‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the ‘aina
Santa was list-checking, gifts splendid and minah.
With Omicron still threatening, though COVID protocols declining;
He had concerns of Rudolph’s red nose still brightly shining.
For Gov. Ige and Mayor Blangiardi, a green light on waivers;
But for bars and restaurants: are the pushbacks life-savers?
To Bruno Mars, pretty please, come back, do a show;
You know how we love you and your Hooligans‘ glow.
A second season “go” signal, for the “Doogie Kamealoha” cast;
For “NCIS: Hawai‘i,” too, may one not be the last.
For Chris Lee, resident film guru, more savvy shared;
His knowledge and smarts go where no one else dared.
For Destin Daniel Cretton, “Shang-Chi” pride of Maui
A bid at the Oscars would make him a wowie.
For Dwayne “Rock” Johnson, who has more than he needs;
Maybe some fundraisers for a string of good deeds?
For the divine Bette Midler, a “Dolly!” for all seasons.
And now, Kennedy Center laurels, kudos for all the right reasons.
For QB Marcus Mariota, a wish: “Maybe next year;”
More huddling, more passing…TDs we would cheer!
Fresh water, not tainted, for those on Red Hill,
And Navy brass, come on, too many are ill.
For singer Shari Lynn, a trove of Sondheim ditties?
For her furry dog Lui? Two pairs of warm mitties.
For Kika Matsumoto, new bookings, more cats;
For Audy Kimura, pups and kittens… minus spats.
A one-time day-off, for dandy Andy Bumatai
His daily online postings are as bright as the sky.
For Frank DeLima, more tours of schools statewide;
For decades he’s shared comedic inspiration with pride.
Another isle concert has been his big wish;
So sing, Martin Nievera, share your songs! Delish!
A “safe pass” to visit, for Loretta Ables Sayre;
She’s self-secluded in Mililani, because of pandemic scare.
For Joseph Morales, Marc delaCruz, Hawaii’s “Hamilton” stars;
Let your “shots” in the musical leave you stronger, without scars.
Something homemade and special, for busy Henry Kapono;
A gigantic tub of poke, fresh-catch and so ono.
For Jerry Santos, maile, the lei with sweet scent;
And one for Bryan Tolentino, the uke-strumming gent.
For Misty and Afatia, tweaking the Tihati brand;
With visitors returning, they’re still best in the land.
For retired Tihati founders Puna Cha and Papa Jack:
A leisurely cruise would ease their pain in the back.
For Robert Cazimero, a night club, where he can serenade and glow;
A chic Waikiki lounge to sing –three nights in a row?
For Roy Yamaguchi, Chai, Siu, the DK, MW team:
Filled fridges, full houses and creations that gleam.
A personal request to Alan Wong: please return to the scene?
We miss your culinary treats, you’ve always been keen.
For poet Fran Kakugawa, a new wrinkle of glory;.
A regular letter-to-the-editor writer, her words tell a story.
For floral whiz Asa Ige, a field full of bright blooms;
To create arrangements astounding, befitting hotel rooms.
For Kevin Iwamoto, also known as Kevin I:
More surges in ‘80s music, giving him a new global high.
For creator Johnson Enos, a delayed “Honu” launch would do;
His Disneyesque musical would have folks cheering “Woo!”
For Keali ‘i Reichel, Roz Catracchia, too;
The kickoff of Michael Jackowitz’s
Hi‘iaka dream musical come true!
For actor Jason Tam, more Broadway hits;
For Greg Zane, kudos, for his DHT blitz.
For composer Jay Larrin a “white” Mauna Kea year-long
So deejays can keep spinning his appropriate song.
For Kalani Pe’a, perhaps Grammy win No. 3?
He’s nominated again, so a hearty shout-out: Whee!
For Jake Shimabukuro, our prolific ukulele czar
A Grammy, too, will elevate his global star.
A new path for Raiatea Helm, the songbird from Molokai;
With her new college degree, she’ll reach a new high.
For Carole Kai Onouye, a revamped Great Aloha Run next year
That will wind up at UH’s Ching Stadium, no doubt with a big cheer!
For Blue Note operators, a rousing big cheer
For hiring acts, staying open, welcoming patrons without fear.
For Karen Keawehawai’i, used Christmas cards aplenty;
She recycles, makes tote bags, full of cheer … not scanty.
For KSSK’s Michael W. Perry, more music, less talk;
His political rants are making many folks balk.
For Ho’okena, The Makaha Sons, groups always supreme
Perhaps regular music festivals would be keen.
For Yvonne Elliman, simply, redemption, she’s had a few bad years;
She’s rebuilding her life, and her tunes still evoke tears.
For Carissa Moore, the first lady of surf;
May the waves never cease while you’re in that turf.
For Vanita Rae Smith, a frequent lunch mate;
Shall we continue the chatfests once we select a date?
For all of you first responders, in this time of duress;
A huge mahalo, and aloha you’re all truly da best.
To vaccine dodgers, a plea: please halt the decline;
Two shots. Plus booster. Just join the line.
A holiday toast, precious readers, all you Mr. and Ms.,
Mele Kalikimaka! Happy New Year! And that’s Christmas Show Biz …
