wayneharada.com

‘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 …