Category: Life

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FAMILY, FAITH PART OF PAPA’S BIRTHDAY

For his 80th birthday celebration, Jack “Tihati” Thompson received the gift of love, adoration, respect, hugs, handshakes and accolades for being the best Papa on the planet.

Last night (May 18), the Waialae Country Club was converted into a makeshift showroom, alive and active with South Seas rhythms, staged by  astounding family members – grandkids galore, all talented and capable to render Samoan and Tahitian songs and dances and even a trademark haka number with body-slamming and rigorous voicing. In other words, a brand of passionate enterprise, normally displayed night after night at in showrooms and on lawns statewide, where Tihati Productions earn applause and appreciation as the world’s most prolific producers of Polynesian luau extravaganzas.

 An ensemble of singers and drummers provided the syncopation and  heartbeat to replicate the Tihati trademark…expressly for Papa.

There’s no shortage of dancing family members.

This was no ordinary performance, but an extraordinary  salute to the co-founder (now retired) and creator of Tihati Productions. The evening reflected the values of faith and family, which have always been part of Tihati’s journey, coupled with the mission to uphold the roots and the culture he adores.

Afatia Thompson and Misty Tufono, who now share the helm of Tihati Productions, were the creative minds behind Papa’s birthday blast. They shored up snippets of Tihati’s specialties —  like the haka dance — and the cast of willing Tihati troupers provided the vigor and the momentum. The littlest performer – Tihati Thompson, one of Afatia’s children – was a scene stealer. FYI, he’s the young fire knife dancer on the Waikiki strip, but fire marshal rules forbid the flaming knife dance in enclosed structures.

Tihati troupers provided the sounds and syncopation of the South Seas.

Some observations:

Cha and Jack Thompson unite in dance.
  • Jack and spouse Cha Thompson seldom take to the dance floor, but were united in dance.  They seemed to enjoy the two or three brief moments in motion, especially on “Unchained Melody.”.
  • The audience included  a lone, legitimate Hawaiian songbird, Nina Keali‘iwahama, a family friend  who rarely basks in the limelight. Coaxed to sing, she did “only if Cha dances.” So, this was a double treat a pair of reluctant Incredibles.
  • The Thompson grandkids are devoted to their Papa, and he shares inspirational Biblical thoughts; you know they bond when it comes to faith.
  • The Johnny Valentine quartet provided a splendid musical show during dinner, and Valentine had the smarts to research the hit songs of the era of the ‘60s when Jack and Cha were Farrington High School students. Tunes like “Moon River,” “Beyond the Sea,” and “Dream Lover” prevailed. He has the makings to become a showroom headliner.
  • The foundation of the guest list was family first; then folks who’ve made a difference in the Tihati growth and success, like Jerry Gibson, longtime Hilton Hawaiian Village  general manager and now a Marriott corporate official, and Keith Vieira, former Starwood Hotels executive and now a hospitality industry consultant, and Kalo Mataele Soukop, former producer of a competitive Tongan show at the Hawaiian Hut.
  • A former politician was in the house, too. But Mufi Hannemann not only has mayoral roots but he’s family – Thompson’s cousin.
Little Tihati
  • A historical video of snapshots Tihati featured voiceover by little Tihati. Someday, when he’s 80, he’ll reminisce about the time Papa had a swanky birthday party.
  • Afatia said that the night’s proceedings were filmed so that video release of sorts will be available. For Papa, for sure…

And that’s Show Biz…

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TIHATI’S 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY SUNDAY

Jack “Tihati” Thompson, a founder of Tihati Productions, will celebrate his 80th birthday this Sunday (May 18) at Waialae Country Club.

His actual birthdate is May 11, but because that date was Mother’s Day, Tihati – formal name, HC Papaliitele Jack Eli Tihati Thompson –his milestone birthday will be celebrated belatedly.

At 80, Tihatiand his wife Cha are retired from their Polynesian production they both founded and turned over the operations of their biz to their son Afatia Thompson and daughter Misty Thompson Tufono.

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren will gather, along with some close friends, to wish their Papa good tidings.

Since he retired, Tihati has been taking it nice and easy, devoting his energy and time, working toward wellness,  since he’s had a few health issues. But he’s happy and well-rested, and tends to his beloved non-profit, the South SeasChristian Ministries, based in Samoa. The  Ministry has been actively raising funds to provide building supplies to create schools and medical clinics and water tanks to  Samoan villages in need. Thus, the birthday party also is a fundraiser for the Ministry, to help carry on the good deeds.

Happy, happy , happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy birthday, Jack, one happy for each decade…

And that’s Show Biz…

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TWO MORE EATERIES CLOSE DOWN

Hokkaido Ramen has shut down in Kaimuki

Two popular restaurants shut their doors in March.

Sayonara: Hokkaido Ramen, the tiny Japanese eatery in the Kaimuki municipal parking lot, served its last meals in early March. Regulars loved the friendly staff and besides great food, the prices were reasonable Hokkaido will be missed…

Romano’s Macaroni Grill at Ala Moana Center also has closed.

A lockdown: Romano’s Macaroni Grill, at the Ala Moana Center, apparently closed abruptly, even locking out surprised staff workers reporting for work on March 2. Certainly not the way to call it quits. In its prime, Macaroni was a popular family and date destination, with Italian fare affordably price.  Online chatter mentions declining quality, and the usual matter of competition in a tight economy when  higher prices are charged for everything from bread to coffee…

Liliha Bakery has shelved its coffee pot, shown behind the cup of coffee.

Speaking of coffee: As a longtime and frequent patron of breakfast (lunch and dinner, too sometimes) at Liliha Bakery at Macy’s Ala Moana, I noticed that the usually mini pot of coffee, always there when you ordered coffee, has disappeared. You still can get a refill by asking the server, but often, it’s a task to find the wait staffer because of the flock of diners. That silver coffee pot was a trademark of the Liliha experience. Wonder if that basket of the grilled dinner roll, with Liliha’s red jelly in the tiny container, might be the next to go?…

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RELOCATED FRANK: NO DILEMMA

Comedian Frank DeLima now calls Las Vegas home, settling into his new digs, precise location I promised never to reveal.

“Still getting settled,” he said in a recent email, when I asked, “How you doing?
On this day, he was hanging pictures on the walls of his senior home, and deciding what goes where, like any other person moving into new quarters.

“Putting stuff in their proper places,” he added.

Frank DeLima

What he learned, when he was ensconced in a Maikiki apartment for decades before his retirement this past year, is get room gear like shelving on wheels, for easier movement.

So, his shelves are on rollers, along with his chest of drawers. With back and hip issues, the easier it is to shuttle and shuffle stuff, the better.

DeLima also engaged in a new regimen – regular exercise – at his new senior facility.

“Every morning, I do two-hour therapy,” he revealed. “Neck, back, leg. Music makes it easier,” so he has his own brand of health-targeted disco.

“The hallways are so long, I walk indoors for exercise, for half an hour,” he said.

DeLima is fortunate to have friends in Vegas, who help him on shopping outings.  “But I’m slowly learning about home delivery,” he noted.

Generally speaking, DeLima has no dilemma about his retirement move.

On new turf, he’s also had to secure new  health services. “I got a new primary care physician,” he said. “And cardiologist, orthopedist, neurologist, dentist, physical therapist.”

All the vital “ists” in his quest for wellness are in place.

While he doesn’t have much hair to address, he nonetheless also has found a barber.

Health coverage is helping him to curb costs.“My insurance takes care of my transportation, round trip, to my appointments.,” said DeLima.

“I no more car, but my family and friends take me when I need to go shopping. And eating.”

He’s been scheduling lunches at least once a week, a comfortable rhythm and pace for all he’s been doing.

Further, he’s discovered a Catholic church a mile away, for Sunday worship.

“My sister  (who has been a Vegas resident for a while) picks me up and we attend (church). Then go eat.”

 He’s truly done all the proper  homework, to adjust to his new senior life in the desert. He’s located restaurants in all directions of his residence, offering quite a range of choice: Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korea, Jewish and even “a place called Island Style, with Hawaiian favorites on the menu,,” he said..

DeLima also has figured out the locations of a CVS Pharmacy, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Target and a Smith’s Supermarket perhaps three miles away.

He’s been a Zippy’s advocate in Honolulu, but he hasn’t revealed if he’s visited the first Zippy’s on the Ninth Island or where a second eatery is coming up soon.

Frank DeLima, with a fan, at his last show Dec. 15 at Blue Note Hawaii.

If you recall, DeLima’s final gig in Honolulu before heading for Vegas, was a Dec, 15, 2024, Christmas show at Blue Note Hawaii, complete with his array of comedic vignettes. Because of the holidays he staged his “Filipino Christmas” complete with his tree costume with lights. Diehard fans showed up at the mid-day finale.

Next up, possibly later than sooner, DeLima is eager to test the waters of doing limited shows for the constant Hawaii delegations who convene to Vegas for birthday or wedding receptions and the plethora of high school reunions which adore the climate of  seeing old school pals and the lure  of trying to win the big jackpot on the slots before catching a flight home …

.

And that’s Show Biz…

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INFINITI DEALERSHIP SHUTS DOWN

The Infiniti dealership and service center in Mapunapuna has shut down.

If you are an Infiniti owner, take note. The lone Infiniti dealership in Mapunapuna shut down Jan. 10, without public notice.

The closure was one of many among stand-alone Infiniti showrooms and servicing centers across the nation, due to cutbacks by besieged Nissan operations, forcing closures of the brand’s luxury division, Infiniti.

I learned about the termination of the Infiniti showrooms and service centers, when I made a Jan. 4 appointment for servicing and a safety check for my Q50 vehicle at the Mapunapuna plant. The brand ceased  operations a week later, on Jan. 10.

Employees were told only that Nissan was downsizing, meaning that the Infiniti operations would be absorbed by parent company King Windward Nissan in Kaneohe. Some workers, like longtime service manager Alvin Niki, were leaving the company; others, like Jason Tokunaga, will transfer to Nissan, where the facility would embrace the Infiniti brand in the showroom and also accept servicing appointments for both Nissan and Infiniti, effective immediately.

According to the New York Post, automotive giant Nissan – which had nearly 200 Infiniti dealerships nation-wide – was forced to shut down Infiniti because of dwindling sales. The brand is under-performing; only 42,567 new Infinitis were sold in the U.S. in the nine months from January to September last year, down from nearly 87,934 in the same period in 2019.

The Post reports that Infitini showrooms averaged only 24  new car sales per month. Consolidating operations with Nissan would stop the bleeding.

For residents townside of the Wilson or Pali tunnels, servicing appointments will require strategic planning. I make routine service treks a couple of times a year; the drive from Hawaii Kai, where I reside, to Mapunapuna, near the airport, usually takes 30 minutes if I leave home at 6:45 a.m. for a 7:30 a.m. appointment. Despite the early morning rush hour, with an early departure, the drive is smooth, unless there’s an accident or heavy rainfall affecting traffic.

However, to make the drive to King Windward, it has taken me 45 to 50 minutes mid-day to get there during weekdays; I imagine an early morning service appointment would be more than an hour, considering there would be early drivers from Kailua and Kaneohe heading to town or other destinations. So, a traffic challenge waits for my next service appointment.

Infiniti offers a loaner service; I’ve been advised that King Windward does, too.

Sharing this information for other Infiniti drivers who are not aware of the shuttering of the Infiniti operations here.