LIHU‘E — Since 1988, the trustees of the Kaua‘i Museum have acknowledged special people as “Living Treasures” for their contributions to culture, education and the welfare of the people and communities of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. A fifth-generation Hawaiian, raised on
LIHU‘E — Since 1988, the trustees of the Kaua‘i Museum have acknowledged special people as “Living Treasures” for their contributions to culture, education and the welfare of the people and communities of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.
A fifth-generation Hawaiian, raised on Kaua‘i, David Penhallow has pursuing his career with the same enthusiasm he applied to his creative outlets as playwright, actor, and author.
David’s love for drama, interesting events and exotic people are a result of his witnessing major world events and the resultant traumas that all became fodder for his books and plays: WWII experiences — witnessing the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the aftermath; fleeing to the Mainland in a convoy — to watching the unannounced arrival of the April 1, 1946, tidal wave at Nawiliwili had their impacts.
There were the exciting days as a starving actor in New York City in off-Broadway productions. There were the chaotic ups and downs of hotel life under Grace Guslander at the Coco Palms Hotel and as general manager opening Hanalei Plantation Hotel in 1962.
In the mid-’60s, David was hired as an English Speech and Drama teacher at Kaua‘i High School and later taught at Kamehameha Schools under Principal Gladys Brandt.
In 1982, David returned to Kaua‘i as Director of the Kaua‘i Museum. He served under Mayor Tony Kunimura, then back to teaching at Kaua‘i Community College.
His memorable experiences as an actor on Kaua‘i started as a stand-in for John Kerr in the movie “South Pacific.” A few of the many roles for director Arnold Meister included “A Funny Thing Happen on the Way to the Forum,” and for playwright/director Wil Welsh, “Time Share.” His most recent role as “Captain Brackett” in the longest running stage production of “South Pacific” in the United States brought him full circle.
David directed his own plays including “Listen to the Stars” produced by Lovey Apana and “The House of Happy Talk” produced on O‘ahu by Kumu Kahua. David authored novels “After the Ball” and “The Betrayers,” a history, “The Story of the Coco Palms Hotel,” and is busy with more. David’s motto is a quote from Robert Browning: “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp…”
Join the celebration on Aug. 15 at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort’s Jasmine Ballroom. Tickets are available at the Kaua‘i Museum Gift Shop, 246-2470.
