On the Scene
1/5
Swipe or click to see more
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS KAMAKAHI
1. David Kamakahi, right, talked with Nathan Aweau at a fundraiser birthday party for his father, slack-key master Dennis Kamakahi, Monday at the Willows restaurant. Dennis announced in mid-March that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and was celebrating his 61st birthday in isolation, watching via a video link, while more than 40 entertainers and radio personalities shared their talents in the 31/2-hour show.
2/5
Swipe or click to see more
JAM-PACKED VIP BASH WELCOMES H&M TO HAWAII
5. Daniel Kulle, left, president of H&M North America, was the gracious host of the VIP opening party in Waikiki on March 26 for the first H&M store in Hawaii. More than 800 "VIPs" were invited, so many that some of them had to wait outside until others left, but Kulle's heart was in the right place. "H&M loves Hawaii, and we want to give back to Hawaii," he said, noting that proceeds from the sale of limited-edition H&M T-shirts with artwork by Hawaii surf photographers Sarah Lee, second from left, Zak Noyle and Mike Coots benefit AccesSurf's water recreation programs for people with disabilities.
3/5
Swipe or click to see more
A GIFT FROM SEE SAI DOO
4. The See Dai Doo Society celebrated spring with a lavish banquet and a $25,000 check for the Palolo Chinese Home on March 29 at Empress Restaurant. See Dai Doo Society Vice President Wes Fong, left, Palolo Chinese Home President Gordon Au, Darlene Nakayama, See Dai Doo Society President Robert Ching and 2014 Narcissus Queen Brittany Lee practiced hefting the giant check before the formal presentation.
4/5
Swipe or click to see more
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS KAMAKAHI
3. Ledward Kaapana, left, Raiatea Helm, Pomai Keawe-Lyman, Mark Yamanaka and Mike Kaawa talked backstage shortly before Keawe-Lyman performed with the Keawe Ohana. Kaawa was fighting a bad cold and wasn't able to sing with Kaapana, but provided strong instrumental support on Kaapana's signature medley, "12th Street Rag"/"Sweet Georgia Brown." For more party photos go to www.honolulupulse.com.
5/5
Swipe or click to see more
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS KAMAKAHI
2. Eddie Kamae, seated, and his wife, Myrna, second from left, were greeted by Lloyd Kawakami, Mailani Makainai and Kaui Dalire as they arrived. Kamae, founder and leader of the Sons of Hawai'i, invited Kamakahi to join the group in 1973 and was his mentor from that point on. Speaking to the crowd via a video link later in the evening, Kamakahi thanked Kamae for teaching him to "always play what you feel."
Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.