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April 2012
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“The Tiki Tribe,” January 2012
Senior editor David Thompson surveyed the wicky-wacky world of tiki culture, including artist Brad Parker, who “creates lurid paintings that pull in influences from tiki, comics and rock.”
Ya know what? I’ve been waiting my whole career for someone to define my art as “LURID!” I dig it, baby! Big aloha and mahalo David Thompson and HONOLULU Magazine!
—BRAD PARKER; KONA, HI
“King of Chinatown,” February 2012
John Heckathorn’s last Dining column profiled entrepreneur Dave Stewart, who owns Bar 35, Du Vin and several other Chinatown bars.
So glad this story finally got told. Cheers to you, the non-king of Chinatown, and thanks!
—WILL STORMONT; HONOLULU, HI
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While I found your article on Dave Stewart interesting, I must take issue with your description of him as “The King of Chinatown.” The cover headline, “How Dave Stewart Saved Chinatown,” is even more egregious.
Chinatown is just fine and does not need saving. The boundaries of Chinatown have shifted through the years based on demographics and need. Currently, Chinatown has a Vietnamese flavor mostly due to Chinese merchants from Vietnam, with accents from Thailand, Laos and the Philippines. It is also no longer predominantly Cantonese, with new Mandarin-speaking merchants.
The area of Bethel and Nuuanu Streets was essentially abandoned by Chinese businesses due to contractions of Chinatown to the area between River and Smith Streets. Stewart’s enterprises and those that have followed him have certainly revived the area, but they are not part of Chinatown. Culturally, they are more a part of the downtown district than Chinatown. Two of the most popular spots in the area, Murphy’s and O’Toole’s, are Irish themed, after all. Perhaps the city should move its two lion gateway statues down Hotel Street from Bethel to Smith.
—TOM HILL; HONOLULU, HI
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On John Heckathorn
I just received my February copy of HONOLULU Magazine and learned of John Heckathorn’s passing. I never met John, but feel like I’ve lost a longtime friend who kept me posted on what was going on in Hawaii, as well as the openings and closings of countless restaurants. His articles were always informative and well written, often seasoned with an undertone of dry wit. And his restaurant reviews made me wish I could hop on the next plane over to sample his latest find. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues. Aloha, John. Mahalo nui loa. Rest in peace.
—SUSAN VOKEY; PEABODY, MASS.
Ahana koko lele
In our January Hale Aina feature, the correct address for Fook Yuen is 1960 Kapiolani Blvd. #200, Honolulu, HI 96826.
In our February Best Dentists feature, the correct address for Craig Yamamoto is 1441 Kapiolani Blvd. #1720, Honolulu, HI 96814.
In our March Best of Honolulu foldout section, the correct winner of Best Place to Shop for Keiki should have been Little Sprouts, 600 Kailua Road #106, 266-8877, littlesproutshawaii.com.
Also, the phone number for Mercedes-Benz is 592-5600.
