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CENTRAL DISPATCH

THE HAWAII FIVE-0 FAN CLUB NEWSLETTER 

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Volume 5                  October, 2003                   Issue 20 

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HERMAN WEDEMEYER: FIVE-0'S RIGHTFUL DUKE OF HUMILITY
by Jerry Pickard, UH '72, uhalum@yahoo.com

Writer's Note: I was fortunate to meet Herman Wedemeyer briefly at the Ilikai Hotel during October 1996's MahaloCon. Herman passed away in 1999. The following resulted from a memorable meeting in Spring 2003 with Herman Wedemeyer's widow Carol, at Honolulu's Waialae Country Club.

Special mahalo to fan club member Liz Clare, whose webpage (http://www.wedey.hispeed.com) dedicated to Herman is truly "shaka to da max!" This article will attempt to duplicate as little as possible from the tremendous details included within that site, except where deemed necessary. Instead, the focus will be to try to provide an overall perspective of his life, as shared by Carol that May day just steps from where her husband's remains, like those of Jack Lord, had been scattered out from the beach.

More than a few actors may be credited for providing Hawaii Five-0 plotlines with significant credibility. Herman Wedemeyer enjoyed a number of roles over the twelve years of Hawaii Five-0, but his most notable was Sgt. Duke Lukela. A stolid, generally quiet-speaking individual with considerable reserve of force evident, Duke embodied the very best of Honolulu's Finest. After all, McGarrett eventually took him on as one of the elite plainclothes squad!

As noted above, Liz's thorough and ongoing research/collection of Herman-related data really does tell the story of this incredible individual in depth. Nonetheless, not all readers of CENTRAL DISPATCH have access to the World Wide Web. And regardless, Mrs. Wedemeyer's reminiscences offer her unique take on being Herman's partner (and best friend) until his death in January 1999. Here's a look back at the man that most of us know best and many revere as Duke Lukela.

Herman, a truly chop-suey composite of Hawaiian, Chinese, English, Irish and German ancestors, moved with his family from the Big Island's Kona District in 1928, when he was not quite five years old. The not-well-to-do family settled in a tiny house in the Kalihi section of O'ahu, and from then on, Herman would be a Honoluluan! His father found work as a crane operator in the Pearl Harbor shipyards. Mother Wedemeyer, an especially caring and charming lady to whom Herman was very close, raised the children largely herself. Herman was the oldest of nine, having five sisters and three brothers.

The Wedemeyer home was situated across from a park and playing field. As the Depression approached and then took hold, life in Hawai'i was far from easy, particularly for a good-sized clan with only one breadwinner. But the park offered lots of opportunity for recreation, and it was not long before Herman's natural athletic abilities were taking unmistakable form, initially around the baseball diamond. Herman's dad had also been a keen sports enthusiast when young, until
losing one foot in a train accident. Consequently, Mr. Wedemeyer was very insistent that Herman excel in this area and fortunately, his son was highly gifted in sports. Decades later, when plagued by coronary problems likely exacerbated by his approach to pressures in political arena, Herman was found to have an extraordinarily over-sized, "athletic" heart. It can be said with considerable justification that this matched his spiritual and philanthropic tendencies as well!

It wasn't long before local scouts spotted the amazing young fellow at St. Louis High School. Great things were clearly ahead for him; he had an uncanny sense of timing during competition. Indeed, it seemed he was to well predict what strategies his opponents were using most of the time, and to employ such knowledge to gain win after win for his team. Carol Wedemeyer commented that this amazing knack extended well into later life when they would be on the golf course together. His "sixth sense" made him a very challenging partner on the links!

Herman wanted to attend college on the Mainland, and realized he would only be able to do so if he were awarded scholarships. And that is exactly what happened. But before Herman could get to college, the U.S. had become involved in World War II. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Herman and his St. Louis teammates found themselves stranded on Kaua'i where they had been playing some Garden Island contemporaries. Approximately 100 miles from O'ahu, Kaua'i was faced with strict transportation restrictions. The youths were unable to go home for a good two weeks or more, during they were called upon to work various "shifts of vigilance" along the agricultural areas, in case the enemy returned.

After things settled somewhat and high school was behind him, Herman elected to attend St. Mary's College, not far from Oakland, California. Rival offers had come in from the University of Southern California, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. Herman chose St. Mary's mainly for its location that would make it easier to get from and to the Islands. In those days, transpacific air travel was minimal to say the least, and a passage of at least four days by ship was the norm. With the war on, Herman did not wish to be too far away from the convenient port of San Francisco. At St. Mary's, Herman excelled not only on the sports fields but also in the classroom, where his studies tended toward business subjects. Juggling the two demands was an ongoing but manageable challenge for him.

Herman was invariably low-keyed toward his outstanding achievements from an early age, probably because he came from stock that appreciated the value of being humble. He seldom spoke of the ultra-glory of his ball-playing days. To illustrate, Carol referred to a day when his son came home from school, wide-eyed, and excitedly said, "Dad, I didn't know you played football and made All-American!" Celebrity status for Herman provided an ideal opportunity to develop even more humility, which by today's practices and standards, must appear rather quaint if not bizarre. Herman was most grateful for the opportunities and talents that marked much of his life, Carol noted.

One of his teachers, a St. Mary's Brother, became a particularly close and long-time friend. The late Brother Jerome West acted as a mentor of sorts when Herman was in college, and despite his own advanced years, even came over to Honolulu for Herman's memorial proceedings in '99. All aspects of his time at St. Mary's made an enormous impact on Herman's life. He and the school never forgot each other, and Herman made a number of return visits over the years.

Despite the racially unenlightened times in which he played, Herman would recall only a single occasion in which he encountered any discrimination, while playing baseball after he'd graduated from college. Given the times perhaps that's rather impressive. Herman's professional career in athletics was short, comprising of one season in minor league baseball and two years in pro football. Evidently he was considered, at 5' 10", to be too short, although his "squattiness" was certainly an asset in the uncanny ability to squirm that earned him his nickname, 'Squirmin' Herman!

The latter stages of World War II saw Herman serving in the Merchant Marine. Carol recalled that, like many veterans, her husband said little about that time in his life. He did tell her how moved he'd been on one voyage from California to the Philippines, when he'd been able to view Hawai'i as his ship sailed by--so close, yet he could not stop to visit his family.

In addition to college and war service, Herman had married a young woman whom he'd met during his high school years, and their family had grown to four children. Following his attempt at professional sports, he remained on the Mainland for a while, working in California real estate. But he and his wife divorced, and he returned to the Islands. Herman's contact with his children was minimal after the divorce, and none currently lives in Hawai'i, variously preferring Oregon, Alaska and California. Herman found better success as a parent with his "second" family, i.e. Carol's children. She had been widowed twice before, with each marriage producing one child; for her kids, she said, Herman was an ideal dad.

 

Herman and Carol were just casual acquaintances when both were in high school, Carol recalled. But when Herman came back from the Mainland, a blind date at a luau led to a reconnection of sorts. There was a follow-up dinner soon after, during which, Carol remembered with a particularly broad smile, "I ate most of his food as well as my own, because I had a tremendous appetite then." Two months went by before he called her again. Herman told her that while he'd like to see her, he could not afford to take her out again if she was always going to be that hungry! At first, they dated from time to time, seeing others as well. Marriage followed some three years after that first luau. But before that, they became fast friends, a special distinction that marked their relationship right up to the time he passed on. Carol noted wistfully that this has been the most difficult part, losing her one 'best friend.' Even today, when she experiences something that she knows he would like, Carol has to figuratively pinch herself as a reminder that he's no longer with her in person.

Most of us who have paid close attention to Herman in the series, not only as Duke Lukela but also in some of his lesser roles, would probably typify his various characters as quiet but also exerting a strong presence. He never seemed out of control, of course; in fact, he conveyed the impression that he could broker good solutions to difficult situations. Carol described her husband as a "perfect gentleman." That's not to say that he always masked his feelings, or that he didn't let others know when things bothered him. But flare-ups were rare; Herman seemed remarkably adept at taking both the negative and the positive things very much in stride. Socially, he was far from shy, with his stoic yet easy-going, fun-loving personality making him a favourite at parties. Add to this a keen sense of humour, a flair for music and dance (e.g. hula) and one may understand why Herman was wonderful to be around. Carol recalled, laughingly, that when their very young grandson called from Kaua'i and she would answer, there would be brief and token 'talk-story' between the two of them before the keiki let it be known that really, he'd rather be chatting with grandpa!

Such personality traits no doubt were of great help in his professional life in the Islands as well. This included stints in the tour business, Hawaiian Airlines, the realms of politics and Hawaii Five-0 (virtually simultaneously), followed by public relations duties in the automotive division of Servco Pacific. Carol asserted that her husband thoroughly enjoyed what he did, and more on Five-0 will be noted further on.

The political phase of Herman's life was significant. Herman had been persuaded to enter that field. Carol's family was of staunch Republican background, and that is how Herman first represented his constituents. But Hawai'i has, until very recent times, above all traditionally and enthusiastically flown the Democratic banner. So with such added support Herman "crossed the floor." He was encouraged by his constituents to consider running for governor.

Public life can exact a heavy toll, particularly from a person like Herman who genuinely wanted the best for everybody who looked up to him, with no one's feelings being hurt. That is essentially an impossibility in politics! Herman took it all to heart -- literally. Carol believes that the stress and frustration that he felt in being unable to please everyone, and the anxieties which he tended to keep mainly inside himself, led directly to his first coronary bout.

During all of this, there was Five-0. In the course of his PR work, Herman had become a member of the very posh Waialae Country Club, just steps from Jack Lord's condominium complex. Early on, a director from the show had noticed this distinguished, self-contained, capable and athletic fellow at the Club, and on instinct, had offered him a role. Herman had never acted, although later he quipped that "if you've played football, then you've been an entertainer." As we know, he did just fine.

The heart situation intervened, however. Carol recalled quite vividly that Jack Lord called her when Herman was ill, asking for a hospital-approved menu of what Herman would be permitted to eat when he was able to return to filming sessions (much to Herman's chagrin!). She said Jack was very fond of Herman, visiting him while he was unwell, and offering to send a car for her if she needed it. Incidentally, there were only three social gatherings of the cast that she could think of, throughout Herman's long involvement with the show.

Herman liked Five-0 considerably, she noted, and right away said that DEATH IS A COMPANY POLICY was definitely his favourite episode. He felt that the Duke Lukela role suited his own temperament perfectly. A close associates on the show was Zoulou, who still keeps in touch with Carol. As for the series enduring popularity, Carol noted the physical quality of of the film used (tending not to become overly-grainy as time goes by) and the "synergism of the entire Five-0 company," how that worked under Jack Lord's orchestration and how it was ultimately reflected in the overall production of the show.

Although Herman did a few appearances later in Magnum PI and Charlie's Angels, for all intents and purposes his show business days wound up when Five-0 did. He played an important role, and as a true "son of Hawai'i," he will long be fondly remembered as a really great guy.

By the way, Herman was also an artist (like Jack). He specialized in seascapes, and at the end of my interview, Carol "snuck" me into the Ladies Room at the Country Club where one of his captivating pieces of work, featuring beautiful Kaua'i, is displayed!

I am grateful for Carol's candid recollections, and her graciousness and hospitality toward my daughter and myself at Waialae!

(Carol Wedemeyer and Jerry Pickard at the Waialai Country Club)

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A Message from Dennis Chun

To the Fans of Hawaii Five-0:

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the death of my father. The courage with which he faced his last battle is still etched in my mind. Not only was he a fine actor, but he was an even better father and friend. 

On this anniversary, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you for your kind thoughts. Due to a personal situation, I was not able to personally write all of you who took the time to express your thoughts and support at the time of Dad's passing. I want you to know that your words and thoughts were most appreciated. Most of all, I want to express my aloha for all the support and love that you extended to my father during his last years. He was always very touched and felt most fortunate to have been graced with your kindness.

My father never really understood why he was so kindly remembered by the fans of Hawaii Five-0. As he often said, he was just a lucky Chinese guy who had a chance to do what he loved. But as the days have grown since his passing, I become more acutely aware of the special man that he was.

He faced many adversities in his life, the loss of loved ones, financial hardships and many disappointments but he never stopped smiling, he never stopped trying and never stopped believing in the basic dignity and goodness of people. He was a man of character, love and faith. In the troubled times that we now endure, men like that are rare and special. I was fortunate to have him as a father.

Maybe that is what makes Five-0 special. Mr. Freeman, Rose, Jack, Jimmy, Herman, Richard and all the others were more than just actors. They were men and women who had lived life and brought both their strengths and shortcomings to the screen. It is this character, this human quality that defines Hawaii Five-0 as a truly great show.

And there is one other thing that has made Five-0 special, and that is all of you. Your love and support have created a very beautiful "Ohana" that endures through the years, and we are all fortunate to have shared in it together.

"When we first met, complete total strangers

We did not know if we could be friends.

How soon we've come for to know each other,

so now I know that we will meet again.

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We've talked of dreams and the good tomorrows

Of yesterdays with their dark despair.

We've had our share of love and sorrow,

So we part as friends who care.

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A long, long road now lies before us

And fate will lead me where it will.

All through the valleys and over mountains,

I'll not forget but remember you still.

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So here's to you and our time together,

I share with you now a parting glass.

And bid adieu with a smile and laughter

Our time apart will be short and pass.

Please give my best to all of the Hawaii Five-0 "ohana".  Where ever I am, the ohana will always have a special place in my heart.

Aloha, and God Bless, Dennis Chun

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Ford Fairlane 500 Hawaii Five-0 Car

Brian Reilly

In 1968, the Ford Motor Company produced 339 "Fairlane 500" convertibles with bucket seat interiors. Nine of those cars were produced with a Diamond Blue exterior and two tone blue vinyl interior with bucket seats. Of those 9 Diamond Blue Fairlane 500 convertibles, only 1 was shipped by Ford Motor Company to Hawaii.

Call it a mid-life crisis. Call it a love for convertibles. I had to find my first Ford convertible. Ten years ago, I found my 1968 Ford Fairlane 500 convertible. The owner was having some cash flow problems and had shipped 4 of his vehicles to Seattle for a quick sale. I fell in love with the Fairlane ragtop and pulled out my checkbook.

Soon after the purchase was made, I began to check out the Ford data plate production codes located on the door. My Fairlane is unusual with is very low VIN number which is less than 15. Most Ford cars with serial numbers less that 50 were "program cars" or "show cars" or were used for in-house testing of components and quality control by Ford. Many of those cars were given away by Ford to film production companies and were never intended to be sold. Most were destroyed. My Fairlane came equipped with power windows, power disc brakes, power steering, a high performance big block V-8 engine with a C-6 automatic transmission with console mounted select shifter and bucket seats, all factory installed. The car has an assembly date of July 4, 1967. That was very odd, as no company in America assembles cars on the 4th of July. Finally, the car was assigned a DSO 89 code which meant that the car was a vehicle owned by Ford Corporate Headquarters.

My curiosity had gotten the best of me. I worked backwards and contacted previous owners to find our more about the Fairlane. Finally, I contacted a gentleman in Oregon. The first thing that he asked was, "Does the clock still work?" I laughed and assured him that yes, indeed, the clock was still ticking. He then asked if I had heard about the story of the car. I told him I was unaware of the car's history and that was the reason for my call. He told me the car was used on the old TV program "Hawaii Five-0". I was surprised. But, I was not convinced. My 10 year quest for the truth had begun.

I contacted CBS-TV, Jack Lord, The William Morris Agency, Viacom, The Screen Actors Guild and recently by email, James MacArthur. In most cases, no one replied to my requests for information about the car or refused to give addresses to write to individuals associated with the series. I made zero headway by using the Hollywood route for gaining information.

I took another approach. I started to watch episodes of Hawaii Five-0 on the Family Channel. If the Fairlane 500 convertible was used on the show, I'd see it. I watched Hawaii Five-0 on cable TV on a nightly basis. One episode after another went by until finally, I saw the Fairlane 500 convertible. I not only saw it once, but several times on several episodes. The car was spotted in four episodes - "Deathwatch", Tiger by the Tail", No Blue Skies" and "24 Karat Kill."

"Deathwatch" was videotaped and provided the best close-up of the Fairlane's exterior and interior. By using the freeze frame feature on the video, it was determined that the Hawaii Five-0 ragtop was Diamond Blue with a two-tone blue vinyl bucket seat interior. I was shocked. The Hawaii Five-0 Fairlane was an exact match to the data plate codes on my Fairlane! At the end of the show, the credits stated: "Automobiles furnished by Ford Motor Company." I started to believe what the gentleman from Oregon told me about the Five-0 connection. But, I still needed to be convinced with more evidence. I needed a better connection.

In early September, 2003, I was told about a company named "Marti Auto Works" in El Mirage, Arizona. The company is licensed by Ford to provide information from Ford's data base to the public regarding Ford cars manufactured from 1967 to 1973. Finally, there was a chance I would get the evidence I needed. I placed my order and waited for the report.

The report arrived on September 25, 2003. The report confirmed that my Fairlane 500 convertible was classified by Ford as an "Introductory Show Unit". The report also confirmed that the car was never sold by Ford, which is consistent with vehicles given away by Ford to film production companies. And finally, the report stated that my car "is the only Fairlane 500 convertible produced that was painted Diamond Blue with blue bucket seats and shipped to Hawaii." With only one of a kind shipped to Hawaii by Ford, there is no doubt in my mind that I own the Hawaii Five-0, Diamond Blue Ford Fairlane 500 convertible.

Currently, Washington state is home for the 1968 Fairlane 500 convertible. A previous owner painted the car Ford Oxford White and I am now considering restoring the car to its former Diamond Blue color. My wife Denise and I plan to enjoy many weekend road-trips with the car. 

Now, If I can only find some "Book'em Danno" license plates!!!!!

(As an update: Brian spoke with Bernard Oseransky who worked in production on the show from episode 1 and following for 10 years. He said he remembered the Fairlane 500 convertible. He said all of the Ford provided vehicles, including the Fairlane 500 convertible, were delivered to the Hawaii Five-0 production company from Honolulu Auto Center (Honolulu Ford), 711 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu HI.)  Brian's Fairlane 500, according to Ford records, was the only Fairlane 500 convertible of its kind that was shipped to the same address in Hawaii.)

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Hawaii Five-0 Autographs

Randy Fong

Over the years, I have enjoyed watching Hawaii Five-0 reruns on TV. It is great to reminisce and see old but not forgotten landmark, Hawaii celebrities of the past, and how life was like back in the old days. I first got interested in pursuing autographs of Hawaii Five-0 cast members during the 25th anniversary celebration in 1996. During an evening dinner gathering, I had a number of cast members sign a baseball. I thought it was interesting to have everyone sign a baseball, but alas, the paint pen autographs started to fade or crack very quickly. I recently had it auctioned off on an internet auction. I don't remember how much I got for it!!

When the special 30th anniversary was held in January, 1999, I was determined to get started again with collection autographs, this time with a more permanent and dependable pen. There was a fairly good size crowd attending. Several of the cast members showed up along with Marie Lord.

A Hawaii Five-0 poster was created by local artist Dexter Doi for the event and sold for $25. As soon as I got one, I started my question getting as many autographs as I could in a limited time. Before the end of the night, I had gotten 11 signatures: Moe Keale (Truck), Harry Endo (Che Fong), Jimmy Borges (recurring roles), Fred Ball (several guest roles), Dennis Chun (Kam Fong's son who had some bit parts), Doug Mossman (recurring roles), Seth Sakai (numerous guest appearances), Helen Torco (the hula dancer in the opening credits) and the artist Doi. I also added Margaret Doversola who was the casting director and our Honolulu Police Chief Lee Donohue who had some bit parts when he was younger.

But I w as not finished. Over the next four years, I kept adding to my collection. When James MacArthur , who could not attend the 30th anniversary, visited Hawaii a few months later, I made it a point to meet him. Fortunately, I was able to get him to sign the poster when he attended a roast event for a local celebrity. It was the first time he had seen the poster and recognized several of the signatures. So began my quest to look for more opportunities to get more autographs on the poster each year. 

I got Kam Fong's signature with the help of his daughter-in-law, Colleen Chun. Al Harrington was in Hawaii promoting a movie he starred in and I met him at a local TV station to get his autograph. Glen Cannon, who was a regular on the series as the District Attorney, signed my poster when I met him at his office at the University of Hawaii where he is a theater professor. 

Remember Yvonne Elliman, the singer who had a big disco hit "If I Can't Have You"? She starred in a two-hour Hawaii Five-0 special in the late 1970's. I got her autograph while she was the featured singer in a 1970's themed dance event held earlier this year in Honolulu.

Also this year, I have met Kwan Hi Lim (he played the heavy in a number of roles) and Tom Fujiwara (he usually played bad guy roles) and Melveen Leed (a local singer who was in a few episodes). Add to the list Dave Donnelly, a local columnist who was in several episodes and Joe Moore, a top local newscaster and actor who had been in a number of episodes.

A big thrill was meeting Peggy Ryan who played Jenny, McGarrett's secretary for 8 seasons, in Las Vegas. She was very gracious and met me at the El Cortez Hotel lobby to sign the poster. Another thrill was getting Zoulou's autograph when I traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii. He likes to "hang out" at the local Farmer's Market in Hilo on Saturdays. He actually called me and left his phone number. He looks healthy considering his weekly dialysis treatments. Nice guy!

Well, that is is - 23 signatures (and perhaps more?). I do believe it is the largest collection of Hawaii Five-0 autographs on ONE single item or maybe the largest number, period. What's next? Maybe getting William Smith and/or Sharon Farrell's signatures who both starred in the final season. I would love to get France Nuyen's who starred in 3 or 4 episodes. She was at an autograph signing in Las Vegas in July, but I missed her by one week.

But other than that, I think I have run out of autographs I think I would like to get! Happy signing!!

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Hawaiian Block Party, Baby

Cindy Kimura

Sounds of Hawaiian music filled the downtown Las Vegas Fremont Street experience. It was there I met Brickwood Galuteria, D.J. for KINE 105 FM, the radio station that was sponsoring the event, and hosting the famed Hawaiian musicians. The party was on September 18, 2003 and part of the pre football game festivities. KINE’s morning show, starring Galuteria and Frank B. Shaner had been broadcasting live all week from Las Vegas and this was its capstone event. Needless to say, Galuteria was ready to go home, but only after the game of course.

 The block party was in anticipation for the next days UNLV/UH football game on September 19, 2003 at 6 p.m. at the Sam Boyd stadium. This contest had brought out a huge number of Hawaiian fans and Vegas was giving them a party, free. During the block party, numerous vendors offered Hawaiian products and food, mainly University of Hawaii gear. As it turned out, Boyd Stadium had one of the largest attendances in its history for this game.  

(Brickwood Galuteria)

 The featured entertainers, besides Brickwood himself, were the legendary Don Ho, Malveen Leed, the Makaha Sons, Danny Kaleikini, O’Brian Eselu, Robi Kahakalau and Kapena to name a few.  The Hawaiian connection, in case you didn’t know, is that Hawaiians love Las Vegas (practically the number one vacation destination) and some downtown hotels cater to them by offering packages and incentives. The game was just one more reason to come to Vegas. Two stages were used for the show and both had large crowds listening to the music and watching the locals present Hulu. Not only was a block party arranged but a huge tail gate party, before the 6 p.m. game, at Sam’s Town was offered, part and parcel of the packages offered by the Boyd Group to Hawaiian visitors flying in for the game.

 Galuteria has seen Hawaiian music change in over the twenty years he has been in the radio business. He’s hoping that if the Grammy’s can recognize Hawaiian music, the music may go mainstream. He considers performers like Don Ho and Al Harrington his mentors as he made his way in the business. However, one of the main problems is how to classify Hawaiian music. “I mean does it have fifty percent Hawaiian language, what and how to you classify it,” Galuteria explained. “I’ve seen the evolution of Hawaiian music from the classic to rap. Where do you make the line and then go to your sub categories? That has brought up some interesting debate and we are still talking about it.”  

(Don Ho)

 He was doing a sound check since he was to emcee the event. Galuteria worked the crowd before the official start of the party. Crowds gathered and he introduced them with a large ‘aloha’. His easiness with the crowd and performers showed his experience and maturity. He started originally in sales and ‘fell’ into the D.J. role. He was able to adapt to any problems and he seemed at home on the stage and off.

Featured performers started showing up about a half an hour before the show to do sound checks. Galuteria knew everyone of them, but the most special was the legendary Don Ho. The audience out front waited patiently for Ho to show up. However, Ho wasn’t feeling all that well but did do a duet with Leed, they sang ‘I’ll remember you’, and he sang his famous, Tiny Bubbles, which the crowd sang back at him. It seemed everyone knew Galuteria as he was greeted by people on the street and treated like a long lost friend by performers.

However, Galuteria feels that Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole had a far greater impact on Hawaiian music since IZ’s death. “With IZ’s songs in movies and TV. He (IZ) is doing more to promote Hawaiian music than ever before”. Galuteria was referring to IZ’s version of “Somewhere over the rainbow” appearing on ‘ER” and ‘Finding Forrester’.

 During the show, special V.I..P.s showed up, like University of Hawaii president, Evan Dobelle and entourage, along with the Warriors mascot (Vili Fehoko). Other friends greeted the performers with photos and autographs freely given and taken as well as finding old friends among the massive crowds.

 When in Honolulu you can catch Galuteria’s act at the Brew Moon restaurant in the Ward Centre. There he performs with his group with a mixture of jazz and four-part harmony. He was after all, Most Promising Artist of the 1985 NA HOKU HANOHANO AWARDS.

>

(Melveen Leeds and O'Brien Eselu)

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Hawaii Five-0 and John Ritter

John Ritter, who passed away in September, guest starred on Hawaii Five-0 twice (Two Doves and Mr. Heron and Dealers Choice: Blackmail). In it's Cheers and Jeers section of October 4, 2003, TV Guide had this to say:

CHEERS to TV Land's day-long John Ritter marathon that reminded us not only of the comedian's humor, but his range. There were some wonderful low-key gems from early TV roles. Among our favorites: Ritter as a minister in tennis garb) presiding at the wedding of Ted and Georgette on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and in dramatic roles, guest appearances on such programs as Starsky & Hutch, Mannix and Hawaii Five-0.

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Happy Birthday, Zoulou

Zoulou is celebrating his 66th birthday on Friday, October 17th.  Anyone who might wish to drop him a card or note may do so.  His address is:  Zoulou, PO Box 21, Kea'au HI 96749

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Great Website for Moe Keale

Carol Keale wants everyone who has been touched by Moe to share in this celebration.  Apparently she was truly overwhelmed to receive word that it had been created.

http://www.geocities.com/moekeale2020/

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Tim Ryan's "Reel News"

from the Honolulu Star Bulletin

September 17, 2003:  Producer George Litto is close to finalizing negotiations with a major studio for a multimillion dollar distribution deal for the Hawaii Five-0 film. Expect an announcement next month. Actors being considered to portray Steve McGarrett: Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas and Mel Gibson.

October 1, 2003:  James MacArthur will receive the state's 2003 Film in Hawaii Award to be presented by the Hawaii Film Office on November 6, during the Hawaii International Film festival. The award is given annually to the film or television entity that "has significantly contributed to promoting the local film industry." MacArthur played the signature role of Danno on Hawaii Five-0.

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Buck Henshaw

From the Honolulu Star Bulletin - August 26, 2003

George Herbert "Buck" Henshaw, a World War II prisoner of war who went on to become a set designer for television shows including Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0 has died. He was 85. Henshaw died Wednesday at Queen's Medical Center, according to a news release from his publicist. The cause of death was not released.

During his 12 years as a set decorator, Henshaw designed for the shows of George Burns and Gracie Allen, Jack Benny, Ralph Edwards, Red Skelton and Carol Burnett. He earned two Emmy nominations for his work, first in 1957 for Playhouse 90 and then in 1982 for the pilot of Tales of the Gold Monkey.

While attending Punahou School, Henshaw worked as a student reporter for the Honolulu Star- Bulletin. After graduating from Stanford University, he returned to the paper as a columnist. He later volunteered and was accepted at the Naval Officer Candidate School in Annapolis, MD, and was assigned to Wake Island as a communications officer after graduation.

When Wake Island surrendered to Japanese forces in 1942, Henshaw became a prisoner of war until 1945. Upon his release, he was commended by President Harry Truman and promoted to Lieutenant Commander. After the war, Henshaw was living in Las Angeles when he got a job as an usher at CBS Studios before entering the field of television and working on set design.

Henshaw also was a musician who wrote about his love of Hawaii in the songs "Hulu Breeze" and "Our Last Aloha."

Henshaw is survived by his close friend and associate of 35 years, Wally White and by a niece.

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Al Eben

(sent in by Five-0 Fan George Lovas)

From the Los Angeles Times - July 26, 2003: Eben, Al (1915-2003) Actor. Leaves his wife of 64 1/2 years, Sylvia Kunin Eben, his son, Barry, his daughter-in-law, Beverly, his two step-granddaughters, Lisa and Adriann, and a loving family of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Starred on Broadway in Pins and Needles. Appeared in Citizen Kane, Hawaii Five-0 for nine years, and numerous television commercials. Worked with the Santa Monica Emeritus Players and read for elementary schools and kindergartens until his death. Services to be held Sunday, July 27, 2003.

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Next issue:   January, 2004

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