FUTURE IS BRIGHT . . . On Saturday after the missile-alert mistake “all-clear,” I headed to Lowe’s to buy plants and ran into Eric Gilliom. He was in the garden area, too, a sign that we both had hope for the future. He headlines the Island Rhythms Sunset Cocktail Cruise on Fridays ...

‘NEW’ IN WAILUKU. . . Sushi lovers will want to check out the contemporary and sleek new look of the remodeled Umi on Vineyard Street. The owner started sub-leasing a space at Soup to Nuts Catering some time ago and then took over as of Jan. 1. “I did a renovation, pretty much from the ...

BETTER WORLD. . . Some of us old enough may remember that song by Zager and Evans: “In The Year 2525,” with the frightening lyrics, “If Man is Still Alive, If Woman Can Survive. . .” Well, that date is certainly inching closer and I say, let’s survive it the best we can. I heard ...

OVER-THE-TOP MAUI . . .What’s that song Willie Nelson made famous? “If You’ve Got The Money, Honey, I’ve Got The Time.” That’s about what the New Year’s Eve honky-tonkin’ here has boiled down to with all of the private jets on the tarmac and the well-heeled set descending on ...

NAUGHTY OR NICE . . . Lovers of wine and music may mark their calendars for Jan. 12 when two soulful guitarists/wine industry experts return to the isle to perform at Maui Chef’s Table at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. These multi-talented dudes are Master Sommelier Michael Jordan, ...

PAR-TAY TIME! . . . Are you looking for a last-minute spot to host your company or family holiday party? 5 Palms has an expansive dining room with views of Keawakapu Beach and the Neighbor Islands at its prime location at Mana Kai Resort in Kihei. On Monday, it will present a dinner and a ...