Stars fall in Hawaii
p. 26 · Read in the full issue
Entertainment
PIM Correspondent BARRY MARKOWITZ was there when the stars crashed in Hawaii at the opening of the Planet Hollywood Honolulu at Waikiki. Thousands gathered to take a glimpse of their stars.
It was the glitziest night Honolulu had ever seen as action rnegastars Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Sylvester Stallone, Jean Claude Van Damme, Danny Glover, leading lady Melanie Griffith and handsome beau Antonio Banderas, classic “Godfather” star James Caan, movie/TV star Richard Grieco, flashy entertainer Charo, and supermodel Daisy Puentes strutted past 20,000 ecstatic fans engulfing the red carpet entrance to the new Planet Hollywood Honolulu-Waikiki. But no matter how big the star, nobody got in without a traditional Polynesian greeting by Talagu-Ah-Hoy and Hiro Tinirauarii or in the case of Daisy Puentes being carried on a tapa throne by Johnny Taapusoa, Pele Tautu, Siataga, and Norris Alaisa. Tahitian Hiro Tinirauarii said, “It was really bizarrethat superstars, and we just waited for them to come to us. They really seemed to appreciate our sincerity in get ting them in the spirit and dignity of Polynesia as we represented the cultures of Tonga, Aotearoa, Samoa, Marquesas, and Tahiti.”
Ironically the successful Pacific Island cultural theme was put together in a few short days by the public relations firm, McNeil/Wilson, and the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). Reg Schwenke, Vice President of Communications for the PCC said, “We were very pleased to have Pacific Island cultures recognized with respect by the high profile Hollywood stars such as Mr. Stallone and Mr.
Schwarzeneggar. Subsequently we have head from Asia, the Pacific Islands, Australia, Europe and all points in the
Americas that exposure for our cultures was seen on TV all over the world. As a Western Samoan I am particularly proud”
While all the celebrities received high marks for their friendliness, Danny Glover went out of his way to make everyone at the party feel special. Invites guest, execu tive David Hanneman, an American Samoa based in Hawaii said, “Danny Glover was really a sweet man. One inside the new Planet Hollywood restaurant, he went and got autographs for the young kids from all the celebrities who were located in a special security area that we did not have access to. Danny took photos for us and with us. He gave us a lot of pos itive memories we will remember warmly.
Danny Glover sure has a Polynesian heart.” ■
Jean Claud van Damme with Mrs.
Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin woo the crowd.
Arnold Scharzeneggar and wife Maraia
The first to get the red carpet welcome at Planet Hollywood.