IT WAS fascinating to watch father and son James and Scott Caan whenever they were on camera together in Monday’s “Hawaii Five-0.” It was cool to see son Scott’s character get tough with his dad early on, thinking he was playing a bad guy, and then find out he was helping “Five-0.” And it looked as though some real father-son warmth came across toward the end. Good show! The “Five-0” brass should bring James back whenever they can get him. It was also great to see Jimmy Borges, 15 times a guest on the original “Five-0,” on Monday’s program. Jimmy said James is one of his all-time favorite actors. “It was like getting a master’s degree in acting watching the Caans plan their scenes,” he said. I hope to see Jimmy get more get shots on the show …
KULANI PURDY, 83, who was taken from his parents after his birth in Kalaupapa, Molokai, because one of them had Hansen’s disease, died Feb. 11 in Leahi Hospital. Kulani lived much of his adult life in New York City where his newsletter, The Polynesian Registry, kept Hawaiians who were living in the Big Apple in touch with one another. Hawaiians performing in the Hawaiian Room of the Lexington Hotel belonged to Kulani’s network. They included: Mahi Beamer, Ray Kinney, Manu Kanemura Bentley, Mona Joy, Leilani Kaleikini, Betty Makia, Momi Kai Gustafson, Lei Becker, Joyce Ontai, Io Cabanos, Tutasi Wilson and Te Moana Makolo. His newsletter also reached Hawaiians in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland. “He also was an integral part of organizing Hawaiian luau in Central Park every May Day, and later held on June 1 as it was too cold in May,” Hale Kaohu Rowland said. “The luaus are still being held. Kulani would have us gather at Nainoa and Pat Brett’s little restaurant called The Poi Bowl on 71st Street. Later on, we all met at Janu Cassidy’s shop called Radio Hula, in Soho, and also at The Symphony Cafe, a restaurant on 56th and 8th that my husband, Manny, and I had part-ownership,” Hale said. Kulani’s services will be held Wednesday at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church at noon. Hale, Kulani’s friend since their Roosevelt High days, will give the eulogy. Former Lexington Hotel performers Te Moana will hula and Mona will sing …
SERVICES WERE held at Central Union Church Saturday for Dick Rodby, 81, former owner and manager of Kemo‘o Farm Restaurant in Wahiawa, where the late singer-pianist Charles K.L. Davis drew large crowds. Guests performers at Kemo‘o included: Emma Veary, Marlene Sai, Eddie Kamae, Mahi Beamer, Karen Keawehawaii, Moe Keale, Johnny Almeida, Andy Cummings, Myra English and more. Dick died Jan. 28. He was a graduate of Leilehua High and Woodbury Business College. Nalani Olds and the Hapa Folk Trio sang at the services. Speakers included Bill Paty, Al Rodrigues, Mark Manley, Dick’s sister Jane Rodby and his nephew Walter Rodby. The church was packed. Condolences to Dick’s wife, Joan, and other members of the family …
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Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
