COURTESY THIERRY T CHING OF RFO RADIO

Lucie Wilson

Lucie Poehere Wilson, who has been performing at the Polynesian Cultural Center since she was 7, won the Miss Tahiti title in Papeete, Tahiti, last weekend. Lucie will compete for the title of Miss France in Caen, France, later this year. Lucie, 21, was born of Tahitian parentage in Kahuku and has performed at the cultural center since 1996, even starring in her own show, "The Lucie Show," from ’96 to 2002. Today, she has the lead role of Lani in PCC’s evening show, "Ha: The Breath of Life." The Kahuku High grad attends BYU Hawaii. "When they announced my name as Miss Tahiti I couldn’t believe it," she said. "This has always been a dream of mine and with this title I hope to inspire and encourage other girls to chase their dreams. I would especially like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the PCC for helping me gain the confidence to perform in front of thousands of people." …

Kathryn "Katy" Bulkley, who was born and raised in Olomana, was crowned Miss Arizona last month, according to her uncle, Bob Bulkley, of Southern Wine & Spirits. What’s more, Katy’s mom Pam Offer Bulkley was Miss Hawaii 1981. They have many relatives here. …

Several months ago, high school friend Jean Brickman Anderson told me not to miss "The Proposal," which starred Sandra Bullock. But Jean’s high praise was for Betty White, who co-starred in the picture. I was more into Sandra but Betty also got my attention. She was a hit on a recent "Saturday Night Live," among other programs, and I am enjoying her in the new Wednesday night comedy "Hot in Cleveland" on TV Land. She’s so funny. Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick are also good for laughs in the show. Give it a look. …

Condolences to the family of Bill Richardson, who died June 21 at age 90. Bill was raised in modest surroundings but grew up to become one of Hawaii’s most important citizens who will go down in the history books. I was standing near him in a group of people at an Iolani Palace function years ago. He was being introduced to someone as a former lieutenant governor, longtime chief justice, for whom the UH law school was named, and a Bishop Estate trustee. I chimed in with, "He was also a former Roosevelt High football halfback." And Bill said, "That’s what I like to hear." Besides all those high positions, he was happy to be known as an RHS football player. …

Brickwood Galuteria

Don’t forget The Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Waikiki Beach Walk from 2 to 6 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Casey Olsen, Alan Akaka, Greg Sardinha and Jeff Au Hoy are among those performing. Hosts are Sen. Brickwood Galuteria and Harry B. Soria of Territorial Airwaves … The Hawaiian Hut at Ala Moana Hotel has been purchased by the Orthodox Jewish organization Chabad of Hawaii and will be used as a school and worship place. What a change from its show biz past and partying. Chabad is already based at the hotel with offices. It has its Passover Seder banquets and other holiday festivals in the hotel meeting rooms. …

HAWAII’S Kristian Lei has been playing Princess Nala in Hong Kong Disneyland’s "Festival of the Lion King" for six months. Along with that role, Kristian is now also portraying Rafiki, the storyteller, in the show … Carolyn Shofner Taum’s last name was misspelled in last week’s column. …