Post #116808 by Basement Kahuna on Tue, Sep 28, 2004 9:17 AM

Well, I cannot express how cool and crazy this weekend was, or how great it was to be around friends and Ohana.. (the greatest people on Earth) once again. Tim...You're a friend and a brother, and on the tops of the totem, and as patient and tenacious a guy as anyone could ever hope to meet... Christy, your presence in a room can cut right through the fog and make anyone feel like they're home. You both deserve the biggest props in the world for making huge adversity in this event into a grand save...To Kern Mattei, my friend and the greatest host in Ft. Lauderdale proper, Pia, and entire the staff of the Mai Kai who very unselfishly came out guns blazing make the evening magical for all the 140-or-so brave souls who attended...my hats off to you all. You created an evening that will never be forgotten. To owners Dave Levy, Mrs. Thornton, and the Mai Kai friends and family who threw a very warm wonderful after party at Dave's OWN HOME for us close-it-downers, you are very, very generous and gracious hosts and thank you for making us feel like family as well. To the amazing Ken (Keigs) and Heather Pleasant...the man, the myth, the legend and the great woman beside him....it was a blast, and an honor, and a pleasure, and we have got some turkey talking to do. The original Witco catalogs you brought are amazing. I have got to meet Mr. Westenhaver, too. We need to do something soon. To Formikahini...You know, what can I say...Me casa su casa? I feel like I've known you all along. (Alice has that effect on people)...it was a highlight to hang out with you again. Boobam Boo and Mrs. Ben...You're da man...and you're da woman. I miss you already. The first two peeps I saw at this Hukilau, and what better ones? Al-it just wouldn't have been a Hukilau without you there, bro. Still crazy (after all these years?). I miss you and Boo man already. Casey Jones...the man behind the rebirth of one of the greatest Tiki motels ever, Caliente Tropics, always charming, witty, and generous. Polynesian Pop...That Book Of Tiki reads like a who's who. You are a genius. It was a pleasure to meet you, and thanks so much for the Moai...Mr. Gallardo, one of the best there is..and NO, YOU DA MAN. Thanks for the tees and tiki necklace! I'm wearing it right now as I type. TikiToa and his lovely Wahine, this man is everywhere and always entertaining. Thanks for a fun time hanging out with you. Paul...Officer and a Gentleman...and a helluva uke player (and player in general), SugarCaddyDaddy, always a pleasure, and I'll PM you my number to talk about the possibilities. Kava King and Queen, do you guys just wanna move in? Kukulele... could pull a two hour show out of a lipstick tube. That's why he gets paid the big bucks. HIRE THIS MAN. And thanks for the floor and the incredible entertainment. Benzart and his family...considering the monumental accomplishments of this man, he is one of the most humble, approachable, and self-effacingly nice individuals on God's Green Earth. You are one of the greats in our collective tiki history, my friend. Ikitnrev, I hope they build a new Tiki bar in DC soon. Good to see you again at Mai Kai... Mr.Smiley, my hat's off to you for your wardrobe and charm. James T., the most traveled man in tiki, your work preceeds you, and I only hope any of that material was helpful. Whatta weekend. Al and Shely..you are born hosts. Thank you for the hospitality..I always enjoy seeing you two greatly. I'd love to see your bar in person. Martiki my fellow agent..."The sun soon sets on Mariborsol...the white bird flies at noon"...Just kidding. What a helluva lot of fun...and soon again I hope. Humuhumu the dancing queen...the most jet-setting woman on the Tiki Scene...(Hey, that rhymes...get it to Kukulele!). Christopher and his lovely Wahine...fishing may never be the same..or partying either. Lakesurfer..We all missed you Saturday and it was great to meet you. Your work is great. TikiTony..See his picture next to "Southern California" in the dictionary..Very cool carvings and a very great guy. Doctor Z...Yeah, what WAS that stuff in the glass? Mogambo...I see Cannes in your future..and all the cavendish you desire! Nice to meet you. Mr. and Mrs. Cyber and their very talented Christina..you stole the show. Hope to head down to Mai Kai again soon with you. Jungletrader...man this one was like a who's who of tiki carvers..a truly great guy and I'll get your Teko out this week...just PM me where it needs to go. Tiki Bob, you are everywhere, my friend! Duke, happy hunting..Hope you enjoy the vintage tiki and always a pleasure to talk shop with you. See you soon. To all the list of other great people I saw there- Teri, Kreepy Tiki Jaksin, Bongofury, Flounder, Joe Vitale, Dolphin, Neptune, Kaiuageoff, Marian, Chiselslinger (man..yet ANOTHER great tiki carver there)and his lovely wahine Elise, and all the great people, anyone and everyone, I haven't mentioned (chastize me if I haven't!). It's been a great Hukilau and who could ask for a more wonderful Tiki Ohana. Soon again I hope. Mahalooooo!