"Da Kine"

By Tony Solis

Each morning I drag myself out of bed at 3:45 a.m. and hop into the shower to begin my day. I get dressed, make a quick breakfast (if time allows), jump into my Mercedes (a nickname I use for my 1991 Chevy pickup truck) and head off to my job as “producer” of “The Aloha Morning Show” to work with and for my colleague, mentor and, above all, friend, Brickwood Galuteria.

You know Brickwood: host of “The Aloha Morning Show,” host of “Hawaii’s Kitchen” on KHON-FOX 2 on Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m., head chair of Hawaii’s Democratic Party. …Yeah, dat’s da guy! Many people ask me about Brickwood because most locals have “Niele syndrome.” In other words, we’re nosy.

To cure some of the nieleness, I present to you an interview that I did with Brickwood prior to him being elected as head chair for the Democratic Party.

Tony: First of all, how tall are you?
Brick: I’m 6 feet, 4 inches.
Tony: Where did you grow up?
Brick: Honolulu.
Tony: What high school did you attend and what year did you graduate?
Brick: I went to Kamehameha High school and graduated in 1973.
Tony: When did you first begin in
radio and TV?
Brick: It all started for me in 1979.
Tony: Who were your inspirations?
Brick: Richard Kauhi, Wes Montgomery, Frank Sinatra and Mits Aoki.
Tony: We know you love Hawaiian music. What else are your favorites?
Brick: Jazz and Gregorian chants.
Tony: What was the first cassette,
8-track or CD you remember buying?
Brick: Wow ... I remember! “The Cream!”
Tony: What station are you tuned into in your car stereo? KINE?
Brick: Nope, public radio.
Tony: What is your definition of a good on-air personality?
Brick: Someone who can really make a connection with the listener.
Tony: Who is, or was, your favorite on-air personality of all time?
Brick: Tom Leykus. His material is suspect but his presence and command is outstanding!
Tony: You’re a singer. What is your favorite song to sing?
Brick: “Eggplant,” by Michael Franks, and “Intangible Dream,” by Kui Lee.
Tony: Who is your favorite male artist?
Brick: Jack Jones.
Tony: Who is your favorite female artist?
Brick: Phoebe Snow.
Tony: Who’s your favorite group?
Brick: Vanilla Fudge, Cream and Sunday Manoa.
Tony: Favorite album of all time?
Brick: Led Zeppelin.
Tony: What was your most embarrassing moment?
Brick: Accidentally leaving the studio microphone on during the show and [being] heard sharing an intimate thought!
Tony: What has been the proudest moment(s) of your life?
Brick: Having a wonderful family and voyaging on the Hokulea.
Tony: What most do you want people to know about you and how would you like them to view you?
Brick: Hmm: thoughtful, compassionate, provocative and considerate.
Tony: Lastly, if you were not in the entertainment industry, what do you think you would be doing as your career?
Brick: Public service!
Tony: Of course.

Tony Solis is the Host of “Eh! U Da Kine, Ah?” in its second season on OC16, an on-air personality and the producer of the Aloha Morning Show on Hawaiian 105 KINE. Tony can be reached at tony@udakinetv.com.