Nishimura, Ken Roberts, Amanda Ross, and Brandon Yim.

Other credits: Marisa Capalbo is a swing actor, 
Celia Chun is assistant to the choreographer, and
Victoria Chang is assistant to the tap choreographer. 

John Rampage is director and co-choreographer with Caryn Yee, and Phil Hidalgo is musical director.

Playdates are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and also on select Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 3 p.m. select Saturdays and at 4 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $41 to $68, available at www.diamondheadtheatre.com and (808) 773-0274…

HJQ in last gig at Honolulu Beerworks

John Kolivas

John Kolivias’ Honolulu Jazz Quartet will be giving its final performance at Honolulu Beerworks from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday (Oct. 28).

The venue, at 328 Cooke St., is shutting down soon and is seeking a new location.

HJQ normally features Kolivas on bass, Tim Tsukiyama on saxophones, Dan Del Negro on piano and Noel Okimoto on drums.

However, guest musicians will perform Monday, including Jimmy Funai on guitar, Corey Funai on harmonica and vocals, Stacy Tanongan on drums and Kainalu Kolivis, John’s son, on vocals…

Broadway grosses for week ending Oct. 20

The reigning top three on the chart of Broadway shows –“Wicked,” “The Lion King,” and “Hamilton” — still are leaders of the pack, but “Hell’s Kitchen” is perched at fourth place, the highest it’s been since it opened.

The Top 10:

1—”Wicked,” $2.231 million

2—”The Lion King,”$2.006 million

3—”Hamilton,”$1.868 million

4—”Hell’s Kitchen,” $1.554 million

5—”MJ The Musical,” $1.471 million

6–“The Outsiders,” $1.468 milion

7—” McNeal,” $1.347 million

8—”The Great Gatsby,” $1.266 million

9—”Aladdin,” $1.233 million

10—”Sunset Blvd.,” $1.211 million

The complete list, courtesy the Broadway League: :

And that’s Show Biz…

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WARD TAKES ON HAWAII KAI BUZZ

Rumors have been flying high and wide in Hawaii Kai– some true, most not – about the fate of area businesses. And Rep Gene Ward  (R, House District 18), has taken on the role of taskmeister, sorting out the truth, in an email to constituents.

I’ve heard some of the buzz, but not all. And Ward examines the riff and the raff. But he has not addressed all the concerns in the neighborhood.

Like: Costco Hawaii Kai is not closing. Never heard that it might exit our neighborhood. Nor the chatter that the Hawaii Kai Satellite City Hall was shuttering. Ward indicates that Councilman Tommy Waters’ office revealed that the convenient satellite city hall, tucked behind Roy’s Restaurant, has a lease through Aug. 31, 2031. Good to know.

Rep. Gene Ward

More disclosures:

The Hawaii Kai office of the Honolulu Police Department is staying put; the office “functions solely as  an unmanned workspace, which officers may intermittently utilize for writing reports” and is not open to the public, so it would have no impact on staffing levels in East Oahu. That’s comforting news.

Here are some good news and bad news: The abandoned restaurant space at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center, once occupied by Outback Steakhouse and most recently by the failed launch of Scratch Kitchen near Roy’s, will gain a new tenant, but  it won’t be an eatery. Bank of Hawaii, which has a small space at Koko Marina Center, will expand again to occupy the Scratch space. (The bank had been a long-time tenant at Koko Marina, across Zippy’s).

I have two questions for Rep. Ward: There’s been buzz that Zippy’s might shut down its take-out counter, which has been operating after Zippy’s closed its dine-in restaurant. That area still is vacant, and folks are wondering: Will Zippy’s reconsider and return to dine-in, too, or might another restaurant move in?

And more queries: What or who might acquire the abandoned Koko Marina multi-plex movie theaters? The front signage has been removed and the building frontage painted; but the rear sign, visible from Lunalilo Home Road, still is there. Why?

One final query: since Ben Franklin left its Koko Marina home years ago, the vacancy remains after a game center failed. There had been earlier rumors that a health-food market might move in, and also an H-Mart store, but the doors are stlll locked, with the UPS store the only surviving merchant on that corridor.

 Rep. Ward welcomes queries and concerns about Hawaii Kai businesses. You may reach him via phone at (808) 586-6420 or email repward@capitol.hawaii.gov …

TAG seeks $15,000 to upgrade light and sound

The Actors’ Group (TAG), the fledging theater group located at the Brad Powell Theatre at Dole Cannery, is seeking 15,000 to upgrade its lighting and sound systems.

And it’s off to a great start: $7,900 already has been committed from donors and supporters.

The plans will include acquiring LEDs and updated software to replace antiquated equipment from the theater group’s Yellow Brick Studio facilities in Kaka‘ako.

LEDs are energy-efficient, with longer lifespan, and will reduce on-stage heat for actors. Power speakers will enhance amplification and depth, benefitting theater audiences.

Contributions, large or small, may be made at the theater during performance or at the group’s website, at www.taghawaii.net …

Broadway grosses, for the week ending May 5

While “The Lion King” still lords over the weekly list of Broadway grosses – the lone show in the $2 million club – the arrival of newbies will likely change the rankings in future weeks.

The Top 10:

1–“The Lion King,” $2,035 million.

2—”Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” $1,920 million.

3—”Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” $1,762 million.

4—”Hamilton,” $1,732 million.

5—”Wicked,” $1,586 million.

6—”The Wiz,” $1,458 million.

7—” MJ the Musical,” $1,456 million.

8—”Merrily We Roll Along,” $1,435 million.

9—”Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” $1,405 million.

10—“Hell’s Kitchen,” $1,270 million.

The complete list, courtesy the Broadway Guild:

And that’s Show Biz…

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DODGING A VISIT TO THE ER

Just when I thought my path to recovery was on track, I hit a bump in the road yesterday.

While negotiating a turn on my walker, from hallway to bedroom, the walker hit the side of the doorway and I fell onto the carpeted floor.

No injuries, but I simply couldn’t get up from floor to bed. Even with my wife Vi’s help,

I felt headachy, but my temperature had been 97.8 or 98.2 the past two days.

But when I fell, I knew the temp was higher because my whole body was warm. Vi  had earlier taken a reading yesterday, but  I was asleep in the morn, just like the two days before., when I had no appetite, was groggy, taking over-the-counter meds.

Recalling my feverish spell last August (when I discovered I had a gall bladder abscess problem that spread to my liver), Vi made an ER call despite my “no need” pleas, and minutes later, an ambulance arrived.

The team of two women first responders did the usual: checked my temperature, which was 100.2, took my blood pressure (didn’t ask, but didn’t see the numbers), and asked about the meds I have been taken.

The big question: should I be whisked to the hospital?

I figured, why not? But clearly, I was not an ER-needy patient. The first responders, who are both nurses and doctors, said that all ER rooms at hospitals are jammed to the max. If I wanted to be treated at Queen’s, which has all my medical history, ER patients typically have a 7-hour wait.

If I were to be shuttled to Kuakini or Adventist Health Castle, the wait might be shorter and the trek longer, but the load is equally full.

Their suggestions: hydrate, take Tylenol to bring down the fever, Ibuprofen if needed and – at least for a few hours because I was toasty warm – sleep in the bedroom with the AC on, to reduce the body heat.

And guess what, the advice worked!

Sharing these thoughts, in case you’re in the same boat.

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WILL BAG FEES CURTAIL TRAVEL?

Just asking…

With airline baggage check-in costs spiraling upwards, are you thinking of cutting back your trips?

JetBlue now charges the most to check in luggage: $45 for the first bag, $60 for the second. Hawaiian Airlines has the lowest fees: for inter-island travel, $25 for the first bag, $35 for the second; for mainland trips,  $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second. Delta matches Hawaiian’s $30 and $40 bag fees.

Checking in bags on  American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines also are more expensive now.  So, the immediate dilemma: will you curtail your air travels somewhat, pulling back on recreational travel, and perhaps flying only when it’s a priority?

Fees for checked bags depend on the carrier, how much you pay for your ticket, where you’re flying to, whether you utilize an airline credit card (like Hawaiian’s World Elite charge card), whether you’re a member of an airline loyalty program (like United’s MileagePlus), and other variables. If you check your bags online, not at the airport, there are discounts of $5 or $10.

One blessing: Most carriers allow military fliers to check in bags free.

Some highlights of the new airline policies:

  • American’s check-in fees now are  $40 for the first bag, but $35 if you  prepay online, and $45 for the second bag.  It used to be $30 and $40, but the rates changed Feb. 20.
  • JetBlue fees went up in January, and it costs $45 for first bag and $60 for the second checked bag, $10 more now than previous rates. That’s the most expensive baggage fees now. But JetBlue passengers who confirm they’re flying with checked bags ahead of time will pay $35 for their first bag and $50 for their second.
  • United boasts one of the industry’s most complex plan, detailing hikes depending on how much you pay for your ticket, where you are going, whether you booked via its charge card, and whether you’re a member of its loyalty club. United travelers in North America will pay $5 more for each checked bag now, with the first checked bag fee at $40 or $35 if travelers pay at least 24 hours in advance, and $50 for a second bag, or $45 if travelers pay in advance. United travelers  can check a bag for free if they are flying in a premium cabin,  or have a United Chase credit card,  or are a MileagePlus Premier member, or an active military member. On international flights, the  first bag is free, the second is $100.
  • Hawaiian has quite a detailed bag check-in policy, too, depending on destination: Neighbor Islands, the Mainland or internationally. For Neighbor Island travel, the first bag is $25, the second is $35; to North America, the charge is $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second. Third checked bags are $50 for Neighbor Islands, $100 for North America. For international flights, or first-class ticketing, checked bags are free. Hawaiian Air World Elite card users may check in two bags without charge on domestic flights. Overweight or over-sized baggage fuel more fees if bags are over 50 pounds.
  • Alaska Airlines’ bag rates are up by $5 for the first checked bag ($35) and a second checked bag ($45). Additional checked bags remain unchanged ($150) per-bag fee. 
  • Delta’s first-bag fee is  $30, and for second bag, $40. Delta SkyMiles card users may check in their first bag without charge.

You can’t dodge checked-luggage fees, but if you’re a frequent traveler, it makes sense to possess an airline charge card, which may include discounts on checked bags. For instance, Hawaiian’s charge card will reduce inter-island flight fees, $15 for your first bag, $30 for your second, and $50 for three or more bags.

Frequent fliers usually have charge cards with their favorite carriers; if you can afford and splurge for a business or first-class seat, you’ll get free luggage check-ins.’

On my last New York trip, I used accrued mileage to get two first class seats, flying to JFK on Hawaiian, and returning from Newark via United. Both flights took beaucoup miles, and the out-of-pocket fees were $50 a person both ways. With Hawaiian’s new partnership with Alaska, saving up mileage for a later trip might be prudent but could be a risk. Will the unused miles have lifetime safety?

WILL BAG FEES CURTAIL TRAVEL?

Just asking…

With airline baggage check-in costs spiraling upwards, are you thinking of cutting back your trips?

JetBlue now charges the most to check in luggage: $45 for the first bag, $60 for the second. Hawaiian Airlines has the lowest fees: for inter-island travel, $25 for the first bag, $35 for the second; for mainland trips,  $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second. Delta matches Hawaiian’s $30 and $40 bag fees.

Checking in bags on  American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines also are more expensive now.  So, the immediate dilemma: will you curtail your air travels somewhat, pulling back on recreational travel, and perhaps flying only when it’s a priority?

Fees for checked bags depend on the carrier, how much you pay for your ticket, where you’re flying to, whether you utilize an airline credit card (like Hawaiian’s World Elite charge card), whether you’re a member of an airline loyalty program (like United’s MileagePlus), and other variables. If you check your bags online, not at the airport, there are discounts of $5 or $10.

One blessing: Most carriers allow military fliers to check in bags free.

Some highlights of the new airline policies:

  • American’s check-in fees now are  $40 for the first bag, but $35 if you  prepay online, and $45 for the second bag.  It used to be $30 and $40, but the rates changed Feb. 20.
  • JetBlue fees went up in January, and it costs $45 for first bag and $60 for the second checked bag, $10 more now than previous rates. That’s the most expensive baggage fees now. But JetBlue passengers who confirm they’re flying with checked bags ahead of time will pay $35 for their first bag and $50 for their second.
  • United boasts one of the industry’s most complex plan, detailing hikes depending on how much you pay for your ticket, where you are going, whether you booked via its charge card, and whether you’re a member of its loyalty club. United travelers in North America will pay $5 more for each checked bag now, with the first checked bag fee at $40 or $35 if travelers pay at least 24 hours in advance, and $50 for a second bag, or $45 if travelers pay in advance. United travelers  can check a bag for free if they are flying in a premium cabin,  or have a United Chase credit card,  or are a MileagePlus Premier member, or an active military member. On international flights, the  first bag is free, the second is $100.
  • Hawaiian has quite a detailed bag check-in policy, too, depending on destination: Neighbor Islands, the Mainland or internationally. For Neighbor Island travel, the first bag is $25, the second is $35; to North America, the charge is $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second. Third checked bags are $50 for Neighbor Islands, $100 for North America. For international flights, or first-class ticketing, checked bags are free. Hawaiian Air World Elite card users may check in two bags without charge on domestic flights. Overweight or over-sized baggage fuel more fees if bags are over 50 pounds.
  • Alaska Airlines’ bag rates are up by $5 for the first checked bag ($35) and a second checked bag ($45). Additional checked bags remain unchanged ($150) per-bag fee. 
  • Delta’s first-bag fee is  $30, and for second bag, $40. Delta SkyMiles card users may check in their first bag without charge.

You can’t dodge checked-luggage fees, but if you’re a frequent traveler, it makes sense to possess an airline charge card, which may include discounts on checked bags. For instance, Hawaiian’s charge card will reduce inter-island flight fees, $15 for your first bag, $30 for your second, and $50 for three or more bags.

Frequent fliers usually have charge cards with their favorite carriers; if you can afford and splurge for a business or first-class seat, you’ll get free luggage check-ins.’

On my last New York trip, I used accrued mileage to get two first class seats, flying to JFK on Hawaiian, and returning from Newark via United. Both flights took beaucoup miles, and the out-of-pocket fees were $50 a person both ways. With Hawaiian’s new partnership with Alaska, saving up mileage for a later trip might be prudent but could be a risk. Will the unused miles have lifetime safety?

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EMME TOMIMBANG BURNS DIES AT 73

Emme Tomimbang Burns, a beacon in Hawaii’s broadcast landscape, died Monday (Feb. 19) night at Queen’s Medical Center, while undergoing open heart surgery. She was 73.

A proud graduate of Farrington High School and a prominent figure in the Filipino community, she was the widow of Judge James S. Burns, who preceded her in death.

Best known as the producer and host of “Emme’s Island Moments,” Emme (pictured) — full first name Emmeline — was queen of Hawaii TV’s version of what is dubbed a “magazine show,” assembling show biz celebrities and notables in all walks of life.

Her “Emme” brand has been televised on all network affiliates, including KITV, KHON and KGMB, with screenings also on KFVE. She produced the productions and served as interviewer on all episodes.

Her idol was Oprah Winfrey, and she was inspired to put her own imprint on that genre.

She also was a philanthropist, supporting JABSOM, the James A. Burns School of Medicine, , named after  Gov. John A. Burns, her father-in-law.

Memorial services are pending…

Sneak peek at MVT’s new season

Manoa Valley Theatre has let the chat out of the bag.

Season ticket owners have learned that MVT’s 2024-2025 season will include three theatrical treasures:

  • “Parade,” a Tony Award-winning musical Alfred Uhry (book) and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. The show, fresh from a Broadway run earlier this year, starred Ben Platt. “Parade” is a true story about a dramatization of the 1913 trial and imprisonment, and 1915 lynching, of Jewish American Leo Frank in Georgia.
  • “Kim’s Convenience,” a comedy by Ins Choi,  about a Korean family operating a grocery store in Toronto’s Regent Park neighborhood.
  • “Side by Side by Sondheim,” a Stephen Sondheim musical which honors and celebrates the lyrical and tuneful artistry of the iconic Broadway composer, a favorite of the acting community.

Details of the complete new season will be forthcoming…

And that’s Show Biz…