Statues are lasting memorials to historic figures, including entertainers. Thus, the recent unveiling of a Gabby Pahinui statue at Waikiki Beach Walk is a splendid homage to the Hawaiian slack-key icon guitar best known for his signature hit, “Hi‘ilawe.”
But the site of the installation has disheartened some locals who applaud the honor but question the location. Gabby never performed at Beach Walk, and some think his likeness should have been placed instead at Waimanalo Beach Park, as the Pahinui clan still lives in ’Nalo country and it’s the site of the annual kanikapila festival named after “Pops.”
Outrigger Enterprises installed the statue in a Waikiki partnership with the complex’s owners, American Assets Trusts Inc., feeling that the goodwill suited the spirit of kanikapila, because mele and hula are performed there.
But place matters. Don Ho has yet to be immortalized in bronze, but a future statue of him might rightfully be placed at one of these sites: the International Market Place, where he earned his superstar status at the now-defunct Duke Kahanamoku’s (the most logical place); the Hilton Hawaiian Village, where he starred at the Hilton Dome (since replaced by a hotel tower); and Waikiki Beach Walk, as he previously performed at the Polynesian Palace (now gone) and it’s where Don Ho Lane (a modest roadway) exists off Lewers.
The Duke Kahanamoku statue at Waikiki Beach is a match made in heaven. The surfer and Olympic swimmer is a stone’s throw from the rolling surf he loved.
Across town, the Elvis Presley statue is perfectly placed outside Blaisdell Arena, where the King staged his historic 1973 “Aloha From Hawaii” satellite-live concert.
A sculpture of Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole is suitably ensconced at the Waianae Neighborhood Community Center, because he lived in the Makaha-Waianae area, though the torso (minus arms) is not the best representation of Bruddah Iz.
A bust of Alfred Apaka, who headlined at the Hilton (then known as the Kaiser Hawaiian Village Hotel), logically greets visitors at the Tapa Tower.
Further, a bust of Jack Lord, the original Steve McGarrett of “Hawaii Five-0,” welcomes fans to Kahala Mall (on the Kilauea Avenue side); the actor lived in the swanky neighborhood. A more appropriate home might have been outside the gates of the Hawaii Film Studio near Diamond Head, home base for “Five-0.” Yes, location counts. …
PAST AND PRESENT
Four prime musical movers and shakers who defined the 1970s rebirth of Hawaiian music will perform starting this month at the Blue Note Hawaii:
>> Thursday: Henry Kapono, spotlighting the Cecilio & Kapono songbook; he’ll host the monthly showcase.
>> July 13: Malani Bilyeu, sharing songs of Kalapana.
>> Aug. 17: Jerry Santos, focusing on Olomana’s trademarks.
>> Sept. 14: Keola Beamer, reflecting on the Beamer Brothers’ (Keola and Kapono) catalog.
Outrigger Resorts is presenting the “Artist to Artist” Grammy Museum series, with shows at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Thursdays. A talk-story element, hosted by Henry Kapono, precedes all performances. Tickets: $25-$45; series seats ($150 VIP, $250 ultra VIP), at 725-2130 or bluenotehawaii.com.
Kapono returns to the Clive Davis Theater at L.A.’s Grammy Museum for a “Henry Kapono: Deconstruction” evening June 29. …
Must-see Blue Note extra: Willie K pays homage to Bruddah Iz at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Wednesday. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
