Yes, there are no piranhas
growing in Waikiki clubs

SQUELCHING A RUMOR: Russell Tanoue was shocked by rumors that he's involved in some kind of Piranha Room spin-off in Waikiki. "No way," Tanoue said Saturday as the Piranha Room was going at full capacity at the Ocean Club as usual. The club's general manager Beau Mohr says a former employee, whom he described as "tech crew, like a grip or best boy," apparently tried to get street cred by mentioning Ocean Club and Piranha Room in a press release sent to the Ocean Club/Piranha Room clientele. Attorneys for the club have been contacted ...

THUMBS UP FOR "LADDER 49": Honolulu Fire Chief Attilio Leonardi gave "Ladder 49" high marks after attending a special screening for Honolulu firefighters, their families, and VIP guests at Dole Cannery on Tuesday. The chief said the scenes showing firefighting procedures and firehouse life were accurate but that firefighters' oxygen bottles don't last as long as they appeared to in some scenes. The John Travolta/Joaquin Phoenix film opens nationwide tomorrow and could be one of this year's hits. The story is well-written, and a powerful tribute to America's firefighters ...

INTERESTING PEOPLE: Veteran steel guitarist Greg Sardinha is on a mission promoting the original acoustic Hawaiian steel guitar. He warns people expecting to hear the familiar electric steel sound, "Either you're gonna hate me or your gonna love me." Response has been positive ... Hate to miss a play when nature calls while you're watching Monday Night Football at a sports bar? Kim Russell will have a flat screen TV ready in each restroom when she opens "Playmakers," a weekly football season event, at Reign next Monday. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. ... Mark Wong, a generous patron of the arts, is sharing his musical talent playing keyboards in Diamond Head Theatre's excellent production of "Anything Goes." ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To Ralph Malani and Andrew Meader, who are celebrating today... also to Nalani Choy (Sunday), Wil T.K. Kahele, Lorna Lim and Jennifer Robideau (Monday), John Baricuatro Jr. (Tuesday), and Donnie Martin, Shanelle Pacheco, Rolando "El Rey de la Salsa en Hawaii" Sanchez and Eddie Suzuki (Wednesday) ...

CATCHING UP: Yasmeen Sulieman, who came home in 2002 to promote her first nationally released single, "Blue Jeans," on Magic Johnson/MCA Records, is now in the national touring company of "Little Shop of Horrors" ...