Tributes to late entertainer 'Iz' set
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
The legacy of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole will live anew in a corn maze that opens to the public Oct. 8 at A-Maze-In, at Aloun Farms in Kapolei. And a related Iz Fest, celebrating the life and the music of the late entertainer, will be staged Nov. 11 on the farm's concert lawn.
• When: Oct. 8 through Nov. 25: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays • Admission: $8 for those 12 and older, $5 for youths 6 through 11, free for children 5 and under • Information: 677-6412 or www.cornfieldmaze.com • • • Iz Fest • When: 6 p.m. Nov. 11 • Admission: $15, on sale starting 9 a.m. Oct. 1 at Blaisdell Center and Ticket Plus locations, including Foodland and Sack 'N Save stores, House of Music Ala Moana, Tempo Music locations, University of Hawai'i Campus Center, MWR Kunia, Brigham Young University-Hawai'i JCB Waikiki, Honolulu Club, Pearl Harbor, KMCAS and other military locations; $17.50 at door • Information: 526-4400 or www.ticketplushawaii.com
"This seemed like the perfect way to pay tribute to Iz," said Alec Sou, general manager of Aloun Farms.
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A-Maze-In at Aloun Farms in Kapolei
"This could be the west side's (Leeward O'ahu) biggest concert," said Alan Arato, who is producing the concert with promoter Tom Moffatt.
"We talked to Marlene Kamakawiwo'ole, Israel's widow, and she gave us her blessing, and she'll perform hula," Arato added. She also has endorsed the maze.
The corn will be cut into a maze bearing an image of Iz, from his "IZ: The Man and His Music" CD, said Arato. The image will be that of a bare-chested Iz from the chest up, incorporating a rainbow, an 'ukulele and rays of sunshine. Those walking through the course, however, won't see the image because they'll be inside the crop; an aerial view, however, will make evident the likeness of Iz.
The Maze will be open through Nov. 28.
Bruddah Iz previously lived in Makaha (originating in the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau group). Although some folks may find the corn-stalk tribute awkward, Sou said the corn-stalk tribute is a valid representation of "the spirit of the 'aina, the music and of aloha itself."
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hawai'i chapter of Future Farmers of America, a national high school organization that promotes agricultural careers.
The concert, at 6 p.m. on Nov. 11 (gates open at 5 p.m.), will assemble top local entertainers and many who worked with Iz, and will spotlight music popularized by Iz.
The roster includes Gaylord Holomalia, Willie K, Fiji, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Mel Amina, Aluna Aina, Mike Muldoon, Barry Flanagan, Ernie Cruz Jr., Baba B. Keahiwai, Maunalua, Ken Makuakane, Pandanus Club, Anelaikalani, Moke Boy, and Tino and the Rhythm Klub. Several hula halau also will participate, led by kumu Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Aloha Dalire, William Sonny Ching and Blaine Kamalani Kia.
The MAIZE, a Mainland company that has created more than 100 cornfield labyrinths in 29 states, has planted 300,000 stalks here, each about 16 feet high and carved into a 2.17-mile puzzle of pathways and baffling switchbacks.
