Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 6, 1 June 1988 — 'Chubby's Luau' on TV Channel K-FIVE [ARTICLE]

'Chubby's Luau' on TV Channel K-FIVE

A popular short spot known as "Chubby's Luau" on loeal television Channel 5 features Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Kevin M.K. (Chubby) Mahoe with interesting Hawaiian trivia. Aired several times a day on station K-FIVE, the series of 30 to 90-second "vignettes" in a backyard luau setting, was developed in December and is the creation of Krash Kealoha K-FIVE director of community affairs. Mahoe shares interesting and little known facts about Hawaii. He also stresses correct pronunciation of Hawaiian words with the clever device of dipping his finger into a "magic poi bowl" and writing the words in the air, then explaining the pronuneiahon and the meaning. Mahoe says children enjoy and leam easily with this method. Kealoha says that "Chubby's Luau" has been well received by the public and the station has received many positive letters about the show. He adds that the spots capture Chubby's warmth and personality, and that additional spots will be taped soon.

Mahoe explained the idea for "Chubby's Luau" began with his "Aloha Weekend" radio show on KGU, and his daily "Chubby's Corner" vignettes on different Hawaiian topics. Taking the idea to television, Mahoe and Kealoha are seeking to emphasize the rich culture of Hawaii with food for thought. Mahoe added, "We have a responsibility to Hawaiian culture. There is so mueh incorrect information today. We are taking a light-hearted approach to speaking Hawaiian correctly and getting people to think about Hawaiian lifestyle. It is important to retain the essence of what we have left and we have to work hard to keep it for the future." Mahoe is a director of the hula academy at St. Andrew's Cathedral, chairman of the 1988 Prince Lot Hula Festival at Moanalua Gardens where he also serves as a director of the Foundation's board. He also entertains with the Chubby Mahoe Trio of musicians and hula troupe.