Happy Lei Day. Former Gov. John Waihee was in Morton’s April 15 and when the steakhouse G.M. Zyron Schoniwitz told him I was there he walked over to say hello. Nice of him to come see the ol’ geezer. With him was Dwight Ho. Dwight’s dad,Don Ho, and I graduated from high school in 1949. He from Kamehameha and I from Roosevelt. We briefly shared stories and Zyron, who worked overseas for 8 1⁄2 years, told the ex-guv that the last time he saw him was at the eatery It’s Greek to Me in Waikiki. The guv remembered the night, Zyron said. "We both gasped when we did the math, almost 28 years ago. The guv quipped that he is still the same size now as he was then. I was silent," said "Big Z," who has gained a pound or two. Zyron turned to Dwight and added, "I have cherished memories of your dad from going to the ‘Suck ‘em Up Show’ in Duke Kahanamoku’s at the International Market Place in the early 1980s and enjoying tequila sunrises until the sun rose with my brother Joseph Schoniwitz, who was a manager there. Great memories, great times, great people!" …
MOVING ON: Lisa Freeman‘s book signing for her novel "Honey Girl" at Barnes & Noble Ala Moana April 18 turned out to be a big party. A large crowd jammed the back of the spacious store and was treated to a program of hula, chanting, singing, jokes and stories from "Hawaii Five-0" actors. Singer-actor-dancer and program co-emcee Kimo Kahoano, his son Kamuela on uke and kumu hula Leilani Kupahu-Marino, Momi Akana and Kanoe Hojfeldt handled the Hawaiian entertainment. Jimmy Borges, who has had 17 appearances on the original "Five-0" and one in the new series, sang three songs. Actors Al Harrington, Dennis Fong and Taylor Wiley were on a panel that was conducted by co-emcee Emme Tomimbang and took questions from the audience. A surprise guest at the signing was Helen Kuoha-Torco who was shown shaking it vigorously doing a Tahitian dance in Sterling Mossman‘s Queen’s Surf Barefoot Bar show prior to the start of every original "Five-0" episode.
Although it was Lisa’s book signing, it also turned out to be a testimonial for her late dad, "Five-0" creator Leonard Freeman. A moment of silence was held for him. Just about everyone who took part in the program gave overwhelming thanks to Leonard for creating the show, starring Jack Lord, and filming it in Hawaii for 12 years. I’m sure Lisa and her sisters, Robin Freeman Bernstein and Susan Freeman Mann, who were in the audience, appreciated that … Lisa will be at the Hawaii Book and MusicFestival, scheduled Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds. Lisa will be at the Keiki Stage Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and follow with another book signing at the Barnes & Noble booth … Police Chief Louis Kealoha was seen in last Friday’s episode of "Hawaii Five-0" playing — what else? — the police chief.Kealoha was paid $700, which he donated to the Hawaii Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation …
Lloyd T. Kitaoka‘s last name was incorrect in my last column …
ALOHA DOUG JAGO: I was shocked to learn that Jago, 64, visual presentation manager for Neiman Marcus and an artist, died April 16. Neiman is remembering Doug with a display of his work today through May 31 in the store. A website, babejago.com, will be updated with some of his artwork and info on services. Doug was a unique, artsy dresser who wore clothing few would dare to consider. He told me about 10 years ago he wanted my old, well-worn leather sport coat. I told my younger friend I would leave it to him …
Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
