For nearly half a century, entertainment writer Wayne Harada highlighted the movers and groovers of Hawai'i's show-biz industry. Now they turn the spotlight on him.

Harada, who retired in December after 44 years with The Ho- nolulu Advertiser, will be honored for his contributions to Island entertainment at a star-studded fundraiser benefiting Helping Hands Hawai'i and the Advertiser Christmas Fund.

The tribute, Feb. 22 at Royal Hawaiian Center's Waikiki nei showroom, includes performances by Al Waterson, Amy Hanaia- li'i, Frank DeLima, Robert Cazimero, Augie T., Afatia, The Krush, Jordan Segundo and Merrie Monarch winners Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu with Sonny Ching.

"First of all, the entertainers were simply going to entertain and celebrate him right around my own kitchen table, which seats 12," quipped show organizer and director Cha Thompson, of Tihati Productions. "But it grew so large that I had to think of moving it."

When Thompson started to hear from dozens of talents who "think the world of Wayne" and wanted to chip in — including Jim Nabors and Rip Taylor — Thompson immediately thought of doing a full production and donating the proceeds to charity, she said.

"Then Roy Tokujo of the Waikiki nei showroom, who is also a friend, allowed us the use of the fabulous theater showroom, and the rest is history," she said.

When Thompson approached Harada with the idea, Harada said he "didn't feel worthy."

"I am humbled, overwhelmed and deeply gratified for the vast effort behind the tribute, that so many have been so willing to do so much in these dour economic times. ... I agreed only if proceeds could benefit a charity and also if admission would be affordable," Harada said.

Harada is more than deserving of a tribute like this because of his service to both readers and artists of Hawai'i and abroad, said event committee member John Tilton.

"He has been the heart and link of bridging the community to what is taking place in the entertainment industry," Tilton said.

Longtime Isle entertainer Jimmy Borges called Harada a documentarian who chronicled entertainers and the entertainment business. And Borges characterizes entertainment as the sparkplug of the tourism industry that's the engine of Hawai'i's economy.

"His importance goes much, much further than show-biz glamour and footlights," Borges said. "He was the 'head mechanic' who kept our industry running smooth for all the world to see and visit."

Organizers call the tribute a "must-see show."

"The slate of artists and entertainers that will be paying tribute to Wayne has never been assembled before in terms of the different genres of music and the diverse range of artists, both nationally and locally acclaimed," Tilton said.

Thompson added: "With all the 'named' acts, it would cost $250 to see a show like this — all in the same place at the same time."

Others in the lineup include the Society of Seven-Las Vegas, Jake Shimabukuro, Danny Kaleikini, The Steve Jones Trio, Noly Pa'a, Honolulu Boy Choir, Marlene Sai, Karen Keawehawai'i, Carole Kai, Kevin I, Kit Samson, Cathy Foy, Keith and Carmen Haugen, Rolando Sanchez, Taimane Gardner, Nalani Olds and Van Diamond.

"Everyone donated their time for Wayne and his charity," Borges said of the entertainers.

Event committee members include Thompson, Tilton, Borges, Waterson, Jack Cione, Nancy Bernal, Gloria Chung and Lisa Josephsohn.

The upbeat program with an all-star cast is meant to give an emotional boost during trying times, organizers said.

"For this reason I was more than willing to lend my name, with The Advertiser's blessing and kokua, for this win-win situation," Harada said. "It's about giving back to the community."