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J.D. on the Rocks has Pioneer

By Staff | Apr 19, 2012

There’s room for more offbeat news of people, places and things in Lahaina News. Today marks the start of a new bimonthly column about Lahaina – more and more a happening place.

ON FRONT STREET: J.D. on the Rocks has found a great new venue at Pioneer Inn, which truly is rocking each Wednesday evening with record crowds. Patrons have found a new way to get away from the liquor commission ban on dancing in most bars by literally taking to the streets. One driver recently jumped from his passing truck to join in. To see a video of the fun, go to YouTube and search for “Lahaina Rocks.”

The new Friends bookstore in The Wharf Cinema Center is going great guns. It tallied $12,000 in revenues January through March, all proceeds going to help Maui’s eight libraries. A stream of donated books continues to come in, replenishing the 80-shelf collection.

Kimo’s Restaurant’s popular Assistant GM Jack Starr, after 15 years as a bachelor, has wedding plans. More later…

KAANAPALI BEAT: Three-week visits by the popular Citrus College Band each summer are at an end. The Hyatt Regency Maui generously supported the huge entourage of singers, instrumentalists and support staff for 18 years with free rooms. Crowds packed the Umalu restaurant and ballroom. Fans will now have to go to the Hyatt on Oahu this summer for their Citrus Band fix.

Save the date – The Rotary Club of Lahaina and Royal Lahaina Resort have scheduled June 22 for the third annual Savor the Sunset “party of the year” to support the Lahaina Public Library restoration. The group is looking for a new band to substitute for performances by Citrus College the last two years. Mala Ocean Tavern’s Mark Ellman has been recruited by Carol Coe to serve as emcee.

HONOKOWAI: The three-year-old Honua Kai Resort and Spa, sparsely populated after it opened, was hopping last week with nearly every lounge filled in its massive “Aquatic Playground” pool complex.

KAPALUA: This year’s Celebration of the Arts at the Ritz wasn’t quite the same without the presence of cultural icon Charles Ka’upu Jr., who passed away last year. A highlight was hula shows provided by hotels. There were some good seminar programs but far fewer than in previous years.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK (on Hawaiians): “We love who we are,” said Hokulani Holt at “Celebration of the Arts.”

COLUMNIST’S NOTEBOOK: The recent tongue-in-cheek column on 18 new condominium rules drew much praise and a few brickbats. Some condos reportedly have posted the rules on bulletin boards as a reminder to be sensible about what they do. Others e-mailed it to the Mainland. The recent $4 million settlement against a condo accused of mistreating an owner serves as a reminder, too!

Send in news of people, places or anything else of interest to norm@mauicommunicators.com. The more the merrier!