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Kady Pascual

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

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<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Wipe out!</title>

Today’s social media find comes from @AuntyBrandi, who ate it big time.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Wipe out!

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Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Arts & Entertainment

Liu Taufa, a musician and entertainment lead at Paradise Cove Lū‘au, has spent more than three decades entertaining guests at the West O‘ahu attraction.

But Paradise Cove Lū‘au will close next month after 47 years in Ko Olina. Its final curtain call is Dec. 31.

The closure allows the landowner, James Campbell Co., to proceed with a 

 of the 10.9-acre oceanfront property next year.

For Taufa, who is Tongan, the closure is seemingly bittersweet. It’s the end of an “awesome era,” but she’s looking forward to what the future will bring.

“I’ve been here for almost 35 years,” she recently told Aloha State Daily. “This place has given me such fond memories. I was able to raise my children from kid time all the way up to high school [and beyond]. … Paradise Cove was really good to me because it’s more of a friendly oriented place.”

She says that previous stage director O’Brian Eselu, a 

, wanted lū‘au employees to make guests feel like ‘ohana when they leave, “to make them feel like that they are part of Paradise Cove. That makes them want to come back and bring their family. That’s been going on for all these years.”

Taufa auditioned in November 1990, when she says the directors wanted to bring more Polynesian music to the show.

When asked about her favorite part of working at the lū‘au over the years, Taufa says she loves entertaining — and making the days better for the guests who attend.

“To me, this is like my happy place because my favorite part of it is when I come to work, it doesn’t feel like work, and I’m making somebody else happy or making somebody that maybe wasn’t feeling well and now they’re feeling OK. … It just kind of gives you that satisfaction that what I’m doing, it mattered and it made a difference for that individual — and that’s what I love the most.”

She won’t miss the drive, she says with a laugh. She will, however, miss “this beautiful place,” and the people she works with who are like family, her work ‘ohana.

Her children, as well as family from Australia, will come to see her perform one last time before the show closes.

The lū‘au, she says, was like a home for her now-grown children, whom she would sometimes bring with her to work. She’s excited for them to come for one “last hurrah” at Paradise Cove.

At the same time, Taufa says it’s hard to move on to somewhere new. Later in the conversation, though, when asked how she feels to see things wrap up after so long, she says she feels good about the transition.

“I feel good because before I came here, I did 10 years in Waikīkī, playing music. Actually, when I came here, I didn’t think … I would be here for this long. But, you know, the years just went by real fast and [the] next minute, I’m 60 years old — and I’m still here and I’ve enjoyed it. For me, it’s time for something new.”

As for what’s next, Taufa says she’ll probably still play music somewhere in Waikīkī.

, the lū‘au property — acquired by James Campbell in 1877 — has been used commercially since the 1970s and was last redeveloped in the early 1990s.

 says that the project aims to "update the commercial lū‘au show and create an authentic Hawaiian outdoor recreation facility and community gathering place for kama‘āina and visitors that honors and reflects history, culture and connection to place."

According to the EIS, plans call for demolishing several existing dated structures at the site and existing concrete walls within the shoreline setback area, after which the site will be restored to pre-existing conditions before being redeveloped.

In addition to a new amphitheater and performing arts venue, other planned updates noted in the EIS include an improved main arrival area, retail shops hosting Hawai‘i-made goods, restaurants and a marketplace, and common areas.

All 167 employees of PC Services, Inc., doing business as Paradise Cove Lū‘au, will be terminated when it closes, according to an 

 (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice, citing its permanent closure due to the loss of its lease.

An announcement about the closure in late October noted that the company had been helping its employees prepare for the closure and, in partnership with the city, state and James Campbell Co., offered several job and resource fairs.

"We are so grateful to the people of Hawai‘i for allowing us to be part of their lives in so many ways over so many generations,”  Keith Horita, president of Paradise Cove Lū‘au, said in the announcement, which noted that in addition to its nightly shows, the lū‘au’s grounds have hosted weddings, baby lū‘au, birthday parties, graduation celebrations and corporate events. “We have loved helping people celebrate the milestones of life, and we invite our kamaʻāina ʻohana to join us in creating lasting memories as we enter the final chapter of our journey."

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Liu taufa paradise cove

<title>Paradise Cove Lū‘au to close</title>

After 47 years in Ko Olina, the West O‘ahu attraction will close next month, allowing a planned redevelopment of the 10.9-acre oceanfront property to proceed next year. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Liu Taufa, an entertainer who has worked at the lū‘au for 35 years about its closure and what working there has meant to her.

Paradise Cove Lū‘au to close

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

This new Japanese-style hamburger steak spot is opening on Monday, Nov. 24 in Kaimukī.

Located in the former Chubbies Burgers space in Kaimukī, 

 — owned by restaurant group Funergy Group Inc., which operates Tori Ton, Izakaya Tenkichi and Totoya — specializes in Japanese-style hamburger steaks.

The restaurant interior was modeled, and now boasts a vibrant yellow hue and anime on the walls. The design was inspired by Akihabara, a neighborhood in Tokyo, according to Funergy Group Inc. owner Takuya Tsutsumi.

Originally, Tsutsumi was thinking to open another izakaya, but decided to go with the “hamburger steak” concept instead.

“It’s very popular in Japan now, since maybe three or four years ago,” he says.

He explains that the eatery’s name refers to the hamburger steak’s shape (“maru”) and the sizzling sound made when it’s cooked (“ju”).

Tsutsumi explains that the hamburger steaks are first cooked on the grill, then in the oven, and are served on a sizzling platter; its sauce is poured tableside.

“There’s a combination of a little bit of pork, beef, the beef fat and a secret recipe,” Tsutsumi says.

He explains that the eatery’s sauces are homemade, making each dish unique.

[{"type":"text","text":"“The original sauce takes more than seven hours to make,” he says."}]

Hamburger steak sets come in two sizes — regular ($23.50) or large ($28.50) — and include vegetables, pasta, miso soup and rice.

Choose from sauces like signature onion, sweet garlic soy glaze, grated daikon ponzu, green onion salt marinade, and Gorgonzola cheese. While the signature onion — boasting a nice balance of sweet and savory — is projected to be the most popular option, I’m partial to the rich, creamy Gorgonzola.

The hamburger steaks are thick, juicy, tender and ultra flavorful — even before the sauce is added. Customers can add extra toppings like grilled onions ($2), garlic chips ($1.90), grilled bacon ($3.90) and more.

Tsutsumi also recommends trying the eatery’s braised hamburg in mushroom demi-glace sauce. This option comes with the same side dishes as the original hamburger steak; choose from regular ($24.50) or large ($29.50) sizes. There’s also a keiki size ($12.50) that is served with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and pasta.

Marujuu also offers chicken steak ($17.90) — choose from yuzu pepper sauce, signature onion sauce or sweet garlic soy glaze — and rib-eye steak ($29.50 regular, $38.50 large).

“We marinate the chicken overnight so it’s very tender,” Tsutsumi says. “We use chicken thighs.”

The eatery will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and from 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner (last call 9:15 p.m.) Wednesdays to Mondays (it’s closed on Tuesdays). Right now, it’s first come, first served; a reservation system may be set up in the future.

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Open 11 a.m.-2:15 p.m., 5-10 p.m. (last call 9:15 p.m.) Wednesdays to Mondays

Marujuu Hawaii hamburger steak cross section 112225

<title>Japanese-style hamburger steak spot is opening in Kaimukī</title>

Marujuu Hawaiʻi — sister restaurant of Totoya, Tori Ton and Izakaya Tenkichi — is opening on Monday, Nov. 24 in the former Chubbies Hawaiʻi space in Kaimukī. The biz specializes in Japanese-style hamburger steaks that are delivered on sizzling platters to your table.

Japanese-style hamburger steak spot is opening in Kaimukī

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

MĀNOA — Members of the University women's basketball team could barely hear themselves warm up. Of the 1,747 that passed through the Stan Sheriff Center turnstiles on Friday, 1,200 were elementary schoolers from various schools across the state, some coming from as far as 

As part of UH's "Education Day," tipoff time between the Rainbow Wahine and Loyola Marymount, the first game of the Bank of Hawai‘i Classic, was set for 11 a.m. on Friday. When the crowd of keiki was at its loudest, attendance numbers may as well have shown that the arena was filled to its maximum capacity of 10,300 fans. Using the energy from the atmosphere, the 'Bows held on for a 55-51 victory, clinching their first 3-0 start since the 2015-2016 season. 

"I just want to say thank you to the parents and Department of Education, our upper campus people. It was loud, and I know these guys felt that energy, and I think maybe it made them a little bit nervous during warm ups, because they would scream every time they all would just make a layup," Hawai‘i head coach 

 said after the game. "That's why we do what we do, right? We're playing basketball to help develop these kids. And these guys are such unbelievable role models. I think the little kids saw from them that you just don't give up. If you don't give up and keep working, good things are going to happen. So, I wanted to say that first. 

"Second, this team is just continuing to find a way. It's not pretty, it is gritty and we're learning every single time we step on the floor. ... We played a good team that pressured us, and so we just have to continue to grow. But incredibly proud of this group for once again, finding a way being down in the fourth quarter and coming back."

Friday's contest between the Rainbow Wahine and Lions was close throughout. Loyola Marymount's largest lead of the game was 39-34 with 8:15 left in the fourth quarter, prompting a UH timeout. 

With the game square at 51 with 20.5 seconds remaining, the Rainbow Wahine put the ball in the hands of true freshman Bailey Flavell, who delivered with a layup that gave the 'Bows the lead for good. Hawai‘i put the game out of reach with a pair of trips to the free throw line in the closing seconds. Flavell finished with nine points and two rebounds. 

"I know for so many freshmen that doesn't happen often," Flavell said. "I'm just super grateful to be in this team and be with this coaching staff that gives me the opportunity to be able to play the game that I want and to be able to get those looks and those opportunities."

"That's an incredibly humble answer," responded Beeman immediately, sitting beside Flavell in the postgame press conference. "She works hard for those moments. ... She has worked for those moments, and so, I appreciate the humility."

Following the game, the elementary schoolers left the arena but remained on campus to continue Education Day, which included a tour of campus. Each student at the game also received a gift bag. 

"It was really fun. It was very loud," said Hawai‘i forward Saniyah Neverson, who finished with 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. "But I feel like it didn't get to us."

Added Flavell: "It gives you energy and adrenaline in the warm up. But, yeah, I think once the game starts, I don't even hear it"

Hawaii womens basketball 112125

<title>Hawai‘i women's basketball outlasts Loyola Marymount in front of keiki-laden crowd</title>

As part of UH's "Education Day," Friday's early tipoff at the Stan Sheriff Center featured the attendance of 1,200 elementary schoolers from across the state.

Hawai‘i women's basketball outlasts Loyola Marymount in front of keiki-laden crowd

Lopaka and Tanya Kapanui

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya Kapanui

Hawaii History

Columnists

Located about two miles from Downtown Honolulu, the neighborhood of Mo‘ili‘ili was once primarily agricultural. Rice paddies and lo‘i kalo occupied most of the land, with houses and small businesses scattered about. By the 1960s, apartment buildings, grocery stores, and small shopping centers attracted more people seeking a quieter life while still wanting to remain close to Honolulu. The Mo‘ili‘ili community was tightly knit and soon became known as the floral capital of Honolulu as demand for lei and daily flower bouquets grew.

One gathering place for the Mo‘ili‘ili community was the Kamo‘ili‘ili Church, whose congregation was predominantly Hawaiian. Construction for the simple stone church began in 1850 and was completed three years later. Although the building was restored around 1900 and renamed Rice Memorial Chapel, many in the community continued to call it Kamo‘ili‘ili Church.

In addition to Sunday services, the hallowed building saw weddings, funerals, celebrations, and community meetings throughout its life. For a time, it even served as a Masonic hall to the Cosmopolitan Lodge of the Prince Hall Lodge of African American Freemasons in Hawaii.

A woman I know recalls time spent there as a child, waiting for her parents. With no babysitter at the time, she would have to stay in a small room by herself, where she was left to play, color, or find something else to keep herself busy. In a separate room, her father and the rest of his Prince Hall brothers would have their lodge meetings. In another room was her mother, who would attend the meetings of the Order of the Eastern Star with the other wives of Masonic husbands.

One evening, as a girl, she noticed a Hawaiian man looking in the window from outside. He had dark hair and a beard, thick eyebrows and full lips, and he wasn’t wearing a shirt. The man’s intense gaze was frightening as he pointed to the screen covering the window, indicating that he wanted her to open it. Without speaking, she shook her head, “No.”

Despite her refusal to cooperate, the hook holding the screen popped off on its own, and the man pulled the screen back. My friend said she remembers hearing a blood-curdling scream before realizing it was coming from her. She ran into the men’s lodge meeting and found the masons in a state of upset and confusion. They had apparently seen a Hawaiian man peering in at them from a window high up on the far wall. No outsider could bear witness to a solemn masonic ceremony, so the men went outside to chase the stranger away. They never found anyone hanging around outside, but did note that the window he peered into was nine feet off the ground with no crate, stone, or foothold to climb on.

As time marched on, the church fell into disuse and then disrepair, and was condemned by the city. While the building sat empty, the graveyard, too, had gone untended. In 1968, plans for a new high-rise were announced, and the land beneath the century-old cemetery was chosen for development. Newspapers cited weeds covering gravestones, some of which were broken or leaning awkwardly. Trash had gathered near several plots, more than one tomb was cracked and crumbling, and several markers had already disappeared.

Although the last burial was in the 1950s, letters to newspapers expressed mourning for the loss of history and lament for the irreversible change. One writer posed a warning to other congregations that they may not be exempt from such bittersweet progress in the future.

Work to remove gravestones began in August 1968. Reverend Abraham Akaka of Kawaiaha‘o Church acknowledged the tension between history and progress. He reminded those gathered that every civilization advances by giving up some of its past, saying that growth often demands “selling something of the soul.”

Over the following weeks, workers uncovered the remains of 466 people. Of those remains, 206 were identified, while the rest will forever be unknown. Some graves held the bones of parents and children, while others contained only ashes. The remains were placed in small containers and reburied at Kawaiahaʻo Church in a shared resting place marked by a plaque listing the known names. Above the memorial hangs the bell that once rang from the steeple at Kamoʻiliʻili Church.

[{"type":"text","text":"But that wasn’t the end of it."}]

In November, Reverend Akaka returned to the site to perform special purification rites. The special blessing was requested because workers were reluctant to enter the area. Using an ‘umeke, a Hawaiian calabash, dating back to the days of Kamehameha I, the Reverend sprinkled the ground with water from the well at Kawaiaha‘o Church while reciting his prayers. It is rumored that more bones were found during construction, including one skeleton measuring nearly nine feet long, near what is now the pool area.

Completed in 1971, the Contessa condominium stands on the old church and cemetery grounds. It boasts 37 floors, 144 units, a sauna, and a swimming pool in the vibrant Mo‘ili‘ili neighborhood. Almost from the beginning, tenants complained of hauntings in the building. One woman enlisted the help of Kahuna nui Emma de Fries to bless her apartment and the entire building after constant construction noise bothered her, even when no one else could hear it. 

More than two decades later, my mentor, Glen Grant, shared another story about the Contessa. A plumber was called to an apartment to fix a kitchen drain. The woman who lived there told him to put his ear to the sink. Although he was hesitant, he crouched and listened and heard voices speaking Hawaiian.

“They’re asking what will be done with their bones,” he said, backing away.

He hurried to the elevator and watched in shock as the doors opened before he touched the button. He stepped in and, as the doors began to close, a hand covered with red mud slid between them, opening them again automatically. Standing there was a tall woman, her body caked in red clay. She smiled and waved as the doors shut once more.

Without warning, the elevator dropped several floors before coming to a sudden stop. Shaken, the plumber took the stairs and never returned to the building.

For more than 50 years, people have passed through the Contessa’s lobby unaware of the hundreds of people that were once buried beneath their feet, and what may still be waiting below the surface.

Before the gates to Kawaiahaʻo Church’s graveyard were locked to the public, I used to stop there during my Ghosts of Old Honolulu tour. One night, as our group stood before the Kamoʻiliʻili Church memorial, an older man asked if he could speak. He said he had worked on the construction crew that built the Contessa.

“I was one of the men digging the foundation for the pool,” he said. “We uncovered a skeleton, about nine feet long. Even I knew we shouldn’t have disturbed it. Reverend Akaka came, blessed the burial, and blessed us. We covered the bones right where they were. They’re still there.”

Contessa condominium

<title>The bones beneath the Contessa</title>

The Contessa condominium in Mo‘ili‘ili stands where Kamo‘ili‘ili Church and its mainly Hawaiian graveyard had served the community since 1850. The remains of nearly 500 people were moved for the condo, but workers and residents over the years have reported chilling tales of the spirits that remain.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Wipe out!

Kady Pascual

Social Media Editor

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