Not since Michael Flatley, Lord of the Dance, threatened to launch
a movie career has the world been so close to the brink of
terpsichorean catastrophe. I'm talking, of course, about the
on-again-off-again saga of the Kodak Hula Show.
The 62-year-old Honolulu kitsch-fest apparently is on again,
this time for good, thanks to the Aloha spirit of the Hogan Family
Foundation, a California-based bunch of good guys who have signed a
new lease with the city for use of the Waikiki Shell in Kapiolani
Park where the free show is held each Tuesday through Thursday.
Kodak started the extravaganza in 1937 as a film-selling
gimmick, which must have worked big time, as the show has drawn 17
million tourists since its debut. But the production, which now
costs $550,000 annually, outgrew Kodak's commitment, and it was
announced that the plug was to be pulled. A one-month stay of
execution was granted once people started growling at Kodak.
Enter the Hogans, who not only will sponsor the show, keep it
free, retain the performers and leave the schedule intact, they'll
also keep the name. It will continue to be called the Kodak Hula
Show. You gotta love these folks.