With Thanksgiving approaching, we posed a simple question to local notables: "What are you thankful for this year?"
Responses were overwhelmingly personal yet pertinent, reflecting core values like family and health.
The sentiments:
Audy Kimura, singer: "I’m thankful each day to be a U.S. citizen and for those who serve and defend our freedom."
Jimmy Borges, singer: "… for the extra time given me by my doctors and everyone’s prayers, to continue singing and mentoring young talent."
Jerry Santos, singer: "… that my Olomana family has weathered health challenges and that the aloha we receive keeps us making the music with love."
Loretta Ables Sayre, Broadway actress: "… for the continued opportunity to travel and work, and come back home to the love and support of my wonderful husband, David, and our family and friends. No place like home."
Amy Hanaiali‘i, singer: "… for my health, my family and the opportunity to travel the world, sharing the aloha spirit through music."
Robert Cazimero, singer, kumu hula: "… to be here this long and to have the opportunity to look back and see what I have done, to appreciate how lucky and loved I am, and prepare myself to walk the path of infinite possibilities ahead."
Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele virtuoso: "… for a loving wife and healthy son — family is everything."
Alan Goldberg, owner, producer of Waikiki’s newest show: "Five years of dreaming, praying and believing that our dream of ‘CabaRAE’ would come to life, and now here I stand in this spectacular theater dedicated to my beautiful wife, Wanda, with international artists who perform on the most unique stage. My life dream come true."
Carole Kai, entrepreneur: "… for my bicycle accident in August because it gave me a greater appreciation for my family, friends and a renewed understanding for those who are unable to be 100 percent, physically."
Taimane Gardner, ukulele whiz: "… for my musical gift and the ability to share it and inspire others."
Emme Tomimbang, TV producer: "Losing my Rufus (a Rottweiler) was a most challenging passage. I appreciate all the friends and strangers who have shared their story of losing a special pet. I am comforted and I don’t feel alone."
Melveen Leed, singer: "… for being able to continue singing and entertaining for 55 years."
Johnson Enos, composer, director: "… for riding the wave of ‘Honu by the Sea’ musical and to Keali‘i Reichel for recording ‘Hawaii.’"
Kip Wilborn, actor, singer, director: "… for the precious time that I have with my family, instead of always being on the road, and for the opportunity to ply my craft in the art/music scene."
Aidan James, uke prodigy: "… for all the opportunities that have come my way and have molded me into the musician I am today, and for my family, who believe in me and support what I love — playing music."
Jay Larrin, singer: "… for my dear island friends, for my friends in Canada and for the good fun and happy times we share. Also thankful for Portuguese bean soup, Rainbow Drive-In’s chili-frank plate, island-grown papayas, air conditioning and kim chee."
Cha Thompson, entertainment executive: "… for my 15 mo‘opuna (grandchildren). Of course, I’m the Puna Deah (dearest grandma)."
Frank De Lima, comedian: "… for my family, my friends and all those supportive people. I have been given a wonderful childhood, a good education, a rewarding career and volunteer work that I love."
Augie T, comedian, radio host: "I’m very thankful my wife has not divorced me yet, my ohana, my sexy friends, IRS, Guy Hagi, the Old Saimin House, Billy Kenoi."
Jack Cione, producer-director: "… for my good health; at 87 going on 88, I’m still doing another ‘Mardi Gras Follies’ in April."
Nina Keali‘iwahama Rapozo, singer: "… to have our entire ohana home for the holidays for the first time in 25 years."
Ron Bright, director: "God has blessed me with a precious family and many loyal friends, who shower me with little joys and grateful deeds each day."
Marlene Sai, singer: "… for the Lord’s blessings for a wonderful and loving family, dear friends and beautiful music."
Jeff Peterson, guitarist: "… for doing what I love, surrounded by aloha, and sharing my music not only at home, but in Venezuela, Australia, Hong Kong and India."
Lloyd Kawakami, singer, businessman: "So many things to be thankful for, but priority always goes to the safety and good health which my family and I enjoy — everything else is secondary."
Makana Cameron, singer, guitarist: "… the people of Hawaii have awakened to their kuleana to protect our aina, kai and wai." …
And that’s "Show Biz." …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist; reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com; read his Show and Tell Hawaii blog at www.staradvertiser.com.
