"Everybody came! Everybody rocked! And everyone had a good time!" said veteran entertainer Henry Kapono Kaaihue, who plans to concentrate on his music and other business ventures, including releasing a new CD, and building up his record label and entertainment management company. "And we're going to put this stamp and rock the place on New Year's Eve."

During its years at Aloha Tower Marketplace, scores of local entertainers have headlined at this popular waterfront restaurant and live music club, entertaining locals and visitors alike.

"This is one of the hardest decisions we've ever made," said Henry's wife Lezlee. "When Henry announced to the staff that we were going to close, he started bawling and then everyone broke out crying. We've spent a chunk of our lives here, so it was a very emotional time."

But the tears have stopped, and smiles and the comraderie have since returned, as the staff readies for one last party on New Year's Eve.

Themed "Last Hour at the Tower," the year-end bash will showcase an entertainment lineup that will include such A-list performers as Ledward Kaapana, Inoa Ole, Speed Limit and possibly some impromptu visits from some of Henry's longtime friends.

"Even though our lease ends at midnight, Aloha Tower Marketplace management extended it for this event," Lezlee said. "This is the final hurrah."

Tickets to the New Year's Eve fete are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, which opens at 5:30 p.m. Revelers must be 21 years and older. Heavy pupus will be served at Kapono's food booth.

Three exclusive packages are available, including "The Superstar," which offers VIP-only stage-side pavillion seating, a private table, party favors and a bottle of White Star Champagne. Cost is $100 per person for a minimum of four people or $150 per person for a table for two.

The "Shooting Star" offers backstage, harborfront seating and the same perks as "The Superstar." Tickets are $80 per person for a minimum of four, or $130 per person for at least two people.

The "Rockstar" ($50 per person for a minimum of two) includes reserved cabaret seating, party favors, and a bottle of house champagne.

"The goal is to celebrate the entire time that we've been here," Lezlee said. "And we've been here ever since Aloha Tower Marketplace opened when we had the Pier Bar, which is now Kapono's."

The celebration will be captured in a DVD "docu-rock," that will include interviews with staff members, as well as the evening's entertainers. A live CD will also be produced during the year-end concert and final goodbye.

"I'm going to do a Rock n' Roll set," Henry said. "I think it's very appropriate for our final night here."

He'll perform such cover tunes as "Boys of Summer" and "Taking Care of Business," as well as his own material.

And as a grand finale, he's considering Steppenwolf's classic "Born to be Wild."