Daniel Dae Kim Jumps Into Restaurant Biz

A brief item in this morning’s Star-Bulletin from John Heckathorn:

Restaurateur DK Kodama and “Lost” actor Daniel Dae Kim are opening a restaurant together, a casual, build-your-own-burger franchise called The Counter. Next to Whole Foods at Kahala Mall, next month. How’d they get together? DK’s daughter and DDK’s son are in the same class at Hanahauoli.

While some of his “LOST” costars have had less than stellar relationships with Hawaii, Kim has long professed his love for the islands, and has immersed himself in the community. He’s even said he’s considering staying in Hawaii after “LOST” ends its television run in 2010. He told People Magazine:

“When we first got here it was like paradise camp. More than any of the other cast we’re giving serious consideration to staying here, at least through high school. It’s really great for family.”

Having met him personally and benefited greatly from his innate aloha spirit, I can attest that this would also be a fantastic thing for Hawaii.