Waha Nui – 1/7/15

Paliku Academy of Performing Arts students have been up to their eyeballs in aloha and omiyage with trips to Disneyland (Nov. 4-11) and Disney World (Dec. 2-7), reports director John-Paul Tai. They were on stage and in the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade in Anaheim, and some of the troupe made it to Orlando for the Frozen Christmas Celebration Parade; both marches aired on ABC TV. They send many mahalos to all the local folks who donated to the gift-giving and the trip costs …

As president of Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses, Kaneohe native Richard L. Chinen announced the winning floats in the Jan. 1 parade. The California attorney’s duty is to immerse himself in all the city’s “rosy” events for one year as its lead ambassador …

If you spy anyone with an unusual collection of expensive nursery tools, call the police. Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a native plant nursery in Haiku Valley, was the latest Kaneohe program hit by burglars. Video cameras show two men helping themselves Dec. 25, loading up and taking off. “They should have been with their family instead of robbing cool people,” owner Rick Barboza told Hawaii News Now …

Kailua’s Mari Aipa has launched a new package subscription business, My Aloha Post, with college friend Anuhea Nakahara, offering locally made items inspired by a Hawaii experience. Valued at $50 and up, the orders change monthly and items range from accessories and artwork to candies and clutches. Find out more at myalohapost.com …

Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders spread their cheer well across the state and at Kaneohe Marine base Dec. 13, where they had breakfast with the troops, led a clinic at Semper Fit Center, toured the base and brought smiles to everyone. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle followed up with their own visits to the base — full of cheer, but no leaps or dances & & & cchang@midweek.com