Gov. Neil Abercrombie couldn’t resist jumping on a horse at the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council’s annual Legislators’ Bar-be-que at Kualoa Ranch. He even penned two steers at the March 19 event with senior ranch cowboy Uncle Abe Akau — and that’s no bull. The guv was joined by Sen. Clayton Hee, Rep. Jessica Wooley and isle high court Associate Justice Jim Duffy for the herding and penning demonstration. Also attending were Sens. Brickwood Galuteria, Michelle Kidani, Roz Baker and Pohai Ryan; Reps. Cindy Evans, Chris Lee and Faye Hanohano; Kahua Ranch’s Monte Richards, Maui cowboy Brendan Balthazar and Cattlemen’s Council President Alan Gottlieb. The gathering gave cowboys a chance to tell lawmakers how ranchers help in terms of land and resource conservation. Kualoa Ranch owners John and David Morgan make the event possible each year …

Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo‘ole was honored with an Echo Award for Hit of the Year at Germany’s version of the Grammys March 24 in Berlin. Mountain Apple Prez Jon de Mello was in Berlin to accept the award and said, “I am humbled and thrilled to see that the endearing music of Iz continues to resonate and inspire audiences throughout the world.” Iz’s version of “Over The Rainbow” has been dominating the German singles charts, having enjoyed 15 straight weeks in the No. 1 position. The song, from the CD “Facing Future,” quickly climbed to No. 1 once it entered the German singles charts  … Eddie and Myrna Kamae’s award-winning documentary, “Li‘a: The Legacy of a Hawaiian Man,” is now available on DVD …

Frank De Lima and Sweetie Pacarro are emcees for Chaminade’s All Class Reunion Luau at 5 p.m. April 16, on the school campus. The luau is part of the April 14-17 reunion celebrations. This year the college is recognizing its first coed class … Audra Stevenson and Aubrey Hawk are co-chairs for Sunday’s “Green is Glamorous” Honolulu Theatre for Youth fundraiser at the Hawaii Prince, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A kids runway fashion show produced by ADR Agency is the grand finale …

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows was host for the team from Triathlete Magazine last month and provided a scenic backdrop for their annual swimsuit issue. Triathletes from the mainland, South Africa, Brazil, Canada and Scotland will be featured in the issue …

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Ben Wood, who sold the Star-Bulletin on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things.

Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.