Emme spotlights Island 'icons'
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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Emme Tomimbang, who for years tracked Hawai'i's celebrities and notables in "Emme's Island Moments," zooms in on "Island Icons" in her first 2008 TV special this week. Aunty Genoa Keawe tops the roster.
A planned revisit with Aunty Genoa, whom Emme featured a few years ago, turned into a tribute when the beloved Hawaiian ha'i (falsetto) singer, who could hold that precious note for 2 minutes on her signature "Alika," died on Feb. 25.
"They made her the state aunt," says Keawe's youngest son, Eric. Indeed, the humble performer with the sweet voice, sparkling eyes and million-dollar smile was affectionately adopted by fans statewide.
Tomimbang's camera crew helped the Keawe 'ohana document the funeral services. The show provides a closeup view as the multigenerational clan sings, dances and remembers the matriarch, and Hawai'i's entertainment community mourns her passing.
The show also features Keawe singing an a cappella "Embraceable You" for Tomimbang, acknowledging the times when she was doing pop tunes.
Revelations from Keawe:
The singer Raiatea Helm, who performs in a falsetto style that is sometimes reminiscent of Keawe's, is also featured in the special.
Helm calls Keawe "an awesome role model, not only for women but for everyone in the industry."
At 22, Helm is a ranking Island songbird who admits being a Moloka'i tomboy in her youth, but who now feels "pressure on my shoulder" to carry on the tradition of singing Hawaiian music.
Helm's dad, Zachary, no longer is part of her band. Calling the move a "hard choice I had to make," she says, while tearing up, "I want to spread my wings."
Michael W. Perry and Larry Price, the morning duo on KSSK radio, have a slot on the special as they mark their 25th year of broadcasting together.
"I didn't trust him at all," says Price of their early union.
"We're the odd couple on steroids," says Perry.
"(Perry) can work anywhere ... and he's with me," says Price.
"(Price) is the man for all seasons," says Perry.
Price gets teary, too, when Tomimbang tries to get him to talk about his bond with Perry. He declines, but it appears that there's a lot of mutual trust between the pair — the most successful radio teaming ever on Island radio.
On this special, Tomimbang establishes a new "Island Moments" tradition with the launch of "Island Expressions," a slot that spotlights video from youths.
The premiere showcase, from Searider Productions at Wai'anae High, is themed "Home. Heritage. Heart." The compelling clip explores breaking stereotypes and building pride in Wai'anae.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
