"TUFF" DON FOWLER, a pal from "small kid days," called this week to talk story about his close friend Curtis "Da Bull" Iaukea, who died last Friday at age 73. Don and Curtis are former Punahou football players and attended the University of California-Berkeley together. Curtis was an outstanding tackle at Cal and Joe Kapp, the highly rated quarterback who later starred for the Minnesota Vikings, was the third member of their, shall we say, "infamous" trio. They would hit Chinese restaurants where the local boys would do the ordering and the Mexican eateries where Kapp, who is Mexican, would be in charge. That’s enough to say about their colorful adventures together. Curtis played football in the National Football League and the Canadian Football League before becoming a professional wrestler. Don said they had loads of fun together and their friendship never ended. Every Fourth of July, Don said he and Curtis made a point to meet at Duke’s Waikiki, where they would reminisce about those good old days at Cal. Condolences to Curtis’ wife, Jeanette, and the rest of his family. …

PASSENGERS on Sunday’s 7 p.m. Hawaiian Airlines flight from Kahului to Honolulu were surprised and entertained when about 40 passengers burst into song with the "Hallelujah Chorus." The singers were members of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus returning from their afternoon Christmas concert with the Maui Pops Orchestra. The Symphony Chorus will sing it again in their annual Honolulu Christmas Concert at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The family concert features a selection of joyous music, from classical choruses to popular carols. Artistic director Esther S. Yoo will conduct, with John Renke at the organ, and a brass ensemble. The audience will be invited to join in the singing. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $15 for military and students. Children 10 and under are free. Call 524-0815 ext. 257 for more info. … DON’T FORGET "A Cazimero" Christmas" with Broadway standout Loretta Ables Sayre joining Robert and Roland Cazimero and their cast at the Hawaii Theatre at 7: 30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow. The show is also playing Sunday at 2 p.m. …

FORMER Miss Universe Brook Lee will replace vacationing hula dancer Kanoe Miller at the Halekulani’s House without a Key from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1, except for Dec. 26 when Debbie Nakanelua performs. Brook will be working with Kupaoa instead of Pa’ahana at the beachfront spot on New Year’s Eve. The hotel has booked Matt Catingub and his 12-piece orchestra for New Year’s Eve in Orchids. …

PEOPLE wanting to congratulate Miss Hawaii 2010 Jalee Fuselier and wish her a fond farewell as she prepares to represent Hawaii in the 2011 Miss America Pageant should come to Ka Restaurant and Lounge in Ward Centre from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29. A $10 donation will get you in the party, which will offer food and raffle prizes. Past Miss Hawaiis will attend, as will people who make up the Miss Hawaii Organization. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss Hawaii Scholarship Fund. The 2011 Miss America Pageant is scheduled for Jan. 15 at Planet Hollywood Resorts and Casino in Las Vegas. Tickets to the Miss America sendoff are available for purchase at www.misshawaii.org. …