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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, July 16, 2001

Brunch on the Beach a big hit

By Kapono Dowson
Advertiser Staff Writer

More than 5,000 people turned out for Waikiki's first Brunch on the Beach yesterday, bringing smiles to city officials who had expected about 1,500 to attend the event designed to bring more residents into the tourist area.

Kalakaua Avenue was transformed into an outdoor cafe for yesterday's first Brunch on the Beach.

Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Residents mingled with tourists on a two-block stretch of Kalakaua Avenue, transformed by the city into an outdoor cafe between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Shuttle buses transported residents from parking areas at the zoo and Kapi'olani Park.

City spokeswoman Carol Costa estimated Island residents made up 75 percent of the crowd at this newest complement to the Waikiki Revitalization program. Mayor Jeremy Harris said he considered the event a "roaring success."

Because of the unexpected numbers, organizers, vendors and workers had to make some quick adjustments. Dave Arakawa, scrip counter and city attorney, said by the end of the day, scrips had to be ordered three times to keep up with demand.

Vendors also had to scramble to replace supplies and cook more food, Arakawa said.

Long lines of people waited patiently to spend their scrip. Hilton Hawaiian Village Executive Pastry Chef Andre Fusera said the Hilton booth had planned to serve 1,200 desserts but had dished out more than 2,000 by noon.

"We didn't expect to do so many. Next time, we plan for 3,000," Fusera said as he swirled vanilla sauce on black plates.

Chef Steven Smith prepares apple tarts at the Hilton Hotels food stand. The huge crowds left many vendors scrambling.

Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Guido Ulmann, executive chef at Hilton Hawaiian Village, said "it was a little bit overwhelming and more than expected." Ulmann said vendors may need to revamp the booths and rethink menus to include items that can be prepared faster.

The Kekuna family from the Mililani area used the event to meet with their extended 'ohana. Nine members of the family sat under two blue umbrellas and reminisced.

"This is absolutely beautiful," said Helen Kekuna, a retired homemaker. "When I first heard about the beach changes being planned, I was leery. But this really turned out nice. They were planning to bring back the old spirit of Waikiki. I think they succeeded. There's lots of love here."

Light winds tempered the early afternoon sun, as kama'aina joined hands with visitors, and sang "Hawai'i Aloha" at the end of the event. The crowd dispersed slowly, taking with them smiles, hugs, leis and complimentary pineapples.

Police officers at the Waikiki station said traffic was gridlocked at 11 a.m. from Saratoga Avenue to a point where Kalakaua was blocked on Ka'iulani. An adjustment to traffic lights eased the problem.

The blocked area reopened at 3 p.m., an hour earlier than expected, Costa said.

Tour buses had been rerouted to minimize inconvenience. Costa said the Waikiki Improvement Association, Hawai'i Transportation Association and the city Transportation Department will meet to discuss tour bus access for future events.

More than 5,000 people showed up for the Brunch on the Beach; the city had expected closer to 1,500.

Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

In spite of the numbers, the boulevard sparkled, and there was no lingering litter. Brent Wilson, parks and recreation groundskeeper, said the city brought in about 10 extra workers to keep the area clean.

Costa said the price tag was minimal. Most of the workers were volunteers from the Mayor's Team, made up of about 40 people from Harris' Cabinet, and others were city employees temporarily pulled from other areas.

Costs ranged from $5,000 to $10,000, used to purchase artificial grass, chairs, tables and umbrellas, Costa said. These items will be used in future Brunches on the Beach, scheduled monthly. The next Brunch on the Beach is Aug. 12.