Honolulu, HI

Even over a decade after his death, Rap Reiplinger is still being recognized for his local style humor. I know I’m one of many who grew up on Aunty Marialani’s “not too sweet… not too rancid… but just right…” comedy sketch. That was fun to watch and then there’s also the infamous “Fate Yanagi” song which (for now) I can’t seem to get out of my mind. (more…)

May 24, 2008 – May 26, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend means it’s a three day weekend and I can only think of one thing - barbecue! Well… At least for me anyway…. But if you’re looking for something to do, check out these places on Oahu this weekend! (more…)

I’ve decided that I’m going to do everything I can to make this summer great for me and my kids. Since they are going to be home with me, I wanted to do something different and make it interesting and fun – a summer they’ll never forget. Since it’s been one of my personal goals as a parent to expose my children to the various cultures that exist in Hawaii, I came up with a list of things I’d like to do with my children. A few years ago, when one of my children was studying Hawaiian culture, I wanted to take him to the Big Island. Well, maybe this is the summer that we’ll finally get to go there. (more…)

It’s no secret that Hawaii drivers are married to their cars. But with gas prices hitting $4.00 / gallon on the mainland (and Hawaii close behind) is it time that the streets of Hawaii can be cleared out as we look for other means of transportation? Is it even possible that people will somehow leave the comfort of their cars? I’m not so sure.

For instance, the other day, I had lunch with my brother. I drove from Pearl City to Ala Moana Shopping Center and from the looks of it, there didn’t seem to be any significant difference in the amount of traffic – Lunalilo Freeway was still busy at 11:45 am. This was the rolling kind of busy. You know the kind where there are a lot of cars around but you’re still moving at a decent rate. (more…)

So continuing where I left off yesterday… I was reminiscing about mango.

Anyway, here was my next thought as I heard my mom’s request to ask for mango. “What if I buy some mangoes from Foodland?” You know, the thought of buying mangoes brings the same kind of feelings I had back when bottled water was being introduced – “What?!?! Pay for water?!?! No way! I’ll just keep drinking water straight from the tap if you don’t mind!” (more…)

I’m getting excited because mango season is right around the corner! I was driving through Liliha the other day with my mom when we spotted a mango tree full of little green mangoes.

My mom asked me to pull over on the side of the road. “Go ask them if you can pick some of their mangoes and you can make pickled mango.” A quick image of me walking up onto their front porch flashes through my mind AND THEN, better judgment kicks in! I think to myself, “I’m not sure who owns the tree and I certainly don’t know anyone who lives near the tree’s owner.” (more…)

I’ve been starting to hear about Frank De Lima a lot these days which is great because he still ROCKS! After more than a decade of not hearing anything about him, late last year, my kids told me that he visited their school and did a show. And of course, they started talking about being PODAGEE (pronounced po-da-gee ; say it like you see it). Honestly, I thought he ended up in Vegas or something like that, which is where most Hawaii people seemingly end up at.

Anyway, as I wrote yesterday’s post, I also saw another legendary comedian Andy Bumatai hosting a talk show which featured Frank De Lima. COOL! If you remember, Andy Bumatai had a television programs, “High School Daze” and “All in the Ohana” but I think I’ll post about that later.

Getting back to Frank De Lima, this guy is amazing. It turns out he started his own 501(c)(3), The Frank De Lima Student Enrichment Program which is touring throughout the elementary and middle / intermediate schools. I wish I knew that! I would’ve done the “casual drop-by” at my kid’s school! This two-year tour ends at the end of the month, but as I look at his calendar, he’ll be performing at Dot’s in Wahiawa for a Father’s Day event.

I was also surprised to hear that he was doing some humorous song writing. I know my mom told me last year about the June Jones song he did, but I didn’t really pay attention. Anyway, the main reason I bring that up is because I found this video clip on his site that plays the June Jones song. This song and other songs are available on his website for free downloading as well.

I’m glad I’ll be hearing more about him these days – really funny stuff!

Frank DeLima, Hawaii comedians, Andy Bumatai, High School Daze, All in the Ohana, The Frank De Lima Student Enrichment Program

Happy Mother’s Day to all you fabulous Mom’s! May your day be blessed beyond measure and filled with the love that you have generously sown into the lives of those around you!

Now for the Dad’s and kids – if you haven’t bought a present or decided what to do, here’s a quick listing of a few of my favorite restaurants that I know your precious Mom would love to attend. (more…)

Make Mom’s gift extra personal this year. I know finding something she likes might be a little difficult since we no longer come home with those cute, school made mugs, photo frames or drawings that she always loved, but hey, we need to step up anyway. Here are some of unique things you can get for Mom and perhaps, you can even share in the experience with her. (more…)

Looking in the Honolulu Advertiser today, you see a row of faces. These people are suspected of being connected with a drug ring smuggling more than 1.2 million dollars in crystal methamphetamine per month.

The sad part is that most of the people were in their early twenties. Is this what our society has come to? We deny access to cutting edge technology and businesses like the Hawaii Superferry so we can live the life we’ve always lived for years. The problem with living the life we’ve always lived is that it presents a one-sided view for the younger generation! They don’t know anything else other than what they’ve been exposed and as a result, they never strive for anything. (more…)

Canoe paddling is a popular sport here on the islands.

Check out this clip on YouTube.

canoe paddling, YouTube

Good food, cultural shows and lots of people was in the mix for this year’s 25th Annual Okinawan Festival. Held at Kapiolani Park in gorgeous Waikiki, the festival was a great place for families and visitors. All I can say is “great food”!

Check out this video highlighting some of this weekend’s events on YouTube.

25th annual okinawan festival, kapiolani park, Waikiki, YouTube