New book by journalists recalls life of beloved judge

The book "Judge Sam King: A Memoir" will be available in bookstores this weekend and can be purchased online now at www.bookshawaii.net. Federal Judge Samuel P. King was a co-author of the original "Broken Trust" essay in the Hono­lulu Star-Bulletin and the subsequent book of the same title chronicling the mismanagement of the Bishop Estate by its trustees in the 1990s. King also presided over some of Hawaii’s most sensational trials, from organized crime to the Palmyra murder trials, and upheld the 1967 Hawaii Land Reform Act, which shifted property ownership in Hawaii from large trusts to ordinary citizens.

King died Dec. 7, 2010, at age 94. In 2009 former Hono­lulu Advertiser staffers Jerry Burris and Ken Koba­ya­shi, now a Star-Advertiser reporter, began a series of recorded conversations with King. After King’s death a year later, the duo continued work on the book with support from the King family, combining the recorded conversations with an oral history conducted by King’s former law clerk, Susan Lee Waggener, and the collection of writings, news stories, speeches and other material carefully saved and organized by King’s wife, Anne, and Rebecca Berry, the judge’s secretary for much of his legal career.

Burris and Kobayashi will be at Barnes & Noble Ala Moana this evening at 6 to sign copies of the Watermark Publishing release …

I’m glad Ken and Jerry completed this work. Part-Hawaiian King was not only an important figure in Hawaii’s history, but also a great man with a keen sense of humor. Talking with him was always a joy. My favorite Sam story was when I spoke with him about "And the Sea Will Tell," a 1991 two-part TV miniseries about the killing of a yachting couple on Palmyra Atoll. Judge King was portrayed by Mavor Moore. I asked King what he thought about the production. He quickly said he was much better-looking than the guy who played him. The judge was never wrong …

OUTSTANDING bass player Steve Jones, a classy guy, has been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and is undergoing treatment. A benefit concert and fundraiser for him will be held at Studio 909 at the musicians union Dec. 12 from 6 to 10 p.m.

"We decided the best way to help Steve is with the music that he knows and loves," said event co-organizer Loretta Ables Sayre. "My energies are focused gathering the love and support in putting this benefit show together to raise funds for Steve. There also will be a silent auction featuring holiday gifts, including lessons by local musicians and gift certificates to some of Hono­lulu’s best restaurants."

An all-star lineup of Hawaii’s top jazz musicians and singers will perform. Jimmy Borges will emcee and sing. The "house band" is made up of Dan Del Negro, piano; Darryl Pellegrini, drums; Dean Taba, bass; and DeShannon Higa, trumpet. Singers are Amy Hanaiali‘i, Teresa Bright, Shari Lynn, Kip Wilborn, Mihana Souza with Kanoe Cazimero, Keahi Conjugacion, Rocky Brown and Starr Kalahiki. Other musicians are pianists Jim How­ard and Kit Ebersbach, Reggie Padilla on sax, drummer Noel Okimoto, bassist John Kolivas, drummer Von Baron, Tim Tsu­ki­yama on sax, guitarist Brian Kessler and guitarist Zanuck Lindsey with the group Kapala.

"The musicians union has graciously donated the room for our use for that evening," said Nata­lie Aczon, event co-organizer. Tickets are $50 with all proceeds going to Steve. Pupu by Chef Chai and drinks will be sold.

To buy tickets or donate to Steve, visit www.event­brite.com/event/9254357031 or www.eventbrite.com and search for Friends of Ste­phen Jones. Donations also can be made at any Bank of Hawaii branch to the Friends of Stephen Jones account. For more information visit www.facebook.com/friendsofstephenjones …

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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.