Happy Camper for Monday, December 19, 2022
Keiko Takahashi and Ryo Takami came all the way from Yokohama, Japan to be part of the Ka Pa Hula o Hinano recital, and got a special treat on Saturday when the pair got to see Kumu Hula Troy Hinano Lazaro and the Kaua‘i halau perform during the “Grand Reopening (that’s Kumu Troy’s term)” of the ‘Ele‘ele McDonald’s restaurant that was met with “Chee-hoo!” from motorists sitting at the red light on Waialo Road, and horn honks from cars passing by.
Congratulations, Darleen Chung, Brandon Yoshimoto, Florence Gomez and all those hands connected to the new restaurant that is still waiting for “one more permit” (Michelle Jona said “hurry up!”) before allowing diners to enjoy the Golden Arches.
Darleen got to see Norman and Mabel Hashisaka for the first time (she recognized them in the car passing by for parking. Gary Furugen was doing parking duty) in 13 years, and could connect daughters Ruth and Ann to their names.
Randy Francisco said the delay was a good opportunity for a tour of the back of the house, and County Council Member Felicia Cowden was on a stop en route to getting good parking for the Waimea Light Parade (did those Waimea High School soccer players make it back before the road shut down?).
More holiday hula hit the stage at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e when Kumu Hula Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza let the Saturday shoppers have a taste of Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani’s 34th Holiday Hula (no, if you didn’t go, you have to wait for the 35th edition!).
OK, time to check out how kitchen chefs coped with the soggy conditions at the Pau Hana Market Monday at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e from 3 p.m. Su Okada will have some good luck pieces, and Mayette Loseto is having fresh kadomatsu for the new years at the market’s day-after-Christmas edition.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.