Mall Throws Big Party For 25th Birthday

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Tadd Fujikawa

Fiji

Lt. Andy Baldwin

Andy Bumatai

Windward Mall turns 25 this month, and the community is invited to join in on the celebration this weekend.

“Over the years we have been thankful for the great support that our mall has received from residents islandwide,” said general manager Jonathan Kim.“The mall’s renovation has given many residents a reason to revisit the mall and see firsthand the physical changes as well as the many new retailers and restaurants. We are very proud of the fact that it has been such an integral part of the community for 25 years. We trust that the mall will continue to serve as a special gathering place for generations to come.”

A variety of free events are planned from Friday through Sunday.

* Friday - At 9:15 a.m. is a VIP blessing ceremony with Mayor Hannemann, Nainoa Thompson, Kahu Kordell Kekoa, Bank of Hawaii CEO Al Landon, HMSA president Bob Hiam and Jean Schlemmer, chief cooperate development officer for General Growth Properties, which manages the mall. Hapa will perform at 6 p.m.

* Saturday - FM 100 radio personalities Lina Girl and Pipi broadcast live from noon to 2 p.m. Meet Lt. Andy Baldwin of TV’s The Bachelor from noon to 1:30 p.m. The newly opened Borders Books and Music hosts one-hour book signings with authors Terry Fitts at noon, Don Robinson at 2 p.m. and Mike Sullivan at 4. Fiji will perform at 5 p.m.

* Sunday - HOT 93.9 FM’s Rory Wild and Greg Hammer broadcast live from noon to 2 p.m. Teen golf pro Tadd Fujikawa will be on site from 1 to 2 p.m. to meet fans, take photos and sign auto-graphs. From 2 to 4 p.m., the mall presents a “comedy block” with the stand-up stylings of Frank De Lima (2 p.m.), Andy Bumatai (2:45) and Da Bruddahs (3:30), hosted by another comic, Kaleo Pilanca of Island 98.5 FM.

Throughout August, customers can enter the Windward Mall historical trivia contest, with a chance to win a trip to Disneyland. Also on view is an exhibit of mall history featuring facts about its original merchants, as well as reminders of the early years. Retailers also plan sidewalk sales throughout the weekend. For more information, call 235-1415.

The mall also is celebrating the completion of its $23 million renovation, which includes the redone center court, the grand opening of Borders Books and Music (soft opening was July 26) and other recently added tenants like Mama Woo’s BBQ, Blazin’ Steaks, Hatsby, Tilt (relocated) and Made in the Philippines.

“We’d like to invite residents from across the island to stop by and experience the new and improved Windward Mall,” Kim added.