Snow in Lahaina? That’s right. The blizzard hit Sacred Hearts School at about 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18. Second-graders are pictured with their snowman, teacher Ms. Lolesio and special guest Santa. There was enough snow for the students to make about six snowmen on the school grounds. Special thanks to Patrick Mehring of Dairy Queen for the “Blizzard Treats.”

… Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou to all!…

… it’s time for the Man and Woman of the Year. We are reaching into the local kupuna, who are always ready at the helm no matter what the event or circumstance…

… first, our Man of the Year is ROBERT KAWAGUCHI. No matter the event, place or time of day, you see Bobby up there front and center. He never refuses a request for help, even when the request taxes him! He is there lugging stuff, getting donations, twisting arms — Bobby is man of any year!…

… and Woman of the Year is FLO MAKEKAU, the flower decorating lady. She always says yes, scampering up in the valley in the early hours to pick the fresh ginger and greenery, always with a smile on her face. Flo creates the most beautiful lei, flower arrangements and table decorations…

… Bobby and Flo, we salute you!…

… and Christmas is pau —  a harrowing Christmas for small businesses, and the banks are no help at all! The usual splurge on Dec. 23 and 24 didn’t seem to happen — people not spending money, visitors only seemingly interested in deals and discounts. AUWE!!…

… but 2010 will be a New Year and a great year for all — won’t it???…

… and Front Street news — JERRY KUNITOMO and BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria have agreed to split off. Jerry now owns the restaurant completely. The new name will be THE LAHAINA PIZZA COMPANY —same great food, great service and great Jerry…

… and over the pond, the health care bill squeaked through — it only took 50-plus years, while most of the rest of the world has enjoyed free health care for eons…

… and with the Midwest and East Coast snowed in, we can bask in our winter sun and be thankful that Maui is No Ka Oi…

… congratulations to all who pitched in and saved the LAHAINALUNA HIGH SCHOOL BOARDING DEPARTMENT — we wonder what the Oahu-centric State Board of Education has between the ears with some of the decisions they are trying to push through. As my crusty old neighbor says, “FIRE THE LOT OF THEM,” but be thankful for an alert community and our district representatives for being on the ball and going to battle for us…

… understand the hotel count will run 75 to 80 percent in most Maui resort areas over the holidays — down from 90 to 100 percent, but as one wag said, “Eighty percent gives us room to move up.” Oh well…

… but the thousands of extra seats available with the new airline entities into our market is welcome news…

… and I was sad to learn of the sudden accidental death of octogenarian HOWARD LENNON, owner of the PIONEER INN for 30-plus years. Aloha ‘oe, Howard…

Up Front Lahaina is a twice monthly feature. To protect his innocence, the writer chooses to remain anonymous. The views expressed in this column belong to the author, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Lahaina News staff and owners.