MidWeek » Old Friends

When Lynne Boyer was featured on MidWeek's cover Aug. 7, 1985, she was a renowned surfer who pioneered the concept of professional surfing. "We were the first generation who surfed professionally in the IPS (International Professional Surfers)," explains the 1978 and '79 Women's world champion. "It was the birth of the whole professional surfing." Prior to her back-to-back championship titles, Boyer took third place in the Hawaii State Championships in 1973 and first in 1975. She says that surfing and art both are creative outlets for her, and Boyer currently is a full-time artist with a one-person exhibit running until the end of February at Gallery on the Pali. "I thought one day I'd be an artist," she says. "But then the surfing thing came in and it took over my life. It was new, and at that age (19) I'd rather travel the world surfing than go to school and learn art." Her "Opposites" exhibit features about 30 oil-on-canvas paintings of landscapes, seascapes and urbanscapes from Hungary (where she travels for two months out of the year) and Hawaii. Boyer paints in plein-air fashion, meaning "in the open air" in French. "When I'm in Hungary, I paint the city, and it's very opposite of Hawaii," she says, explaining the reasoning behind her exhibit's title. "The plein-air painting bug hit me, like surfing did when I was young. That changed my whole style of painting." Before she got into plein air, she took art classes at University of Hawaii to learn the basics of oil painting. "I never worked with colors and paints, I just drew and sketched," admits Boyer, who had her first gallery show in the '90s on the North Shore. "I was scared of using paints, but I ended up loving it. "And then I discovered plein-air painting, and I decided, 'Wow, I want to go out and do that.'" Currently, Boyer teaches plein-air workshops and says the experience is absolutely amazing. "I've come to a level where I want to give back, and it works both ways: You teach, and you receive," she says. "It's a good feeling to be outside participating with nature. Part of the plein-air experience is to be outside and deal with the changing of nature." She relates her painting style to that of a sport. "You have to paint quickly to capture the light, and you need to figure out the color and the tones and the composition. There's a lot to it - it's exciting, and you never get bored." The unique perspective of her Hawaii paintings are no doubt influenced by her career in surfing, and those who are fortunate enough to see her work this month can appreciate two cultures from opposite sides of the world.

Lynne Boyer

Nicole Kato

Kathy Muneno might be a familiar face to many as weekday evening anchor for KHON2 News. But offscreen, she does many amazing things for the community. Muneno worked at Grove Farm Company, a land management and community development company on Kauai, coordinating its environmental programs, and also worked as a volunteer for Polynesian Voyaging Society, helping to coordinate its voyage to Micronesia and Japan in 2007. She also volunteers at Children's Justice Center of Oahu, which serves child victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and children who witness a violent crime. She's been a volunteer at the center for about 15 years, and became a board member in 2012. "It was and is heartbreaking and amazing in so many ways," she explains. "As a volunteer, I would play with the children as they waited to be interviewed by police or social workers - this is following a report of abuse. "We have to protect and support our children, and let them know that we are here to help them along the way. As a board member now, the FCJCO (Friends of the Children's Justice Center of Oahu) supports the center, which is part of the state Judiciary. We raise funds to provide the foster care bags ... I'm honored to be a part of this important work." Muneno joined the KHON2 News team in May 2007 to co-anchor the morning show with Kirk Matthews, Trini Kaopuiki and Manolo Morales. "2008 was quite a year for me," she admits. "Our (she and husband Nainoa Thompson) home burned down, then a few weeks later we found out I was pregnant. Then a few weeks later we found out we were having twins, and several months later we had twins, a boy and a girl (Na'inoa and Punana, now 4 years old)." She then made the switch to weekend weather anchor at KHON2 in the fall of 2009. "It enabled me to be with my babies more and I could be awake - it was difficult with the early morning hours," says Muneno, who was featured on MidWeek's cover Dec. 12, 2001. She now anchors the 5 p.m. news with Justin Cruz Monday to Friday. And she couldn't be happier, despite having two "full-time" jobs. "It's a lot of work," Muneno says of her children and job. "Many say it's more than just double the work, and I would have to agree. But I also know it's a lot of work for those who don't have twins. "I guess it's the same for all children, but ours are so very different in almost every possible way - looks, personality, what they like to eat and do, sleeping rhythms - so I don't see them as twins. "For the twins, it's really nice that they have each other, and they watch out for each other quite nicely."

Kathy Muneno

Nicole Kato

With the recent meteorite scare that hit Chelyabinsk, Russia, earlier this month, the research and development of ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) is even more important in helping to identify dangerous asteroids before they hit Earth. A team of astronomers at the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii received a $5 million grant from NASA in 2011 to complete the project, and according to astronomer John Tonry of the institute, construction of the needed equipment and software is well under way. What sets the ATLAS system apart from all other telescope systems is that the viewer has a wide field of view of the sky. "The thing that's interesting is that we know about as many as thousands of asteroids, but the number that is out there that can threaten the Earth is measured in millions," explains Tonry, who was featured on MidWeek's cover June 13, 2012, for sharing a Nobel Prize. "No system is going to be good at finding these asteroids unless they pass really close to the Earth, and unless you're looking at the whole sky, there's little chance of seeing one because they zip by quickly." Rather than one large telescope, the ATLAS telescope system will be comprised of smaller ones, which is unusual in terms of having a very wide field of view and crisp images. "That's the combination you need for surveying the sky," explains Tonry, pictured here with some of the equipment. "It doesn't have to be bigger; it needs to get the whole sky multiple times per night." He also says there are major benefits to having the ATLAS system in place in terms of identification and accuracy. "We can know very quickly if it's a dangerous asteroid. I hope that we don't find any that hit the Earth like Chelyabinsk, or worse. If it does, then we stand prepared to provide warning," says Tonry, who works with project collaborators Rob Jedicke, Armin Rest and Richard Wainscoat. Before tackling the ATLAS project, Tonry played a huge part in the development of Pan-STARRS1 on Haleakala, Maui. "The thing I realized in 2008 was that it (Pan-STARRS1) wasn't going to do all the job. There was a complementary job that needed to be done, specifically events like in Chelyabinsk or the 2012 DA14, which was discovered last year by Spanish astronomers. "If the 2012 DA14 came by, and if that's the one that hit Chelyabinsk, it would have been completely destroyed," he says. With devastating effects that asteroids can have on our planet, the ATLAS system will be able to quickly identify possible dangers and provide ample time for evacuation. For more information on this project, visit fallingstar.com.

John Tonry

Nicole Kato

In his youth, Benny Rietveld enjoyed playing all types of musical instruments. "When I was growing up, I was playing a lot with my cousin and we would just jam a lot," he explains. "I'd play drums and sometimes I'd play bass, but I was the drummer in our band." When the group's bass player left, Rietveld took the spot, and the rest is history. As part of the current lineup for longtime band Santana, Rietveld brings to the table a magnificent bass beat. "It's really an invisible type of instrument," he says. "It's structural, so a lot of people don't really notice it until it goes away, and then they notice it. They notice its absence." While Santana is working on a couple of new musical projects, Rietveld is staying busy with his own adventures. He recently wrote a 9,000-word article about all the James Bond themes for the Herald de Paris, and just came back from doing three days of extra shooting on the set of Breaking Bad. "Part of the reason why I did it is because I'm a big fan. I have an interest in that world, and I have for a long time," says Rietveld, who was featured on our weekend cover Feb. 24, 2006. "When you see anybody doing anything at a really high level, it's instructional. It's amazing how much you learn. "I was a pretty bad Breaking Bad geek before, so it was great." Rietveld is fascinated with all aspects of acting, and says it is even related to music in some ways. "Everything is choreographed, so you can improvise, but now you have to be aware of more dimensions. I was so nervous driving to the set, and it felt good to be nervous. "When we play, I don't really feel nervous. I haven't felt nervous in forever. But I'm still excited, which is great, because this band is also an amazingly good team." Aside from his extracurriculars, Rietveld stays busy, as Santana performs about 80 shows a year in Las Vegas. And the group recently played on Maui and began its 2013 Sentient Tour, which will take the band to Bangkok, Taipei, two Tokyo shows, Osaka, New Zealand and Australia. "Then maybe I'll get some rest, but I doubt it," Rietveld says. But he enjoys the busy lifestyle nonetheless. "If it's busy and you're doing interesting stuff, it kind of keeps you alive," he says. "You're keeping challenged; it's great. I wouldn't want to be busy if it's always the same thing. That would kind of get old. "But if you keep doing things that make you nervous, then that's good."

Benny Rietveld

Nicole Kato

Mark Mugiishi is a jack-of-all-trades. From 1989 to 2009, "Doc" coached Iolani's high school boys basketball team and accumulated more than 400 wins, 10 ILH titles and a record seven state championships - despite never having played the game competitively. Recognized as one of Hawaii's top cancer surgeons and having retired from coaching in 2009, he is now medical director for Skai Ventures, Endoscopy Institute of Hawaii and Hawaii Medical Services Association (HMSA). Mugiishi, who was on MidWeek's cover April 1, 1998, also is a practicing surgeon at Central Medical Clinic and Kuakini Medical Center. Skai Ventures is a technology accelerator, and Mugiishi says the company is conducting a lot of exciting research in the biotechnology field, including an artificial cornea, the security microtag TruTag, and a remediation gel (DeconGel) that is an eco-friendly solution for nuclear, radiological and chemical cleanup. "Part of what our technology accelerator has done is we started building ambulatory surgery centers to deliver focused health care in Hawaii that is more efficient and more cost-effective," he explains. "We built two (surgery centers), the Eye Surgery Center of Hawaii at Dole, and also the Endoscopy Institute of Hawaii at Hale Pawa'a." The Endoscopy Institute of Hawaii allows for increased access to the most advanced and efficient colorectal cancer screening. As if Mugiishi's list of accomplishments is not yet long enough, he also is producing a musical starring Lea Salonga, George Takei and Telly Leung. Allegiance will open on Broadway hopefully in the spring of 2014, and tells the story of the World War II Japanese internment camps and the heroism of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. "Our philosophy in producing this musical is to get this message to mainstream America," Mugiishi explains. "We're using music and a beautiful musical score to tell the story of one family." The story line takes the audience through hardships encountered and how it affected conflict in the family, but it's all overcome with love and redemption in the end. Mugiishi and friend Jay Kuo (who wrote the musical score) did the musical's regional run at San Diego's Old Globe, and Allegiance broke the record for the largest-grossing show at the theater. "When he (Kuo) shared with me the musical score, it touched me," Mugiishi says. "We put together a team that has been pushing forward. It's been going on since 2008, and we're finally heading to the big stage. "It's a lot, but it's been fun and worthwhile. We want people from Hawaii to go see it."

Mark Mugiishi

Nicole Kato

Patricia Tummons is loving life and loving her job. As the founder of Environment Hawaii, started in 1990, she is able to provide interested readers with information on environmental issues. The organization is said to be the single most important source of news on environmental issues in the 50th state. "I'm doing more of the same. We moved to Hilo in '93, and we've been based in Hilo ever since then," says Tummons, who was featured on MidWeek's cover July 8, 1992. "It was economics mainly, why we decided to relocate the business. "You don't have to pay to park," she continues with a laugh. "The idea was that we could more than pay for the inter-island travel required, and that would be offset by the lower cost of operation in Hilo." The move did not hinder the organization's ability to conduct its business. "So much more is available online," Tummons says. "We can get documents through email, and a lot of agencies have online records that simply were not doable back then." Environment Hawaii is a non-advocacy organization that benefits university libraries, governmental agencies, natural resource agencies, the office of the attorney general and more. "It's a great source for any study looking into environmental issues or the history of environmental problems," Tummons explains, also noting that the organization now is online, as well. She says Environment Hawaii, which puts out a print edition each month in addition to the online content free for subscribers, practices investigative journalism on issues important to the future of Hawaii's environment. "I'm really proud that we continue to do that ... given that we only have two writers (herself and Teresa Dawson, located on Oahu)," she says, adding that Environment Hawaii hasn't skipped a beat since the relocation. When she's not hard at work at the office, Tummons enjoys spending time with her two Labrador retrievers, Opal (like the gem) and Seamus (who has the same name as Mitt Romney's dog). "But we didn't know it at the time," she says. Tummons started taking her pups to obedience training, but soon found that agility lessons were much more fun for all involved. She is pictured (top) running an agility course with Opal. "They're running through tires, running through tunnels - they just love it," she says. "It's not the same as obedience training, where you're there with a stern look on your face saying, 'Stay still!' "So for our dogs, it's just a whole lot more fun."

Patricia Tummons

Photo from Nancy Bernal

Showman extraordinaire Al Waterson has an extensive background in music – singer, emcee, actor, voice-over talent and recording artist – and has performed not only in Hawaii, but nationally and internationally as well. As one of Hawaii’s top masters of ceremonies, Waterson has been a part of corporate conventions, major gala events, expos, concerts, pageants, political functions, private parties and weddings.

“The most rewarding thing about being an emcee and an entertainer is seeing the response of the audience at each function, and receiving the positive remarks and gratitude of those who request my services,” says Waterson, who was featured on the Jan. 16, 2009, MidWeek the Weekend cover.

He also had many parts in the original Hawaii Five-0 and acted alongside Frank Sinatra in a Magnum P.I. episode.

“What I liked most about being on the original Hawaii Five-0 was working around major Hollywood actors who have helped me hone my craft through the many years and episodes,” he says.

If that IMDB-worthy filmography is not enough, Waterson also had a principal role in the television show North Shore and was in numerous commercials (including the Hawaii Self-Storage commercials with a The Godfather theme). A full list of Waterson’s accomplishments can be viewed on his website, alwaterson.com.

He has done a lot of voice-over work for radio, television, film documentaries and live shows, including the Lani Misalucha Show in Waikiki last year.

While he does have a spontaneous and witty side, Waterson also has an amazing and versatile voice. His style ranges from the big-band hits to Motown, oldies, contemporary, country, jazz, Broadway and more.

In 2012, he released his CD Songs in the Key of Love and is a vocalist on Tom Moffatt’s Legacy 2 compilation CD, also released last year.

When he’s not entertaining fans, Waterson enjoys spending time with animals. In fact, he loves two- and four-legged creatures so much, he is an advocate for Oahu SPCA.

“I am a huge animal lover and, therefore, support the Oahu SPCA, a shelter for dogs and cats with a no-kill philosophy,” he explains.

He has been married for 35 years to Nancy Bernal, who says her husband is an excellent gourmet cook and handyman.

Waterson is humbled by all that he has been able to accomplish, and he hopes to continue to pursue his passion.

“I want to thank everyone for their friendship and support throughout the years,” he says.

Leah Friel photo

It’s an exciting time of the year, but Hawaii News Now weather anchor Guy Hagi says that even with life-threatening surf and winter storms, Hawaii weather is still the best on the planet.

“Our weather team is working on implementing a new state-of-the-art weather system, which will give us more data, more robust graphics and more flexibility for our forecasts,” says Hagi, who was featured on MidWeek‘s cover with wife Kim Gennaula Oct. 17, 2001.

His love of the ocean and surf is exemplified in his Thursday K5 Pacific Pulse segment, which features surfers, paddlers, fishermen, contest directors and even artists in the biggest playground in the state.

Hagi also has been out and about with Augie Tulba searching for Hawaii’s tasty, cheap eats, and foodies of the state can see him Wednesdays on K5 The Home Team.

He recalls his first day – Sept. 11, 2001 – at KGMB.

“Just before starting, Kim and I, along with my parents, visited New York, returning home on Sept. 10 at night,” Hagi says. “We were atop the World Trade Center two days before the attack. We haven’t been back since, but we’re hoping to get back to the East Coast sometime soon.”

In the meantime, he and Kim have been staying busy raising two rambunctious children, Alia (9) and Luke (10).

“As a family, we try to take advantage of living in paradise with the best weather on the planet,” Hagi says. “We are an athletic bunch with activities ranging from tae kwon do, gymnastics, CrossFit, mountain biking, hiking, surfing, golfing and running to, for one week a year, snowboarding and skiing.”

Hagi is working on his fitness for good reason. He is preparing for an upcoming family snowboarding trip to Big White Ski Resort in Canada.

While the scenery is vastly different than our local surroundings, he is looking forward to the experience.

In fact, he looks forward to every travel opportunity that comes his way.

“Last summer we spent two weeks in Italy going from Rome to Sorrento to Sicily,” he says. “It was an awesome trip, and we plan to return. Our kids are half Italian, half Japanese, and it’s important to us to show them their heritage.”

Hagi hopes he and his family can visit Japan, as well, and says it’s a possible future snowboarding vacation for him and his family.

Photo from Chuck Boller

Hawaii International Film Festival, known to frequenters of the screenings as HIFF, celebrates its 33rd anniversary this year and its 13th annual Spring Showcase, which began April 5 and will run until April 11. This means that HIFF executive director Chuck Boller has been a busy man.

The big festival in October has 255 films from 50 countries and the Spring Showcase hosts 35 films from 14 countries.

This year’s spring festival opens with Kon-Tiki and also features films such as Storm Surfers 3D (the world’s first 3-D surfing movie), Comrade Kim Goes Flying (filmed in North Korea), and Linsanity (narrated by Daniel Dae Kim) closing out the festival.

HIFF now has a EuroCinema Hawaii section, as well.

“Three years ago we partnered with EuroCinema Hawaii, European-oriented people who want to be certain that European culture in Hawaii doesn’t die out and people recognize it,” explains Boller, who was featured on the MidWeek cover Dec. 16, 2005. “So we started a festival within a festival, which puts a huge spotlight on our EuroCinema.”

With an impressive lineup this spring, tickets are selling out fast. But Boller explains that there are “rush lines” for those who are not able to purchase tickets. “If all the tickets are sold out, sometimes at the last minute people can’t come,” he says.

For a full list of movies and showtimes, visit hiff.org or download the free app for iPhone and Android.

“Everything is on the app,” Boller says. “You can even watch a trailer of every film on your phone, and it’s free.

“If there are any kinds of changes to the schedule – we try never to have a change, but once in a while we’ll squeeze in another screening if we can – that’s the best place for updates.”

Another added feature HIFF now is including is its Creative Lab, an educational program that entertains and enlightens audiences to ensure HIFF fans can have film fun and education year-round.

“It’s lifelong learning,” Boller says. “We take filmmakers into schools, and we also throw in a Kupuna Lens Film program for people 60 and over in partnership with Olelo and the Academy of Creative Media.

“We take seniors and teach them how to use equipment, and we encourage them to make films about their lives.”

The Creative Lab, started last year, also has something for everyone – from keiki to kupuna, as Boller puts it. It’s amazing to see what HIFF can do throughout the year. And it even plans to work with Doris Duke Theatre to screen films there the last Thursday of each month starting in June.

With so many entertainment and educational opportunities HIFF has to offer, Boller and his staff have their work cut out for them each year.

“I’ve got a year-round staff,” he says. “We used to have slow periods; we don’t anymore. We’re already working on our fall festival.”

Photo from Karen Winpenny

For 52 years, Martin & MacArthur has been Hawaii’s fine furniture maker, and CEO Michael Tam has been expanding the company since 2008, a time when Hawaii’s economy, like the national economy, dipped.

“We found that, even though it was a recession, that was a great opportunity for us to expand, because we had a clear vision of what we wanted to do,” explains Tam, who was featured here Sept. 9, 2009. “We were able to open significantly more stores. We had two stores and now we have 11.

“We also were able to change the entire merchandising mix in the stores and the entire company.”

Martin & MacArthur is known for its koa wood furniture sets, such as the famous Queen Emma set.

“What we’ve seen is that our furniture sales have continued to grow slowly, and we’ve been able to increase the number of craftsmen working at our furniture workshop from 15 to 30. The apprenticeship program at the company also ensures that the art of woodcrafting gets passed down from generation to generation,” Tam says. “During a time when there have been a lot of cutbacks and layoffs, especially among craftsmen in Hawaii, we actually doubled the number of craftsmen working for us.”

The craftsmen at Martin & MacArthur make each piece from scratch, whether it’s furniture and home furnishings or personal accessories, such as cell phone cases.

“Very often people love our koa furniture, but they don’t have the need or opportunity to buy a new bed or dining room table,” Tam explains. “People are looking for personal accessories or home accessories, including photo albums, wine stands and clocks.”

These smaller pieces are made from the shorts that result after koa furniture is made.

“We get pieces that are anywhere from 4 feet and smaller that we cannot make furniture out of anymore,” he says. “But it’s still beautiful wood, because we hand-select the koa from private plantations on the Big Island. Now we are able to use all of that wood to create smaller things, even down to the size of bookmarks and money clips.”

And each piece of koa is no ordinary piece.

“We want to make total use of this beautiful resource that we have.” Tam also is looking to make paper from the wood shavings for greeting cards. The fact that Martin & MacArthur is utilizing every inch of koa wood that goes into its workshop means that people can have an affordable piece of koa in their possession.

“You can buy one pair of sunglasses and buy another in a different style,” Tam explains. “You also can buy different rings and watches, and this allows them to have a variety of different pieces and use koa as a fashion item.

“What we’re trying to do is revolutionize the use of koa so it’s not only thought of to be used as bowls and furniture, but it’s also a key material used in fashion.”

Photo from Brandon Dela Cruz

Eddie Flores of L & L Hawaiian Barbecue has been keeping busy not only with his business, but also with a new book, community work and trips around the world.

“I have been very busy, although I have been telling people that I’m semi-retired,” admits Flores, who was featured on MidWeek‘s cover Oct. 28, 1998.

Since then, L & L has expanded to close to 200 locations, and Flores is now focusing on the international market.

“We opened in New Zealand, American Samoa and Japan (two locations),” he says. “We plan to open in China in May and Seoul during the summer. We also have inquiries from Indonesia and the Philippines.”

Flores also published $266 Million Winning Lottery Recipes: L & L Hawaiian Barbecue Cookbook last year, and it was on the best-seller list in Hawaii.

“I am always looking for challenges,” Flores explains. “Since I flunked English at UH I told myself that I can write a best-seller.

“I wrote a funny cookbook, and it is a miracle to be a top seller, since I can’t cook and I can’t write.”

He’s planning another comical cookbook for next year, which will be his fourth book – his first two books were business-related.

When he’s not writing or expanding his business, Flores has been taking trips with his wife of 30 years, Elaine.

The couple journeyed to the Amazon jungle earlier this year and took a cruise to Morocco and the Canary Islands last December.

“My wife loved the Amazon jungle,” he says. “For me, it is like trekking to Manoa Falls in heavy rain, mud and with the company of hundreds of mosquitos. Hawaii no ka oi. It is better to stay at home.”

Despite all that he’s been up to, Flores has his priorities set on this year’s Filipino Fiesta (May 11), which he started 21 years ago.

In fact, he’s so dedicated to the Filipino community that he recently donated $150,000 to the Filipino Community Center in support of the fiesta and parade for the next 10 years.

“This is the pride and joy of the Filipinos,” Flores explains. “I organized and raised the money for the first 10 years; today, it is run by the Filipino Community Center. I decided to give $150,000 so the fiesta will be able to operate for the next 10 years.”

And this year is especially monumental for Flores, as he celebrates the 50-year anniversary of his arrival in Hawaii.

“It has been a long journey,” he says. “When we arrived … my parents were very poor and had no skills yet. All the kids graduated from the university and are successful in their endeavors.

“I am also celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary in May with my wife.”

Photo from Kimberlee Emig

When Tuffy Nicholas left Maui about a year and a half ago, he still had his love for circus flowing through his veins.

He opened a Cirque Polynesia show in Santa Cruz at Beach Boardwalk for the summer, and at the same time opened three shows in Atlantic City (Great American Family Circus, Cirque Polynesia and an adult circus for casinos).

“I grew up in the circus,” says Nicholas, who was featured on our cover Oct. 13, 2010. “My mom was a bear trainer; she trained polar bears. My dad was the ringmaster of Ringling Bros. Circus.”

And now Nicholas has opened “Aloha Live” at Queen Kapiolani Hotel, so locals and tourists can enjoy the magic of Cirque with a Polynesian twist. In this performance, Cirque meets Polynesia in Waikiki with one part luau, one part circus and two parts fun!

Nicholas was able to secure a three-year contract with the hotel, and the show will run six nights a week.

“It’s more Polynesian than any other show I’ve ever done, and I’m so lucky to have brought in a great hula halau and a great Polynesian choreographer, Tahiti Mana,” Nicholas explains.

The whole experience is nearly three hours long, and during seating there’s pre-show entertainment, cocktails, hula dancing, Tahitian dancing, ukulele performances and tableside magic.

There also will be a balloon artist for keiki, and Vili the Warrior will perform comedy and bring guests on stage.

Nicholas is able to bring different elements of entertainment to the show. “I grew up on tour,” he says. “I did almost every act. A long time ago, I started my own circus, the Moscow State Circus.

“That’s how I wound up in Hawaii the first time. I brought the Moscow circus to the Blaisdell about 10 years ago.”

One would think Nicholas has his hands full with “Aloha Live” (which he does), but he also plans to bring the big top to Hawaii this fall.

“We’re also planning the Modern American Circus … that is going to be touring for 10 weeks in Hawaii,” he says. “And it’s going to be a big show. It’s going to be the first time that I know of that a big modern American circus under the big top has been to Hawaii.”

And those who attend are in for a treat. Nicholas will be the ringmaster. “There’s a phrase in all circuses,” Nicholas begins. “They start the circus with ‘ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, welcome to … the greatest show on earth.’

“My dad coined that phrase, ‘children of all ages.’”

And Nicholas continues to follow in his family’s footsteps by bringing a little circus entertainment wherever he goes.

Photo from Chimaine Pouteau

With shows such as Keeping up with the Kardashians and The Office taking up prime-time space on Hawaii television, it’s nice to know that KFVE provides residents with great local programming.

“That’s our whole goal with KFVE,” says general manager John Fink, who was featured on MidWeek‘s cover Aug. 21, 1996. “We think that’s what people are looking for.

“I think Hawaii is a very unique place, and anytime we can, we showcase and promote things that are unique to Hawaii, whether it’s a cooking show or academics or local comedy and music.”

Among the programs on KFVE are It’s Academic Hawaii, lifestyle show Living Local With the Baraquios, What’s Cooking Hawaii and Cheap Eats with Guy Hagi and Augie Tulba.

“It’s Academic is a game show that features 27 local high schools,” says Fink, who used to do play-by-play bits for University of Hawaii sports. “We were really hoping that the show would showcase some of the academic stars we have throughout all of our schools in Hawaii.”

This is the second year It’s Academic Hawaii will air on TV. Last year’s winner was Waiakea High School in Hilo.

“My hope in doing this show was to show that the top kids academically in any school (public or private) in this state can compete with any other kids,” he continues. “It shows that anyone who works hard can accomplish things academically.”

It’s Academic Hawaii kicks off May 6 (Mondays from 7 to 7:30 p.m., with reruns Sundays from 6 to 6:30 p.m.) and runs for 13 weeks. The season will repeat for 13 weeks after the finale in July.

What’s Cooking Hawaii features the culinary schools at Kapiolani Community College, and season two will start in the fourth quarter of this year.

Fink is especially proud of being part of the Hawaii News Now family. Those in the community might recognize Fink, who does an editorial segment called “Think About It,” which he has done for 14 years. “Think About It” runs twice a week on the evening newscasts, and he says it will continue to do so.

With all the programming on KFVE, Fink, who has been in the broadcast industry in Hawaii for more than three decades, keeps busy year round, but it’s something that makes him happy.

“We’re really grateful that people enjoy KFVE and all the local programs we put on,” he says.

You could say it’s just academic.

As administrator of the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division, Department of Emergency Services, City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii, Ralph Goto has been nothing but busy.

And don’t let the long title fool you. In short, Goto has dedicated his career to spreading the message to providing more and better-trained lifeguards around the state.

He is responsible for “the overall operation and administration of the year-round, professional ocean lifeguard service on the Hawaiian island of Oahu,” according to the International Life Saving Federation.

“We’ve worked for the past 20 years as a more-professional, more-reliable, more-credible service,” says Goto, who was featured on MidWeek‘s cover Sept. 8, 1993. “We’re recognized as one of the best lifeguard operations in the country.

“Another claim to fame was that our division and its employees developed a set of Jet Skis to help in rescue situations, and that’s been emulated around the world. Most lifeguard agencies now use Jet Skis, and that’s due to the work of some of the guys here who started in the big surf.”

In his position, Goto has been able to travel extensively – Australia, New

Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, France and Brazil – for training.

“This job has allowed me to meet people and look at lifesaving, lifeguarding from a more global perspective,” he explains. “And I think it’s helped develop what we’ve developed here (in Hawaii).”

This legislative session, Goto notes that the passing of SB 883 greatly helped the cause.

“It created a new collective bargaining unit for lifeguards and state law-enforcement people,” he explains. “It’s a start at recognizing that we’re all public safety people.”

He continues to note that prevention is key.

“Our position is that we need more lifeguards,” he says. “Prevention efforts are great and they’re important, and I think (in every county) lifeguards are the front line. We need to collectively look at how we can provide more. That’s my mission.”

Goto has seen a lot of changes in the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division during his 32 years with the organization, and at the end of the year will retire.

“I have some hobbies, like woodworking,” he says. “My wife (Roberta) is going to retire at the same time, so we’re going to enjoy retirement together and enjoy some traveling.

“It’s been a great career, and I’ve had the privilege with working with some really great people.”

Photo from Debbie Kahaiali‘i

Many locals know legendary singer Willie Kahaiali’i, better known as Willie K, for his soothing vocals and fantastic guitar skills.

But these days, Kahaiali’i is doing more than serenading fans around the state, although he still does that.

“I’ve been singing opera with the Hawaii Youth Symphony,” he says. “I love it and I’ve been supportive of it. It’s one of those programs that the state should continue to look into supporting, because they’re on their own now because they’re only supported by the students’ parents.”

Kahaiali’i says Hawaii Youth Symphony is a dying art that is slowly fading away, but he feels it is one program that needs to continue.

“We need this program,” says Kahaiali’i, who was featured on MidWeek‘s cover June 17, 1992 and June 17, 2001. “We have so many talented kids.”

He also has had parts in two movies: You May Not Kiss The Bride and Get A Job, in which he starred. It was named Best Hawaiian Feature at the Big Island Film Festival.

Currently he’s celebrating his newest album Warehouse Blues, which features songs with a blues rock genre.

“I’ve been into rock ‘n’ roll since I could walk,” Kahaiali’i explains. “Everyone thinks I was born with Hawaiian music, but that came later in life, close to my early teens. But rock ‘n’ roll was the very first thing I listened to.

“I moved outside the koa box, playing beyond the hula skirt.”

It is evident that music runs deep in Kahaiali’i's veins, and he enjoys owning his own record company, Maui Tribe Records.

Earlier this month, May 5, the ninth annual Willie K Charity Golf Tournament took place at Kaanapali Golf Resort in Lahaina, and this tourney is one of Kahaiali’i's greatest achievements.

“I have been involved in many charities,” he says, “and this one is sold out every year. It’s so much fun. It’s not your normal charity golf tournament. You get to eat, drink and play. Just have fun.

“I’m at hole four, and I’m barbecuing ribs waiting for you to come over, take a swing at the ball, and feed and give you something to drink.”

Besides the golf tournament, Kahaiali’i recently joined the Hawaii Kidney Foundation as its spokesman.

Don’t worry, though. Despite his busy schedule, he still takes time to relax and enjoy life.

“I’ve traveled around the world,” says Kahaiali’i, who has been everywhere from China to Europe to the South Pacific and Israel. “Every culture that I visit is close to a lifestyle that I was brought up with – the ohana and aloha (aspect). It was welcoming everywhere I went.”

Photo from Edgy Lee

Edgy Lee has made it her mission to educate the rest of the world about Hawaii culture. The founder and executive director of Pacific Network has her plate full with two new projects that she wants to share with MidWeek readers.

The team at Internet-based Pacific Network has been working on the feature documentary “Sandalwood-A Cautionary Tale” for the past six months.

“It’s about sustainability,” says Lee, who was featured on MidWeek‘s cover Oct. 7, 1998. “It takes place in early 19th century Hawaii, and it’s an allegory to what we see happening today. I think it’s just a wonderfully rich, intriguing story about human nature.

“At the core of the film is the poignant and historic ruination of Hawaii’s previous sandalwood forests. Their demise was a precursor to the cataclysmic change that would befall the native culture.”

According to Lee, the documentary takes a look at sustainability, the environment and cultural issues, as do many of the channels featured on Pacific Network. The Internet television programming also showcases videos on Hawaii arts, culture, food, travel and shopping.

“(We see) how the environment affects the culture, and an interesting time in the history of Hawaii,” she continues. “The lessons are applicable to global occurrences that we see today.”

Aside from the documentary, Lee has been busy with the launch of Pacific Network’s new channel, Pure Pacific, which will be available to the public within the year. This channel will focus solely on the Pacific Rim, from Hawaii to Australia to Tahiti.

“All these places are often overlooked,” Lee says. “We’re more than vacation destinations. With the emerging economies in Asia, we think that people will find greater interest and appreciation for what goes on in this region.”

One of the greatest accomplishments Pure Pacific boasts is that everyone working on the channel is a resident of Hawaii.

“We have a really wonderful opportunity to showcase talent from here,” Lee says, also noting that Pacific Network is looking for videographers. Those interested can shoot an email to studio@pacificnetwork.tv.

Lee’s hope for Pacific Network’s Pure Pacific is to have it serve the region for years to come by creating a voice for people in Hawaii.

“Returning students and professionals can have a place where they can share their work with the rest of the world,” she explains. “If anyone has any work they think can be featured, please contact us.”

Lee’s goal to work with people in Hawaii is fueled by her passion for this place we all call home.

When she isn’t working on Pacific Network projects, Lee is at home with her three Tibetan spaniels: Maya Dorje, “Liddle Biddy” Betty and Ginger.

Elizabeth Watanabe | Photo by Rachel Breit

As the saying goes, “You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.” But Elizabeth Watanabe is making sure that everyone can do so.

“The statement is ‘fashionably unique sweet treat experience,’” Watanabe says of Haute Confectionery Boutique. “Haute was just an idea that came to birth. It wasn’t something that I was really going to pursue.”

Nonetheless, Haute Confectionery Boutique is blooming. This week marks the company’s first delivery with Hawaiian Airlines, which is pleased to get Watanabe’s baked goods on board. Sweet treats are available for in-flight purchase, and passengers can choose from all sorts of cookies, including chocolate chip macadamia nut and chewy coconut shortbread. Not only are the treats delicious and attractive, they also are sold in little boxes (pictured) that feature island flair.

Watanabe, who was featured on MidWeek‘s cover July 30, 2008, stayed home when her grandma (Shigeko Hata) was ill with cancer.

“I started baking everything I could possibly bake,” she says. “I had so many baked goods, I started taking them to people, and they fell in love with them. They said I should consider doing this.”

Watanabe also has experience in the food industry, having opened Harbor Court Bistro back in 2008.

Aside from Haute Confectionery Boutique’s relationship with Hawaiian Airlines, the company also is hoping to create exclusive mints for a local spa’s five locations, and exclusive exotic brownies and cakes for a department store in the near future.

“One convenience store is looking to carry some gift ideas for our customers abroad,” Watanabe adds. “There is a local restaurant that we’re working with to create exclusive treats for them, as well.”

It’s evident that Haute Confectionery Boutique isn’t your run-of-the-mill bake shop.

“You don’t come in and pick up a few cake pops …,” Watanabe says. “I cater to businesses.”

As if starting her own business wasn’t keeping her busy enough, she says motherhood is the toughest job in the world.

“I’ve had two children (since being featured in 2008), Ethan, 4, and Vivianne, 3,” she says. Her oldest son, Kevin, is now 9.

“I love being a mom … It’s the most rewarding, but it’s easier to pursue a career than to be a mom,” she continues. “I’m fortunate that my husband, Kevin, has retired from the Honolulu Police Department last year, and he’s taking the role of Mr. Mom.”

For now, Haute Confectionery Boutique is working to update its website, hauteconfectioneryboutique.com.

“I think that we are going to move forward, and you’ll really start hearing about us in the upcoming months,” Watanabe says.

Photo from Afatia Thompson

Afatia Thompson has been known for his soothing R&B vocals and island flavor, and this talented artist, who started taking over his parents’ company, Tihati Productions, in 2007, has a lot on his plate in the upcoming year.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to focus a lot of my time on Tihati Productions,” he says. “With my parents (Jack and Cha) pretty much stepping back from the reins of the company, allowing me to become president and run it, it’s been an exciting journey for me.

“Slowly my parents have been able to step back and kind of enjoy not having to deal with the day-to-day operations.”

Thompson, who was featured on MidWeek‘s cover March 21, 2008, grew up in the entertainment industry and is excited that Tihati Productions will celebrate its 45th anniversary next year.

A big milestone calls for a big celebration, and Thompson gave MidWeek a little preview.

“We’re looking forward to an exciting event that we’re going to produce in Waikiki at the Hilton Hawaiian Village next summer,” he says. “It’s called Tournament of Champions Fireknife Competition.”

This special event will include a concert, pulling in Tihati’s relationship with some of the top artists in the state, as well as the tournament of champions. But this is no ordinary fireknife competition.

“The thing that would make it unique from any other fireknife competition in the world is that it’s an invitation-only competition,” Thompson explains. “The prerequisite to be invited is that you have to be a former champion of another competition within the past seven years. That’s something we’re looking forward to producing and bringing to this island, and being the first of its kind in Hawaii.”

Other than Tihati’s 45th anniversary celebration, Thompson makes sure the company keeps up with its 12 production shows statewide.

“We’re continuing to modify, re-costume and re-choreograph,” he explains. “The trend we’re seeing is a lot of the repeat visits that come back to the Islands, and we want to be able to entice them with something new.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to write a lot of the music end. Keeping the look of Tihati Productions new is a strategy of ours so the repeat visitors don’t feel like they’ve seen the show before.”

Thompson also wants to make sure the company and its more than 900 employees remain strong in all facets.

“There are so many families that rely on Tihati Productions to support their family,” he explains.

For more information on Tihati Productions, visit tihati.com.

When he’s not busy with Tihati Productions, Thompson spends time with his wife, Nicole, and children Matagi (10), Afatia Jr. (6), Bella (8) and Emelia (2).

Photo from Joe Broc

Paddling seems to run in Joe Broc’s veins, as he paddles with Manu O Ke Kai Canoe Club during the regatta summer season. He also was featured on our MidWeek The Weekend cover March 28, 2008, with Pure Light Racing, an adaptive outrigger canoe paddling club.

“We do long-distance races with mostly wheelchair-bound individuals,” says Broc, who has been with Pure Light Racing for 13 years and with Manu O Ke Kai for five. “A few other people are blind, and a few people have an amputated arm or leg.”

These individuals, like Broc, refuse to let their physical differences prevent them from doing what they love.

Broc was born with spina bifida, a congenital defect of the spine, which meant Broc has below-the-knee paralysis.

He first got interested in paddling after a family friend (Chris Gardner) suggested he give it a shot.

“I remember my first day, my coach (Randy Sanborn) looked at me and I remember the first thing he asked me was, ‘Can you swim?’ and I said yes.”

Although he is unable to use his legs, Broc keeps his spirits high with an optimistic mindset.

“It really opened my eyes to the world,” he says. “All that matters is how I deal with it. If I have a positive attitude, then I’ll have a positive life.”

He uses his inspiring way of living to impact those in his community, as well. Broc started working as a substitute educational assistant at Laie Elementary back in February 2012.

“My mom (Tindy) suggested that I should work with kids with autism,” he explains. “I took classes to become a long-term autism substitute educational assistant.”

His love for helping others spurred him to work with special-needs children at the school in October 2012.

“I like seeing them progress and comprehend what they’re doing,” he says. “I like seeing them excel in their academics, and I like seeing them be social with the other kids in their integrated classes.”

And this local boy is dreaming big. Broc graduated from Kahuku High School in 2006 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from Hawaii Pacific University in 2011.

He wants to take his talents to the broadcast industry and has a special interest in radio and television.

“I like talking to people, and I like being a social person,” says Broc, who also expressed his interest in acting. “When I was younger, I was really shy, but I eventually got out of my shell.

“I like being out and about in public with my friends and family.” Broc also has dreams of becoming a wheelchair body builder. Besides paddling, he works out at his home gym, where his brother Boe, who wants to be a personal trainer, helps him out.

“I work everything out, except my legs,” Broc adds with a laugh.

Photo from Wendy Calio

Wendy Calio-Gilbert might be a familiar face to keiki who loved Imagination Movers on the Disney Channel. The Filipina-American actress plays Nina, a fun and peppy neighbor of the Movers.

Her passion for the arts led her to create Pas De Deux in Waipio Gentry, which held its grand-opening ceremony July 7. Calio-Gilbert started the company with husband Jeremy Gilbert (the two married Oct. 10, 2008).

There are hundreds of students who walk through the doors of Pas De Deux each week, and the staff has grown to more than a dozen.

“Just managing all that has been a lot,” admits Calio-Gilber, who taught Miss Hawaii Crystal Lee at Sabrina Starr Dance Studios. “It’s been a little crazy.”

With the opening of her new studio, Calio-Gilbert is able to share her passion with youths in the Central Oahu community.

As a child, she performed on Hawaii Public Television’s Saturday AM. “It was a show that was produced for kids by kids,” says Calio-Gilbert. “I wanted to create that again. The best way was to use our talented students. They’re a triple threat (can sing, dance and act).”

Her desire to provide keiki with high-quality programming led her to start up PDD Junior Company, which she describes as “Mickey Mouse Club meets Kids Incorporated.”

“We have so many talented artists in our school,” says Calio-Gilbert, who was featured on the MidWeek cover Aug. 8, 2008. “They’re songwriters, they’re directors – they inspire me, and I see so much potential in them.”

Pas De Deux has been snowballing into much more than just a performance arts school.

“We started in May 2010, and we went from 100 kids to more than 500,” Calio-Gilbert says. “We broke the glass ceiling – we projected at this point we’d have 300 students. We just keep getting more and more kids, which is awesome, because the more people who get involved, the more we can do as an organization to enhance the arts and create awareness of the arts.”

Aside from Pas De Deux, she also is working on the construction of a new television production space (6,500 square feet).

“It’s been insane working with contractors, working with the city permits and getting loans,” she says. “This past year, the hat that I wore was businessperson, the make-it-work person.”

Her goal is to create television film series made locally that also will be available for international release.

“Film and television, they last forever,” she says. “Once you get captured on film, it’s a product that can last forever.”

With all that is on her plate, Calio-Gilbert is looking forward to her upcoming vacation.

Pas De Deux has another week of trial classes Aug. 1-7, as well as a whole fall series of performances. For more information, visit pasdedeuxhawaii.com.

Lynne Boyer

Kathy Muneno

John Tonry

Benny Rietveld

Mark Mugiishi

Patricia Tummons

Al Waterson

Guy Hagi

Chuck Boller

Michael TAM

Eddie Flores

Tuffy Nicholas

John Fink

Ralph Goto

Willie K

Edgy Lee

Old Friends: Elizabeth Watanabe

Afatia Thompson

Joe Broc

Wendy Calio-Gilbert