This week I will wind up main events reported in Wood Craft during the year before starting my fourth-Sunday-of-the-month column Oct. 26.
One of the most memorable celebrations of 2014 was held Feb. 8 for Kieko "Sally" Matsukawa Kendig for her 90th birthday. Niece Sooz Mirikitani and husband Richard Mirikitani, owners of the beachfront Bayer Estate in Aina Haina, threw the extravaganza that saluted Sally’s volunteer work with the USO during World War II. Sally chaperoned USO dances, where she befriended young soldiers. She was surprised when she was driven to Bayer Estate in a vintage Jeep with Dr. Jeff Wang and daughter Kaila dressed in WWII uniforms. On arrival she saw nine soldiers from Schofield’s 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, gathered by Vietnam War vet Allen Hoe and Marine veteran James Putt, lining the walkway. They escorted her into the home where nearly 100 people, including her nephew and party emcee, Kona attorney Michael Matsukawa, welcomed her. There were USO-themed banners, and 1940s apparel was worn by guests. Vocalist Shari Lynn performed, backed by the 12-piece PBS Little Big Band with pianist Ray Kaneyama, Sally’s nephew. Dancers from the Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association in ’40s attire danced to WWII tunes. Each of the soldiers danced with Sally to her favorite Glenn Miller song, "Moonlight Serenade." Dinner was prepared by chefs Andreas Knapp and Cyrus Goo …
FRIDAY THE 13TH in June was a lucky day for Harry B. Soria Jr., as it marked 35 years of broadcasting as "Territorial Airways" host. The show is carried by AM-940 … Local girl Michelle Wie won the U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament in Pinehurst, N.C., June 22 … Top prize in Maui’s annual fireknife competition May 23 went to Mikaele Oloa. TC Thompson, after competing, brought Devyn Lurendez on stage. He dropped to one knee and proposed. She said yes! …
"HAWAII STARS’" Carole Kai Onouye teamed with Bob Jones to present an excellent half-hour special, "How Do YOU Remember Vietnam?" July 15 on KHON. It was written by Jones, who covered the war and was wounded by friendly fire. Jones conducted interviews with local boys who served in Vietnam in the special, co-hosted by Carole and Kimo Kahoano. Dirk Fukushima was producer … Randy Schoch, a former owner of Nick’s Fishmarket Waikiki and Black Orchid restaurants, hosted a Best of Times Reunion for former employees at his Ruth’s Chris at Waterfront Plaza on July 20. Randy was in town this week to oversee renovation of the Waterfront Plaza Ruth’s that began Sept. 29 and winds up Sunday for a Monday reopening. The steakhouse marked its 25th anniversary at Waterfront in May …
FORMER Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman drummer Harold Chang, 86, who hasn’t lost a beat, was surprised by 175 friends at a musical feast Aug. 3 at the Musicians Association of Hawaii Local 677 facility … Kristian Lei presented her 10th Broadway Babies concert, AWOL (Art Without Limits), at Leeward Theatre Aug. 21-23. The concert is dedicated to supporting and raising awareness for Best Buddies Hawaii, a program committed to building friendships for youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Haumea Ho, widow of Don Ho, chairs Best Buddies … Kaneohe girl Janel Meilani Parrish, 26, showed her steps when "Dancing With the Stars" Season 19 got underway Sept. 15 on ABC … Mililani High grad Maggie Q stars in the "Stalker" series that premiered on CBS Oct. 1 …
DEATHS: Singer Ida Keli‘i Chun, 91, died March 13. Bill Bachran, 87, Hawaii Sony Open historian, died April 27. Artist Hiroshi Tagami died June 13. Singer and radio personality Teddi Medina, 88, died July 17. Hawaii’s "caterer to the stars" Steve Ozark, 63, died July 24 in Nashville, Tenn. Joan Keola‘i Cluney Olds died July 1. Actor-singer James Shigeta, 85, died July 28 in L.A. Former Kahala Hilton public relations chief Kay Ahearn, 80, died Aug. 5. Standout football player and coach Edward "Skippa" Diaz, 70, died Aug. 29. John Kramer, bass player for Denny and Lyman who would have turned 93 Monday, died Sept. 19. Retired Army Col. Marvin Ferreira, 83, one of Kamehameha’s finest athletes, died Sept. 27, in Modesto, Calif. …
Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
