Show Biz: Former Kahala Hilton employees stay connected with upcoming reunion

The Kahala Hilton may be gone, but its loyal former workers across all levels keep the hotel’s spirit and aloha alive.

The Kahala Hilton, which opened its doors in January 1964, shut down in 1995 and evolved as the Kahala Mandarin Oriental and then the Kahala Hotel & Resort.

Former workers stage reunions every five to seven years, and the seventh such gathering, themed “Getting to Know You,” will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30 at the Hawaii Kai Golf Course. Employees from 1964 to 1995 may attend; at least 150 are anticipated.

“The first reunion was held in 1995 at the Swiss Inn in Niu Valley,” said Adam Suapaia Jr., retired food and beverage veteran, who formerly managed the Hala Terrace at the Kahala for 23 years. Swiss Inn was owned and operated by Martin Wyss, former Maile Restaurant chef and his wife Jeanie, so the reunion is all about connections. Suapaia, for example, works part time as a marshal at the golf course where the Kahala staffers will convene.

“We loved working there and we loved working with the people there,” said Suapaia. “The Kahala Hilton made us all feel special. We never lost track of who we were and what we stood for.”

Danny Kaleikini (Hala Terrace headliner) and Connie Kissinger (Maile Lounge singer) attended the last reunion. This year’s planners include Madeline Chang (housekeeping), Danette Matsuoka (human resources), Jane Inouye (human resources) and Jacquie Izumi (front desk). And Darren Yasui, a room service waiter at the Kahala in the mid-1980s, manages the golf course.

Cost: $35, includes buffet. Send checks payable to Adam Suapaia, at 564 Hahaione St., Apt. 5-I, Honolulu HI 96825, by Thursday. For more information, email mr.suapaia@gmail.com.

WHEE, THE PEOPLE

Bruno Mars brought down the house, headlining an SAP (a software corporation) convention last Wednesday at the Grand Wailea resort on Maui. Besides the musical explosion onstage, there were aerial fireworks. And the coconut wireless drew throngs on the beach and in boats off the shoreline, taking in hometowner Mars’ “24K Magic” music in a superb superstar freebie. …

“Hawaii Five-0” has vanished from the Netflix screening platform, effective Feb. 24. The locally-filmed procedural has been airing on Netflix since 2015, where all past episodes were screened. Season nine was expected this summer, but it’s possible Alex O’Loughlin and crew could be available on CBS All Access. …

THE FRAY’S THE THING

Aleks Pevec will guest-star as a rock-idol Shakespeare in Diamond Head Theatre’s Hawaii premiere of the Tony-winning musical, “Something Rotten,” opening March 22.

He appeared in “Rotten,” “Aladdin,” “Evita” and “Catch Me If You Can” in New York.

The musical spoofs a fray between Shakespeare and brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom (Kevin Pease and Ryan Dressel) who challenge the Bard’s prolific success by writing the world’s first musical, on the advice of “seer” Nostradamus (Garrett Hols).

John Rampage is director-choreographer, with Erin McFadden handling tap choreography and musical direction by Ike Webster.

Performances run through April 14. Tickets: diamondheadtheatre.com or 733-0174. …

WITH CONDOLENCES

Kevin Iwamoto, the former entertainer known as Kevin I who’s now an executive in business travel, meetings and technology consultation, was home recently for his mother Amy Iwamoto’s funeral services at Central Union Church and burial at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). Before the services, he slipped in the bathroom of an Airbnb rental, suffering a bump on his head. Still, he managed to deliver an emotional memoir of his mom, who died Jan. 15 at age 92. …

Condolences, too, to the family of Jane Martin, longtime advertising exec who founded Martin and Associates Advertising, who died Feb. 16 at her St. Louis Heights home. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. March 30 at Diamond Head Mortuary. …

And that’s “Show Biz.” …

Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.