MidWeek » Mufi Hannemann

The Outrigger Hotels story is part of local business folklore, but it’s a story worth repeating.

Roy and Estelle Kelley came to Hawaii in the late 1920s, where Roy took a job with noted architect C.W. Dickey and designed some of Honolulu’s iconic (and still standing) buildings. The Kelleys were entrepreneurs at heart, so in 1932 they built a six-room apartment house in Waikiki; others would follow. But recognizing that the tourism market was geared toward the wealthy, Roy Kelley decided to build the 50-room Islander Hotel on Seaside Avenue to target middle-income family travelers.

That was in 1947, and the Islander was followed by the completion of the Reef and Reef Towers hotels in the 1950s. In late 1963, Roy Kelley signed a lease for oceanfront property occupied by the Outrigger Canoe Club, constructed the Outrigger Waikiki, and gave birth to the company’s name.

In the 1970s, the Kelley’s eldest child, Richard, took over the business. The Stanford University and Harvard University alumnus had a medical degree and completed his training at Queen’s hospital. But the hotel business was in his genes, and in 1971 he became Outrigger’s president and CEO.

“Doc” Kelley would lead the expansion of the company beyond Oahu. In 1989, the company sold six of its Waikiki hotels to outside investors but maintained long-term management contracts for each. The money raised was used to pursue renovation and expansion of the Outrigger properties. Doc Kelley also passed the baton to his son-in-law, David Carey, who was named president and COO, while Kelley became CEO and chairman.

During the 1990s, the company assumed management of the former Hilton Kaua’i Resort and renamed it Outrigger Kaua’i Beach Resort. Outrigger purchased the Royal Waikoloan on the Big Island, renamed it the Outrigger Waikoloa Resort and invested heavily in renovations. It acquired the Aston Wailea Resort on Maui, renaming it the Outrigger Wailea Resort and making major renovations.

During the 2000s, Outrigger began managing hotels under independent brands. The first was in 2003 when Outrigger flagged the former Outrigger Waikoloa Resort and Outrigger Wailea Resort properties with the Marriott brand. That success opened up new opportunities, and Outrigger today is no longer just a single-brand hospitality company. Rather, it offers a wide array of accommodations under such names as the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk, Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, Best Western Plaza Hotel and Kapalua Villas. An Outrigger affiliate operates the Ala Moana Hotel.

One of the Outrigger’s crown jewels in Waikiki is its Beach Walk project, a 7.9-acre redevelopment in the heart of Waikiki. The $535-million, 1.5-million-square-foot retail, dining and hotel project has transformed the area into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly gathering place for visitors and locals.

Matt Sproat

Today, at 65 years young, the Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest-growing lodging and hospitality companies Asia-Pacific. It remains family-owned, with an 11,000-room empire of 45 hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties in operation or under development in Hawaii, Australia, Guam, Fiji, Bali, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

This anniversary is a testament to the vision of the entire Kelley family.

MUFI’S VISITOR HEROES

Matt Sproat

Position: Guest Service Representative
Location: Outrigger Hotels

As the Outrigger Hotels celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2012, what better time to do a shout-out to Matt Sproat, an employee of the company for 17 years. Matt was honored as an exceptional employee with a Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association Na Po’e Pa’ahana award in 2007, and topped it with three Na Hoku Hanohano trophies a few weeks ago. In addition to his daily front-desk duties, Matt teaches cultural education classes at the Outrigger Reef and Outrigger Waikiki and hosts and coordinates their wedding vow renewal ceremony four times a week. A lifelong student of some of Hawaii’s most-revered musicians and storytellers, his work with the Outrigger has enabled him to pursue music while sharing his love and knowledge about the native Hawaiian culture with visitors from all over the world. His devotion to learning and teaching paid off this May when Matt and his musical group, Waipuna, won three Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for single of the year, group of the year and island music album of the year.

Say a warm aloha to George Szigeti, who will become the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association’s new president and CEO July 9. He’ll be replacing me at the helm of the association, where I’ve served since January 2011.

The HLTA president and CEO directs a nonprofit, statewide trade organization of lodging properties, lodging owners and management firms, condominiums, suppliers, and related firms and individuals. Members include 156 lodging properties representing 48,000 rooms and more than 400 members in other membership categories.

George will have a solid foundation on which to build, with the solid backing of an active board of directors, committee chairs, and small but very effective HLTA office staff.

With these resources, we’ve expanded our membership; revived our Hawaii Island chapter and strengthened Oahu’s; increased our visibility in the community; worked effectively with the Legislature, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and local trade groups; and changed our name from the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association to Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association to more accurately reflect our changing membership and goals. At my recommendation and with the backing of the board and members, we’ll have women – general manager Julie Arigo of the Waikiki Parc and general manager Kelly Hoen of the Royal Hawaiian – lead the board as chairwomen in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, respectively. It’s the first time in 14 years that women have headed HLTA.

We raised record-setting donations of $1.15, million and nearly $1.4 million the past two years through the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, thanks to event chairmen Kelvin Bloom of Aston Hotels and Jerry Gibson of Hilton Hotels, and a standout effort by our Maui chapter.

We established stronger ties between the downtown business and Waikiki tourism communities, with the input of Don Horner and Peter Ho of First Hawaiian Bank and Bank of Hawaii, respectively; actively represented Hawaii with our parent American Hotel & Lodging Association on such national issues as visa waivers and federal support for international tourism marketing; and just sponsored a well-attended, tourism-centric forum featuring the candidates for U.S. Senate and Honolulu mayor.

In announcing the appointment, HLTA chairman Kelvin Bloom said, “George Szigeti was an obvious choice to fill Mufi’s shoes. George’s experience in our industry, excellent business and trade relationships throughout the Islands, and firm grasp of the HLTA’s goals and priorities will enable him to build on the solid record we’ve established.”

There won’t be a steep learning curve for George because he’s been an active member of the HLTA and knows lodging and tourism through his success in the supply and retail sides of the visitor industry. He has a keen appreciation of the importance of tourism, understands the challenges facing our economy and industry, and will offer the effective leadership that will serve the association’s membership and the community.

George has been president and CEO of Better Brands Ltd. since 1997. Better Brands, a subsidiary of Young Market Company, is one of the nation’s largest wholesalers and distributors of beer, wine and distilled spirits. Prior to joining Better Brands, he was vice president and general manager of Johnson Brothers of Hawaii, another liquor wholesaler. He also was the sales manager for McKesson Wine and Spirits and the first state manager for E & J Gallo.

He commented, “I’m thrilled and grateful to be able to contribute to the growth of the visitor industry. As someone whose business has benefited tremendously from travel and tourism, I welcome this opportunity to return that support by offering my knowledge, dedication and commitment to tourism through the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association.”

In addition to serving on the HLTA board, George was a board member and past president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, board member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association, president of the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, and board member of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl and several charitable organizations.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA. He and wife Sandra have a daughter, Alexis, who is a student at Santa Clara University.

I know George will be building on the solid foundation we’ve established and wish him the very best in leading the organization in the years ahead.

MUFI’S VISITOR HEROES

Harvey Keanoano

Position: Safety and Security Officer
Location: Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa

Safety and security officer Harvey Keanoano “possesses that intangible quality in his ability to deal with guests and fellow associates alike, and to do his best at everything he does.

Best of all, Harvey does everything from his heart and with the true spirit of aloha,” says Chi Mok, director of safety and security for Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.

Harvey has been recognized many times for his outstanding service to guests and co-workers. He is always willing to change his schedule to help the department, cover the shifts of fellow officers, and pitch in to assist other departments needing help.

When a guest needed medical attention, Harvey promptly responded and stayed beyond his shift to see that the person received care. That guest called Harvey’s supervisor to let him know of this stellar professionalism. During last year’s tsunami alert, he detained an intoxicated suspect who had damaged a hotel restaurant and injured himself in attempting to flee.

Harvey Keanoano supports the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Aloha United Way and other causes in the community.

His hospitality and humility were just a couple of reasons he was honored at the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association’s Na Po’e Pa’ahana awards program.

This will be my last “Tourism Matters” column for MidWeek as I step down as the head of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association to pursue a public service endeavor to serve you in Washington, D.C. I’ve enjoyed this opportunity to share my thoughts on travel and tourism, and am grateful for your interest in Hawaii’s most important industry. I’ll leave you with what I call my “Top 12 for Tourism,” goals and initiatives I believe are vital to ensuring the continued vitality of the visitor industry.

Do What We Do Best.

By now, we’ve probably spent hundreds of millions of tax dollars on efforts to diversify our economy. Diversification is important, but it should not be at the expense of our core competence of tourism. Tourism is what we do best. Our industry is very sophisticated and capable of successfully competing against destinations across the globe. What we should seek is greater economic synergy by supporting industries such as sports, film production, agriculture and cuisine, culture and arts, education and training, and the environment to complement tourism, and vice versa.

Expand Lift Capacity.

Lift capacity means airline seats. We can do all the marketing in the world to promote Hawaii, but without lift capacity to attract visitors, all our efforts will be for naught. We must continue to make it attractive for airlines to do business in Hawaii, and encourage more carriers to establish direct service between the islands and cities overseas. And let’s make sure our airports are prepared to welcome our visitors.

Develop A 21st Century Work Force. We must train today the workers who’ll fill the ranks of our businesses tomorrow. We need to provide the support and resources for the tourism academies in our public schools, the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management, our community colleges, visitor industry internships, and other programs that are educating and training our future workers.

Develop Tourism That’s Sustainable. Higher numbers of arrivals alone will not sustain our visitor industry. Preserving the aloha spirit of our people, celebrating our Native Hawaiian heritage and cultural diversity, protecting Hawaii’s natural beauty, and balancing these with tourism are essential to lessening the industry’s impact on the environment and local culture. The result will be to maintain the island lifestyle and quality of life for our residents, while also creating an enjoyable experience for our visitors.

Be Careful With The Hotel Room Tax. A growing share of the hotel room tax revenue – originally created for tourism marketing, the convention center and the county governments – is now being diverted to the state’s general fund to help balance the budget. This increase is affecting Hawaii’s competitiveness in the travel market. But competing leisure destinations not only have lower rates, but lower costs of doing business. The result is to add to the challenges facing Hawaii’s visitor industry in competing in a tough global marketplace.

Make Public Safety A Priority. Nothing can harm the visitor industry quicker than reports of rising crime. One of my priorities as mayor was to direct resources to our first-responders: the police, firefighters, emergency medical services and emergency management. Honolulu is one of the safest big cities in America, which I can tell you firsthand was a major criterion in us landing the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Moreover, our strong visitor numbers validate this policy.

Make The Most Of APEC. Last November’s APEC summit demonstrated Hawaii’s expertise in hosting major events. But APEC shouldn’t have been a oneand-done deal. We need to form a permanent public-private host committee, led by government and with business involvement, to pursue similar events. We’re a prime location for business gatherings, a “Geneva of the Pacific” to quote the late Bud Smyser, but we need to follow up on what we achieved with APEC.

Maintain Our Infrastructure. Another of the themes of my work as mayor was maintaining our infrastructure as fundamental to our quality of life and vital to a strong visitor industry. Well-maintained roads, water and sewage systems, public transportation, parks and beaches, and public facilities all contribute to an enjoyable lifestyle for residents and a memorable experience for visitors. The longer we delay infrastructure work, the more we’ll pay.

Build Ties Between The Tourism And Business Communities. During my term as head of the HLTA, we established a stronger dialogue between those who work on Bishop Street and Kalakaua Avenue, and we’ve got to continue to build on these ties. Former First Hawaiian Bank chief Don Horner best summed up the significance of this relationship when he addressed our HLTA members, saying, “Tourism represents 40 percent of our jobs statewide, directly or indirectly. We eat out of the same rice bowl. If tourism is healthy, the state will be healthy.”

The Chinese Are Coming! The Chinese Are Coming!Yes, they are. We just heard that Taiwanese travelers will be granted visa waivers. With a streamlined visa approval process and visa waivers, we can now turn our attention to marketing in the world’s most populous country. We know they’re coming and we have time to prepare through training, new services and improved attractions so they’ll tell other Chinese good things about their time in the Islands.

Keep The NFL Pro Bowl. The state negotiated an agreement to have the National Football League Pro Bowl return next year. That isn’t enough. The event attracts 20,000 visitors to the Islands, and we need to develop a game plan now to keep it here for many more years. I’ve suggested hosting a preseason game when the Pro Bowl isn’t being played here, scheduling more activities on the Neighbor Islands and adding to the festivities, as we did with Pro Bowl Week in Waikiki. But let’s not wait until the 11th hour to craft a plan.

Capitalize On Brand USA. Renowned chef and restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi is on the board of Brand USA, the federal government’s advisory board on international tourism marketing and a program I championed in Congress when I served with the U.S. Conference of Mayors. That means Hawaii has an influential voice to help us capitalize on the country’s first attempt to market tourism overseas. Given Hawaii’s excellent track record in the Japanese and Korean markets, we can’t help but benefit from this major initiative.

These efforts and others should help us ensure that the best years of No. 1 industry are ahead of us.

MUFI’S VISITOR HEROES

Position: Executive Housekeeper
Location: Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel

Executive housekeeper Virginia DeGuzman is a dynamo.

As a key staff member of the Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel, she finds ways to get the job done quickly and correctly. When the hotel is booked, she’ll ensure that all the rooms are prepared in half the allotted time. If supplies or items run low, she’ll drive herself to pick them up. Her relationships with guests and her staff are exceptional. She celebrates each of her crewmembers’ birthdays, and even brings food to share with the hotel staff.

Besides overseeing the housekeeping department, Virginia helps her husband at his restaurant after work and on weekends, assists with the family’s catering business, and has operated a care facility at her home for more than 20 years. She’s active with her church, volunteers with an international charity agency, sponsors the educations of two children in the Philippines, and feeds the needy. On second thought, dynamo would be an understatement for this energetic representative of our visitor industry.

(from left) Teachers Jonah Nakaza-Koizumi and Shari Kunimura; clerk Lois Shishido; teachers Elton Gemeno-Hing and Larry Dembinski; coordinator Colette Miyamoto Kajiwara; teachers Cathy Nakamura, Shelley Miyasato, Nate Komata and Derek Tengan | Nathalie Walker photo

Many have given up on school dropouts, runaways and teens battling drug addiction, whose educational progress is severely jeopardized because of poor choices and unfortunate circumstances. But the state Department of Education’s High Core Program/Storefront School teaches these youths valuable skills and gives them the tools to succeed in life.

The late Ed Tonaki founded Storefront School and Central Oahu Youth Services Association (COYSA) 46 years ago as alternative educational and housing outlets aimed at reforming at-risk students.

“Our country was undergoing social unrest at the time, a lot of glue- and paint-sniffing. The kids cut class and hung out at the boat ramp in Wahiawa in abandoned cars,” says Storefront High Core coordinator Colette MiyamotoKajiwara, who succeeded Tonaki and has been with the program for 33 years.

Today’s generation faces “spice,” methamphetamine abuse and other forms of modern-day substances and challenges, but the need for reform is still in high demand. Teachers dedicate their talents to assist youngsters deficient in graduation credits because of sporadic attendance.

Students fail in classes, are teen substance-abusers and/or pose threats to themselves and others. Storefront helps them to “get their act and academics in order.”

Miyamoto-Kajiwara perpetuates the legacy left behind by Tonaki, whose commitment was to keep students academically involved and entice them back into the classroom. Storefront’s name is derived from the Mainland, where outreach counselors once taught street kids hanging out at storefronts. Instead of facing incarceration, some youths are court-ordered to enroll. All are behaviorally and/or academically challenged and come from a range of poverty-stricken to affluent backgrounds.

Storefront services 300 of the most severely “alienated” students in the Central District on Oahu and throughout Hawaii.

Its approach reinforces solid principles that give students the encouragement and motivation they need to combat life’s struggles.

It’s a total team effort that makes the program the success it is, and its coordinator credits a staff of academic trainers and counselors – Derek Tengan, Shelley Miyasato, Cathy Nakamura, Shari Kunimura, Larry Dembinski, Nathan Komata, Elton GemenoHing, Jonah NakazaKoizumi and Lois Shishido – who play a key role in the students wanting to improve their academic performance, attitude and behavior. The curriculum concentrates on language arts, math, social studies, science and some electives.

Miyamoto-Kajiwara and staff feel most fulfilled when students overcome the odds and make a genuine commitment to change for the better.

One success story is a troubled teen whose only option was the youth correctional facility because of her recurring drug battles.

Fortunately, Storefront never gave up and eventually saved her.

“We became her friends, confidantes, advisers, disciplinarians and surrogate parents, and helped her rebuild her life,” says Miyamoto-Kajiwara, who teaches the students that they need to be “resilient in order to move forward, because backward is not an option if they want to survive.” That young woman is now in her late 30s, 20 years sober and a director in a retail corporation. Who knows what she might have become had intervention not been provided.

At High Core Program/Storefront School, students learn how to make good decisions, feel that it is possible to love and be loved, and gain personal respect. They blossom into contributing members of the community and get a second chance at life.

“We appreciate the DOE and the community’s support in taking care of Hawaii’s youths in dire need of our assistance,” says Miyamoto-Kajiwara.

For more information on how you can help, call 622-4363 or 621-7717.

Michael Kikukawa: Remember the name | From Mufi Hannemann

Molokai High School’s Class of 2013 valedictorian Michael Kikukawa is an inspirational example of a local boy defying the odds to accomplish his goals. Kikukawa makes his mark in the world as the first student from the Friendly Isle to be admitted to my alma mater in Cambridge, Mass.

The 17-year-old senior has a habit of burning the midnight oil, excelling in academics and sports. His late grandfather Arthur Kikukawa was an original member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and owner of the famous Midnite Inn restaurant that was engulfed in flames in 1990. Kikukawa learns from his parents, Phillip Torao Kikukawa and Susan Forbes-Kikukawa, both educators, that those who work tirelessly have integrity and determination are destined for excellence.

“My paternal/maternal grandmothers and parents lived a lifestyle of promoting education,” he says. “It was only fitting that I pick up the torch and pursue the highest attainable form of knowledge that I believe a Harvard education will provide.”

I first heard about this whiz kid in 2012 from school counselor and mentor Earl Nakamura, who was instrumental in connecting the student with Harvard. “Michael is a genius and is highly enthused about politics. He is a great admirer of President Obama. I see him as a potential Senator Inouye someday,” touts Nakamura. It was Nakamura who recommended Kikukawa to me for the Harvard Book Award in 2012, given to a member of the junior class who demonstrates excellence in the classroom and extracurricular activities.

“I desire to launch a career in law someday, and I have always aspired to attend Harvard because I knew it would give me limitless opportunities to pursue a career in government service,” says Kikukawa. While his classmates spent their summers at the beach, Kikukawa spent his taking courses at Iolani School on Oahu. Last year, he got a taste of politics when he interned at the state Office of Constituent Services and volunteered on a congressional campaign. “The experiences that I gained last summer solidified my passion for politics, and I see the rest of my life serving my Hawaii in Washington, D.C. In which capacity, I am not sure yet, but it is an exciting dream I will pursue.”

Perhaps the highlight of his life thus far was pressing the flesh with the president at the White House, when he represented Hawaii in the 51st annual United States Senate Youth Program. “What an amazing experience! President Obama has the weight of the world on his shoulders and he presents an aura of importance. When he shook my hand on March 14, he laughed when he found out I was from Molokai. It struck me that he even knew Molokai existed,” says Kikukawa. He says President Obama jokingly asked him, “What happened to the Oahu kids this year?”

Kikukawa’s achievements are impressive. He emerged winner of the 100-meter breaststroke for the Farmers swim team, while also competing in cross country, track and golf; first place at the Hawaii History Day Competition, where he advanced to the national level; and participant in the Maui Schools Science and Engineering Fair, where he earned a spot at the Akamai Wall Street Field Study in the Big Apple. And in addition to being student body president, he also is president of the National Honor Society-local chapter, serves as Hawaii State Student Council vice chair, is secretary of the Maui District Student Council Organization and is the former president of the VEX Robotics Team.

“Every project he takes up, he excels. There is nothing he cannot take to a higher level,” says his principal at MHS, Stanford Hao. Molokai Chamber of Commerce president Rob Stephenson believes Kikukawa is a “superb role model who will represent Hawaii well wherever he goes and will no doubt place Molokai and Hawaii on the map.”

The Kaunakakai boy may be a “big fish in a small friendly pond” now, but Molokai community leaders predict he will return with his Harvard degree and work experience eager and focused to face myriad challenges head on to make our island community a better place.

This is the one walk where you can put on pounds | Cindy Ellen Russell / Honolulu Star-Advertiser photo

Local folks are very generous, supporting so many causes in the community, from Aloha United Way to educational institutions and the neighborhood sports club.

One of the most successful examples of island-style generosity is the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, organized annually by Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association.

Held throughout the Islands on consecutive Saturdays each May, the Charity Walk brings together the visitor industry and public-spirited businesses and others to raise funds that benefit local charities.

It remains Hawaii’s largest single-event fundraiser. This year’s event was another record-setter, generating $1,671,436 to date and counting. A remarkable 14,736 walkers turned out to support it statewide. Each island’s walk featured entertainment, great food from hotels and restaurants, and a load of fun.

Hawaii Island raised $228,119; Kaua’i, $200,992; Lanai, $26,003; Maui, $701,716; Molokai, $62,606, and Oahu, $452,000.

The Charity Walk has generated $26 million since its inception in 1978, all of which has stayed in Hawaii for local causes.

Less than a year removed from my stint as president and CEO of Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, I can attest to the incredible support this event receives from throughout the visitor industry, associated businesses, nonprofit organizations and the community at large.

I recall that we set fundraising and participation records in 2011 and 2012, making this latest achievement a tribute to the association and the visitor industry and a demonstration of how much they care about our community. The results of this collective effort continue to make a difference to the hundreds of nonprofits that support people across the state.

Tina Yamaki, who will be leaving HLTA as its executive director to accept another challenging opportunity in the visitor industry, has been involved with the Charity Walk for 23 years.

As the heart and soul of the walk for all these years, she’s quick to point out that companies and organizations get actively involved and contribute to the success because “it’s an exciting and enjoyable community event that brings employees together to work toward a common goal of helping those in need.”

It’s worth noting that Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, an HLTA affiliate, led the state in fundraising for the fourth consecutive year, with more than $790,000 raised among Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Like the other chapters, Maui’s visitor industry employees began their quest early by collecting pledges, hosting bake sales, chili and stew cookoffs, washing cars, and organizing other creative fundraisers.

Lisa Paulson, executive director of Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, shared the secret to Maui County’s success: “We’re a small, tight-knit community that comes together for a great cause like the Charity Walk because we know that the funds raised will enable us to take care of each other.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Nate Fong, a case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters, one of the many benefactors of the Charity Walk proceeds.

Nate says it’s easy to volunteer for the Oahu walk, as he has for the past decade, because the Charity Walk is “fun, uplifting and provides a very positive experience.”

If you’re is looking for a prime example of civic leadership and generous support for the community, look no further than the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association’s Visitor Industry Charity Walk.

Next year’s 36th annual walk will be held in May, and everyone is welcome again to enjoy everything the visitor industry has to offer.

Kansas City’s Derrick Johnson tackles Minnesota’s Kyle Rudolph. ‘Star-Advertiser’ photo

Hawaii and the Pro Bowl It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Pro Bowl is poised to be rotated among Mainland cities after the February 2014 game is played here.

The National Football League has been hinting at this for years, particularly after Miami hosted the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl in 2010.

What’s unfortunate is that Hawaii doesn’t have an alternative plan to propose to the NFL for the years the game is being played elsewhere.

For some time now, I’ve recommended that the NFL be asked to help facilitate a pre-season football game in those off years as an option for the Hawaii Tourism Authority to help underwrite in lieu of the Pro Bowl.

Imagine the interest in having, say, the 49ers, Chargers, Seahawks or Broncos as the home team at Aloha Stadium?

The ultimate scenario – to have both a preseason game and Pro Bowl in sunny Hawaii in the same season – would be an 808 sports fan’s delight and a tourism promotion dream come true!

Read THE FUTURE Al Gore’s latest book, The Future, is testimony to the brilliant and creative mind of the former veep.

Prepare to be introduced to a host of new concepts and trends that will impact us globally for generations to come.

I still haven’t converted to an e-reader, so I continue to underline paragraphs that underscore important passages that I want to reread. Needless to say, my copy is “choke” with underlined pages.

Hawaii Book and Music Festival And for all you book lovers, isn’t it great that the Hawaii Book and Music Festival, now in its eighth year, has become quite a tradition in our city?

Two individuals who don’t get enough credit for their roles in bringing this idea to fruition are former Hawaii first lady Lynne Waihee and former Bank of Hawaii CEO Al Landon. It was Lynne, a literacy advocate, who brought the idea to me when I was Honolulu mayor, and it was Al who had Bankoh step up big time financially to kick it off.

The net result is that Peter Ho, Bankoh’s current chief, and the city continue to support this great family event.

Year of the Spurs My hoops buddies know I’ve picked the Spurs to win it all in the National Basketball Association this year. (Some of them will claim that I do it every year, but that’s not true.)

I know most folks are expecting LeBron James to lead the Miami Heat to its second straight crown. And who’s to argue – LeBron is the greatest player in the universe right now.

But look for the ageless wonder, 37-year-old Tim Duncan, aka The Big Fundamental; awesome point guard Tony Parker; and the league’s best coach, Gregg Popovich – the only coach to chide his superstars on national television to rise to the occasion, to “Spur” San Antonio to its fifth championship during the “Pops” era. Stay tuned …

Latest on Homelessness It’s going to be interesting to see if the city’s “Housing First” initiative to combat homelessness will be successful.

The good news is that the state government, for the first time, seems committed to partnering with the city on this issue.

The big key to the Housing First initiative that I advocated as mayor is whether communities are going to be willing to proclaim they want to be part of the solution. I don’t know of an area on Oahu outside of the Leeward Coast that has been willing to accommodate housing for the homeless in its community. Therein lies the challenge for Housing First: Compromises on housing sites and locations in areas where the homeless congregate in great numbers need to materialize. Absent that, it will be just another idea that sounds good but won’t happen.

It’s also important to remember that while permanent housing for the chronically homeless provided by this model is essential, existing programs for substance-abuse treatment, mental health services, and outreach and employment programs also must be supported.

Moreover, emergency onetime subsidies are just as critical to help prevent homelessness.

mufi@mufihannemann.com

A new generation of young space enthusiasts are enthralled with the vision of Ellison Onizuka, who perished 73 seconds after a shuttle liftoff that fateful day in 1986. More than a quarter of a century later, the Challenger Center Hawaii (CCH) celebrates its 20th anniversary and perpetuates Onizuka’s lega cy, while the Oahu youth program produces a new breed of explorers who use space strategies as effective tools to prepare them for their journeys in life.

Niu Valley students on a mission at the Challenger Center | Mitchell Chan photo

“Ellison believed in shooting for the stars … that dreams are achievable, and emphasized the value of education when he visited public schools,” says Liane Kim, the head of CCH, who, with retired teacher Maryann Kobayashi, co-founded this innovative initiative. Operated by the Leeward District of the Hawaii Department of Education, the space program is part of an international network of learning centers established in memory of Challenger crew members, particularly Onizuka and teacher Christa McAuliffe. CCH is the 14th center set up in the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Korea by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

Kim and her hardworking staff – consisting of full-time teachers Susan Lum and Wendell Thomas, and part-time instructors Eleanor Onizuka and Claire Okazaki – train middle-school teachers to guide their students to apply creative and critical thinking while participating in space missions. Barbers Point Elementary serves as mission control center. Some 100,000 sixth- through eighth-graders have performed astronaut missions since 1993.

“A proven track record of quality, hands-on education exists, and the Challenger Center Hawaii is aimed at cultivating the talents of island children,” says Kim. “Students discover their abilities in problem-solving, responsible decision-making and team-building, while executing collaborative space exploration scenarios,” she adds.

In six years, Holomua Elementary School teacher Will Kane has trained more than 200 participants in “Rendezvous with Comet Halley.” The space program simulations gave his students opportunities to master skills in all subjects.

“Science is no longer boring, because Challenger changes the kids’ mindset as they set benchmarks across the board, including science, mathematics, language and fine arts. There is no other science program that balances the need for scientific knowledge, with the enjoyment that comes in discovering new ideas and one’s own potential,” says Kane.

When the state House of Representatives recognized the center’s 20th anniversary in April, Liane Kim was surprised when Rep. Lauren Cheape took to the floor and shared her “mission control” experience in the fifth and seventh grades: “Preparation, dedication and teamwork were skills that I gained from Challenger, and applied them to my academic endeavors, my collegiate athletic career, the Miss Hawaii and Miss America pageants, and as a public servant representing House District 45.”

This STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning center inspires students like 12-year-old Mayo Woo, the winner of the 20th anniversary Mission Patch Contest.

“Challenger Hawaii continues to motivate children like me, and we are fortunate to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says. Woo and her classmates learned navigational, life support, communication and team-building skills. They embarked upon similar challenges actual NASA astronauts and mission controllers face.

“The future looks promising for these students, and who knows, we may soon send another Ellison Onizuka into space. We are pleased to have touched the lives of thousands of elementary school participants who abide by Ellison’s motto, ” Make Your Life Count and the world will be a better place because you tried,” concludes Kim.

Onizuka once said, “Your vision is not limited by what your eyes can see, but by what your mind can imagine.”

Though our last visual memory of Ellison Onizuka was the day Challenger vanished into a horrifying trail of white ash 27 years ago, I only can imagine that somewhere out there he is looking over the center with great pride, saying, “Mission accomplished! May more continue to go boldly where many Hawaii Challenger students have gone before.”

Jacob Hannemann credits his island ties for his baseball success | Hannemann family photo

This is a remarkable sports tale, a story of pluck, devotion and love for the game. It’s a tale that’s all the sweeter because it’s about a relative of mine, Jacob Hannemann, who was just drafted in the third round by the Chicago Cubs baseball team, the 75th player taken overall. He’s expected to sign a $1 million bonus with the Cubs.

Two other Hawaii players were taken in early rounds: Kean Wong, a second baseman from Waiakea High School, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays, and shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who played for Mid-Pacific Institute, was taken by the Texas Rangers.

Jacob is one of five sons of my first cousin Howard and wife Mindy, who in turn is the son of family patriarch, Uncle David and Aunty Carolyn Hannemann of Laie. Like Howard, Jacob was born on Oahu at Kahuku Hospital, and the family lived first in Kaneohe and then in Ewa Beach.

Jacob’s love for baseball was nurtured in childhood in Hawaii when he began playing T-ball in Ewa Beach at the age of 4 and progressed to youth baseball until he was 8 years old, when the family moved to Utah. Had the Hannemanns remained in Hawaii, there’s a chance that Jacob would have continued to hone his skills and perhaps have played for the Ewa Beach Little League team that won the World Series title in 2005. After all, one of his teammates as a keiki was Michael Memea, who hit the homer that won the championship game and brought the crown home to Hawaii. (Oh, do I remember the celebratory parades and honors that we showered upon the Ewa Beach and Waipio teams for winning the Little League World Series titles!)

Jacob attended Lone Peak High School in Utah, where he was an exceptional athlete. Despite his distance from Hawaii, Jacob’s local ties remained strong. In fact, Jacob and dad Howard credit local baseball coach Duane Eldredge, of the famed Eldredge sports clan, with giving him his first exposure to professional baseball scouts at a tournament in Arizona. Coach Eldredge selected Jacob to play for one of his two teams from Hawaii, as a means of exposing them to a wider audience. (It’s similar to Team Aloha, which I formed to give top female prep basketball players an opportunity to play in front of college coaches attending NCAA-sanctioned hoops tournaments on the Mainland.)

That led to Jacob being courted in 2010 by the Kansas City Royals as a senior. He told the Royals that his priority was to fulfill his commitment for a Latter-day Saints church mission. The Royals drafted him anyway, in the hope that his assignment to Little Rock, Ark., would coincide with the team’s ownership of a farm club in that same city. The hope was that Jacob would complete his missionary duties by day and play ball at night, but that was against church policy.

Upon completion of his mission, he returned to Utah and was admitted to Brigham Young University in 2012. He resumed his baseball and also fine-tuned his skills as a defensive back in preparation to join the Brigham Young University football team for the 2013 season.

Jacob was a standout as a freshman centerfielder this season for BYU, batting .344. He was West Coast Conference freshman of the year, a first-team selection and Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American. He worked out for several Major League teams before being drafted by the Cubs. Had he decided to return to BYU, he intended to be a dual-sport athlete for the Cougars – in baseball and football.

Jacob’s sports hero is Maui-born Shane Victorino, who’s now playing for the Boston Red Sox. Jacob’s prowess in centerfield has earned him the nickname of “Flyin’ Hawaiian,” like Victorino, and he hopes to emulate him as a professional.

Jacob’s emergence as a professional athlete is all the more amazing because he gave up organized baseball for two-and-a-half years while on his mission and practicing football, but returned to the game better than ever. Uncle David and his family are very blessed indeed! I guess the whole Hannemann clan has now become instant Cubbies – I haven’t rooted for Chicago since the glory days of Ron Santo and Ferguson Jenkins.

Waipahu High School is exceeding expectations by leaps and bounds, and enjoying academic success. Thanks to Early College High School, campus fights are virtually nonexistent. WHS is no longer stereotyped as the “rough and tumble” institution it was decades ago. The college-prep initiative is strategically designed to blend university courses with high school and internship experiences, offering students a taste of the real world before they embark. It’s no wonder Keith Hayashi won the 2013 Principal of the Year award from the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership.

“We’re looking to expand more opportunities as momentum builds. We want students to believe in themselves, and know they can succeed in college-level programs,” says Hayashi.

With every great leader is often a partner who is equally as impressive. Transition coordinator and former Leeward Community College chancellor Mark Silliman heads the college movement on campus.

Raised by a single mom, he relates to youngsters from poverty-stricken backgrounds. His mission? To mentor all on campus to brighter career paths. The Hayashi/Silliman dynamic duo’s motto is, “Challenge, NOT Remediate!” Says Silliman, “Principal Hayashi is a transformational/visionary leader who is changing Waipahu’s culture by storm and the way we educate.”

Under Hayashi’s direction, WHS has formed partnerships with the University of Hawaii West Oahu and Leeward Community College to offer courses that include Psychology 101, History 151, Speech 151, English 100, Sociology 100, Astronomy 110, Math 205 and upcoming college courses.

“Enrollees are motivated, and it is not uncommon for them to pull all-nighters as if they were actually in college,” says Hayashi. The principal credits the school’s success to teachers, counselors, staff and administrators like Silliman, post-secondary counselor Eunice Fukunaga, and Smaller Learning Communities coordinators Cesceli Nakamura, Gail Izumigawa, Stephen Nakano and Don Coloma. FBI Special Agent Arnold Laanui, HPDs Weed and Seed program staff and First Hawaiian Bank are among a long list of community partners.

The 2013 student body president, Kriztel Agpoon, earned one high school and three college credits when she enrolled in Psychology 101 at the Early College launch last summer.

“Graduates face the world with great vigor after receiving solid administrative support and valuable internships,” says Agpoon, who will attend Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles as a nursing major this fall.

Several academies on campus certified by the National Academy Foundation include the following schools: Finance, Information and Technology, Engineering, and Hospitality and Tourism, which is praised by our visitor industry as one of the best in the state. Some kids intern in a student-run Hawaii USA Credit Union on campus, others gain valuable work experience at hotels, CISCO systems and more. Other innovative programs are: Teacher Education, Creative Media, Culinary Arts, Health, Academy of Law and Justice Administration and, yes, even partnering with the FBI.

Hayashi has come a long way, starting as an elementary school teacher and rising through the ranks as state DOE Education Complex Area superintendent for Pearl City and Waipahu districts. I remember meeting him as the principal of Waipahu Elementary in the ’90s when I went to read to my nephew’s class, and I came away impressed with his enthusiasm and aloha for his students. And through the years, every time I have visited the Marauders’ campus, I am quick to notice the special bond and esprit de corps he has created with the student body, staff and community.

His laser-like focus on the creation of college pathways and various high school academies has decreased the number of suspensions at WHS by nearly one-half. And 2013 graduates garnered $11.2 million in Merit-based scholarships – a $5 million increase since Hayashi took the reins as principal in 2009.

It takes collaborative efforts that involve dedicated business partners such as Oceanit and Kiewit Building Group Inc., as well as supportive parents and a principal who cares.

“Principal Hayashi takes the time to be a cheerleader to the students and has given them dedicated classrooms to hang out in and form study groups,” adds Silliman. Hayashi and Silliman have reason to beam with pride in light of the school’s exceptional academic environment. By challenging Waipahu High School students and treating them as rising stars from the get-go, they are providing their young leaders with multiple opportunities to shine.

mufi@mufihannemann.com

Brittany Amano Photo from Iolani School

Sweet 16 lights up a successful age for Brittany Amano, an Iolani School sophomore who is arguably the most decorated volunteer student of her time. She is a two-time winner of what is considered the state’s top youth volunteer honor, the Prudential Spirit of Community Award – in both middle school and high school, a feat no one else has accomplished in Hawaii – and The President’s Volunteer Service Award. What sets this teen apart from her peers is that she founded two nonprofit organizations aimed at putting an end to homelessness, hunger and domestic abuse.

It started at age 9 when a downtrodden loved one was forced to embrace frugal innovations to battle financial hardship.

“When my relative became homeless, it broke my heart,” says Amano. “I was so appreciative of all the organizations that helped her, so I decided to do something for them.”

She formed “Hawaii’s Future isn’t Hungry.” The nonprofit focuses on “helping disadvantaged youths by providing them with school supplies, food bags, Christmas presents and tutoring,” says Amano. Funds raised have benefited both her local community and places as far away as Nepal, Cambodia and Africa.

“I’m just a kid out of the 41 million living in America, the most privileged country in the world. If every one of us turns our passions into doing good things for others, our world would be a much better place,” she says.

To date, she has collected more than 42,000 pounds of food and has raised more than $518,000!

Another issue Amano is passionate about is domestic violence.

“I met a woman who was beaten and raped by her husband, and was impressed by how a safe shelter help put her in a better place. After touring another facility, it inspired me to start my second nonprofit, Teens Stopping Domestic Violence,” she explains.

Every nine seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten.

“Domestic violence hurts spouses, their families and our economy,” Amano notes. “My goal is to impact as many women as I can. Whether it’s just one person, or all the victims in this world and I have made a difference, then all my efforts have been worth it.”

Amano served as delegate to the Key Club’s District Convention in Anaheim, which focused on a theme she practices daily, “A Million Waves of Service.” She represented Iolani in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp, as well as the Rotary Global Peace Forum held in Honolulu this year. Amano also served on the YWCA Young Women’s Network Board and is a finalist for the Girl Up Teen Advisory Board under the United Nations Foundation.

“I am motivated to achieve my goals, without having anything stand in my way. I take the initiative, assume responsibility and take pride in my work,” she says.

“She works diligently to inspire others and teaches them that no matter how young you are, you are

never too young to make a difference,” says mother Risa Lau. Risa states that Amano’s drive stems from adversities and challenges she faced early in life and her ongoing drive to be of service to others.

Prior to attending Iolani, Amano excelled at five private and public schools before being selected for the prestigious Stone Scholarship award as an incoming freshman, which entitled her to a full four-year ride. According to Cathy Lee Chong, Iolani School’s director of communications, “Brittany is a wonderful example of a student who embraces part of the school’s mission, which is to develop a passion to be leaders in local, national and global citizenship. She is making an impact in her community by helping others and by thinking big and thinking great.”

I first met Amano in 2010, when she was honored in the mayor’s office as the middle school recipient of the Prudential award. She was only in the seventh grade at Washington Middle School at the time. I recall as we spoke how impressed I was by her maturity and determination to make a difference. Though she was not even yet a teenager, Amano stood out as someone who was destined for achieving greater goals and objectives for the good of our community. And she is certainly off to a tremendous start!

Michelangelo once said, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.” Brittany Amano is on her way in making her mark globally for herself and for Hawaii by serving others with her heart and her hands. mufi@mufihannemann.com

HPD Chief Louis Kealoha is flanked by Deputy Chief Dave Kajihiro (left) and Capt. Andrew Lum at the Police Remembrance Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Photo from HPD

There is a price to pay for living in paradise, but as I grew to appreciate as mayor, there are men and women in uniform who pay a greater price to protect those who reside in and visit our beautiful islands. Unless you can actually experience what it’s like to be in the line of duty or know of a fallen police or law enforcement officer, you cannot begin to imagine the sacrifice and courage that go with the job.

The same can be said for other first responders who put their lives on the line constantly to ensure that our state, cities and towns are protected 24/7. Witness the recent loss of those 19 brave firefighters in Prescott, Ariz., who lost their lives by putting themselves in harm’s way trying to save their community.

If you think it’s a challenge to keep order in the home, dedicated public servants like police officers have bigger responsibilities in the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order. They leave their families daily, often confronted by the unexpected.

“For a few of them, I can tell you there is a slight chance they might not come home. But I assure you the first thing on their minds is serving their community and fulfilling their job. Police worry little about themselves, and their priorities are focused on community safety and serving our people,” says Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha.

The chief takes pride in the City and County of Honolulu being the safest city in the nation in terms of gun violence.

“We have lower rates of violent crimes per capita in the country,” he says.

Under his administration at HPD, there have been three “In the Line of Duty” fatal incidents: Eric Fontes, Chad Morimoto and Garrett Davis.

“Fontes was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop and died in the ambulance on his way to the hospital in September 2011. Morimoto was killed in a motorcycle accident while participating in a police escort training last July. Davis died in a fiery crash while helping a stalled motorist on the H-1 Freeway last January,” recounts Chief Kealoha.

During Police Week, which is observed nationally in May each year, Chief Kealoha accompanied family members of Hawaii’s heroes to a candlelight vigil held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he also was privileged to address the gathering. The Fraternal Order of Police Remembrance Ceremony recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officers. Names of silent heroes from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement and military police agencies are engraved on the Memorial Wall.

National studies have shown that a police officer’s life span after retirement averages between five and seven years, which is attributed directly to the demands and stresses of police work. An example of this is the number of 911 calls they respond to. Of the nearly 1 million 911 calls that Honolulu’s first responders received in each 2011 and 2012, HPD was responsible for answering 75 percent of those calls.

SHOPO president and acting Cmdr. Tenari Ma’afala of the HPD Peer Support Unit survived a tragic shooting situation in 1999.

“Until this very moment I still think about the young man and his family. There’s never a day that goes by that I don’t think of what it would be like for my wife and three daughters had I been killed in that incident,” he says.

One of my leadership maxims is, “Never make a decision based on fear.” But our men and women in blue are often forced to make life-threatening decisions at a moment’s notice, particularly when they are facing death right in the eye.

“We are humans, and sometimes we’re susceptible to making mistakes,” says Ma’afala. “But at the end of the day, we are all about doing – at great personal sacrifice – what is best for our community and our fellow man.”

Ma’afala asks the public for their continued trust, respect and support for all police officers.

After all, given what they are expected to do on our behalf, they and our ohana of first responders are deserving of all the respect and honor our community can provide, including a special salute to our fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price to serve and protect!

mufi@mufihannemann.com

Soccer is indeed the sport of nations. Brazil’s recent victory over Spain in the Confederations Cup drew staggering worldwide interest and served as a preview of what to expect in 2014 when the World Cup is staged in venues throughout Brazil. There will be an unbelievable amount of attention and interest in what will happen during this time in South America. I know that everywhere I have traveled in the last few years – from the townships of South Africa to the islands of Micronesia – soccer, or football as it is called in most countries, is the sport of choice for men and women.

Hawaii is not impervious to soccer’s popularity. In our Islands, more than 30,000 players of all ages and gender participate in this game that, as currently played, originated in England. And just recently, the City and County of Honolulu’s Waipio Soccer Complex played host to the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships. This prestigious event drew more than 4,000 players and coaches and approximately 10,000 spectators, and provided an economic boost to Honolulu estimated in the $8 million to $10 million range.

The tournament attracted more than 200 boys and girls teams, ages 12 to 19, from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Hawaii was well-represented with several teams from the Honolulu Bulls, Hawaii Rush, Surf Hawaii, Abunai, Leahi, Maui United and Riggers soccer clubs.

Players, coaches, their families and volunteers stayed in our hotels, rented cars and vans, ate in our restaurants, shopped in our stores, trained in our parks and enjoyed our beautiful city. In other words, all the things that we love about sports tourism that the Pro Bowl, Honolulu Marathon and Sony Open do for us on a grander scale kicked into action.

The bonus for us is our own Leahi 95 Premier team, coached by Scott Keopuhiwa, won the U18 Girls championship and is now bound for Kansas to compete for the national title. It proves again that 808 athletes can compete with the best.

Frank Doyle, a member of the Waipio Soccer Complex steering committee, recalls, “For many years, soccer enthusiasts dreamed of having a first-class facility that would attract teams from all over the country to play here and contribute to our economy. It feels great to know that Waipio has become an asset to our city.”

The very first time Honolulu hosted the Far West regionals was in 2003 when Jeremy Harris, who was a driving force behind the soccer complex, was mayor. At the time, Waipio had been open only a few years and the buzz was that the complex featured some of the finest soccer fields in the western United States. Thus, there was great interest in returning to Oahu, and that is exactly what happened in 2008 when I was at the helm of the city.

As a member of the Honolulu City Council in the late ’90s, I recall that my colleagues and I supported the agreement between the city and the U.S. Navy, which paved the way for the development of the $12.5 million soccer complex at Waipio. The case was made that it was important, especially for our young soccer players, to have the kind of fields that would help them to excel in a sport that was growing by leaps and bounds in popularity here and globally. Our only concern was with respect to the ongoing commitment that the city had to make to maintain and upkeep a new facility. It’s no secret that it is a challenge for city crews to maintain and repair existing fields with oftentimes a spartan staff and limited funding. The last thing that anyone wanted to experience was a complex of this magnitude falling short of expectations.

Time had indeed taken a bit of a toll on the fields at Waipio. Over the years it had hosted a plethora of soccer tournaments at every level, and the wear and tear were really starting to show. In many ways, the recent Far West competition served as a much-needed catalyst to get the fields in better shape and suitable for play. Fortunately, our Parks and Recreation staff, headed by District 5 manager Glenn Kajiwara, was able to step up big time to accomplish this task in time for the tournament, and they deserve kudos for getting the job done. But it shouldn’t have to be this way.

The lesson here is that city officials have to continue to place a priority on providing the funding and committing to a regular schedule of repair and maintenance of our Waipio Complex. Not having the fields in the best possible playing shape works to our detriment. I always have believed that “the longer we delay, the more we have to pay,” when the work ultimately gets done. This is important, not only for our own youth soccer players now and in the future, but also so that we can maintain a solid reputation as a city that has a facility that can host major sporting contests.

The conference 20 years ago made a huge impact on Waikiki and tourism. Image from Mufi Hannemann

Twenty years ago, Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) convened the Waikiki 20/20 Conference, drawing the participation of government, residents, businesses and others in our community. The association’s goal was to develop planning recommendations for the future of Waikiki, the engine that drives the state’s tourism industry and a major residential area.

WIA reached out to its many partners in the ensuing years, including the City and County of Honolulu, in pursuit of those recommendations. During my terms as councilman and mayor, the city collaborated on the Waikiki Special District designation that paved the way for the redevelopment of Beach Walk and ongoing revitalization of aging hotel properties elsewhere. We worked together through the Department of Planning and Permitting to change an ordinance so retailers and restaurateurs could post better signage. We joined with WIA to sponsor the Sunset on the Beach events and to introduce a major hula conference through the Mayor’s Office of Culture and Arts. And we worked long and hard to ensure the continued safety of our visitors and residents through the city’s first responders.

WIA has come a long way. Now, looking back on the past two decades and the remarkable transformation of Waikiki, the association again is embarking on an assessment of its accomplishments and charting a course to sustain and bolster Waikiki’s role as the cornerstone of Hawaii’s economy over the next two decades: 20 years back, 20 years forward.

In order to create this plan for the future, WIA is following up on the Waikiki 20/20 Conference by interviewing Waikiki stakeholders and seeking input from the community. I totally endorse this process, as I have always been a huge proponent of community-based planning. This combined input will serve as the foundation for a plan of action to be completed by the end of this year.

WIA wants to know what you think about the Waikiki of today: What’s good? What needs improvement? Among the general topics to be explored will be the Hawaiian culture, Waikiki Beach, public spaces, accessibility and mobility, accommodations, dining and retail options, workforce needs, and environmental and energy sustainability.

More specifically, with regard to Hawaiian culture, should Waikiki have more Hawaiian music, hula performances, sports events, historic markers or statuary? The people who work in Waikiki are critical to its success; should there be more Hawaiian culture and history training, or are there other topics that need attention? Should we have an ongoing beach maintenance program? Should Waikiki Beach be restored to historic levels? How is homelessness affecting the area, and is the housing-first approach a good one? Do we need to do more to protect public spaces? How about parking, pedestrian pathways or bike paths?

Does Waikiki need more hotel rooms? What about timeshare or condo hotels as the only means of financing more visitor accommodations? Does Waikiki need more retail, dining and entertainment attractions?

WIA is soliciting opinions from one and all. Folks can email their ideas to mail@waikikiimprovement.com, or mail them to Waikiki Improvement Association, 2250 Kalakaua Ave. Suite 405-2, Honolulu, HI 96815.

WIA’s effort is being led by Rick Egged, its longtime executive director, with the solid support of its board. Rick was one of the deputy directors of the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism when I headed it. In fact, DBEDT was at the forefront of some state-driven tourism summits back then. I know his planning insights and industry experience will result in a sound and thoughtful road map that, hopefully, will serve us well into the future.

Waikiki 20/20 is an important exercise. The recommendations from this conference will guide and shape the direction of Waikiki, the visitor industry, our economy and the quality of life for the residents for decades to come. That’s why it’s critical that stake-holders and community alike get involved and contribute their ideas and insights to this worthwhile endeavor.

Wally Ho’s Garage & Grill is an ideal one-stop shop where you can rehaul your car and at the same time feast on “loco moco.” So if you’re looking to jump-start your day, take a drive to the Aiea eatery on Kamehameha Highway and experience for yourself what the mouth-watery hype is all about.

Originally a landmark gas station in 1956, Wally Ho’s has found a unique way for the business to survive and thrive.

On one side of his establishment, his son Timmy oversees the garage and is in charge of safety check inspections.

On the other side, daughters Sheldene Maze and Maydene Ching are frying up Korean Garlic Chicken in the kitchen and mastering other delectable “fluids” to quench your thirst.

His other son Mason runs the grill.

Today, their patrons enjoy “broke da mouth” international cuisine specials that include Okinawan Shoyu Pork, Kalua Pig on Bun with Hoi Sin Sauce, Fried Poke and Mochiko Chicken.

Wally and wife Louise stopped pumping gas in 1996 and overhauled the landmark into the business it is today.

“We stopped selling gas because it would have been too costly to repair and replace our tank. The new environmental law had tougher requirements,” said Wally.

Daughter Colleen adds, “Family members had to look for employment elsewhere so my late sister Willette came up with the restaurant idea due to her passion for the food business. Mixing an auto repair shop and a grill was a way to keep the family together and our new business afloat,” explains Colleen, who does the bookkeeping.

As the family said goodbye to pumping gas, they found another use for gas to grill the juiciest flame-broiled burgers and create famous dishes and desserts such as Eggplant on a Homemade Taro Bun, Lilikoi/Lemon Bars and Banana Bread.

Wally’s longtime employee Sung Ahn also pitches in as an auto technician. He is part of the ohana as he happens to be Colleen’s boyfriend.

But it is Wally’s wife Louise who is the heart of the family and the glue that holds them together to keep garage and grill running.

Though she and Wally are now retired, he remains the “commander in chief” of the entire operation.

“We still do exactly what he wants us to do,” Colleen says. As the popular sitcom of yesteryear reminds us, “Father Knows Best.”

Wally has nearly 65 years of business experience.

“I was originally a meat cutter for my dad at Willy’s Market in the 1950s, and I learned from him that a family that works together stays together. My kids are all bosses of their own sections, so they cannot get into trouble or be fired,” jokes Wally.

He says his kids are happy and still gung “Ho” about each other.

Their formula for success and happiness is a combination of ohana loyalty, strong work ethic and exceptional customer service. “The main thing is we laugh and work together, we can pay our bills and pay ourselves. It’s not about survival, it’s about keeping each other close and satisfying our customers,” said Colleen.

The Ho’s “one team” approach is adopted from one of Wally’s heroes in life, Iolani’s legendary football coach Father Bray, for whom Wally played in high school. Wally teaches his family not to be “individuals greedy for individual honors but members of a team eager for team achievement.”

The repair shop is rated one of the best on Oahu and the grill side is fast becoming a popular eatery specializing in catering, hearty plate lunches, contemporary vegetarian dishes and a family-friendly place, second to none.

Your car gets a tune-up and you can personally fuel up on some ono grinds while you wait.

Wally believes our vehicles are major investments that need routine maintenance, but our bodies also need to be constantly fueled to keep our engines and hearts running so as not to drive on an empty stomach.

“You can’t buy happiness and health with lots of money, but having a wonderful family makes you feel wealthy,” said Wally.

Simple food for thought and a recipe for success that we all should emulate!

Dr. Bret Flynn with patient Yukie Nishimoto, age 100, and her daughter Kay. Nathalie Walker photo

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you’re there, called 4-1-1 and it slips your mind whose number you’re supposed to ask for? How about washing your hair with toothpaste or placing milk in the cabinet under the sink? That latter type of short-term memory loss is more serious than you think. If you’re over age 60 and you or someone you know is battling dementia ─ to the point where the illness is starting to impair daily functions ─ it’s time to call on someone like the Dementia House Doctor. Some people confuse Alzheimer’s disease with dementia, but there is a difference. Alzheimer’s is a disease and dementia is mostly caused by Alzheimer’s and is a group of symptoms that include loss of memory, thinking and reasoning skills. While the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer’s, which can appear when someone is in their 40s or 50s.

“As we get older, we begin to lose brain cells and sometimes our memory starts to deteriorate,” explains dementia and Alzheimer’s expert Dr. Bret Flynn regarding the irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly hinders an elderly individual from carrying out the simplest tasks. Flynn is medical director for the house call program at The Queen’s Medical Center. I first met Dr. Flynn on a flight to Kauai while he was en route to a dementia clinic he runs at the Kuhio Medical Plaza in Lihue, a joint venture between Queen’s and the Alzheimer’s Association, Aloha Chapter.

Flynn visits frail patients in the comfort of their own living rooms, most of whom are battling advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s. “One patient was so paranoid that she had not seen a doctor for 10 years. I have to be creative when I enter their homes so I can help these people,” he said. “I visited a lady last week who is terrified of physicians. We chatted and when she found out that I was a doctor, she freaked, so the family asked that I pretend to be a grandson.” Once Flynn did, the dementia patient was fully cooperative. “I’m going to college, Grandma, so hope you don’t mind if I practice on you to take your blood pressure,” said Flynn gently as he examined the elderly patient. When the good doctor started to ask questions, the elderly woman became suspicious.

The warning signs of dementia are: repetition of stories, language problems, personality changes, dis-orientation and confusion, lack of hygiene and odd behavior. Many primary care physicians who diagnose their patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s refer their clients to specialists – typically neurologists or physicians in geriatric medicine-like, Flynn. “There have been a couple of cases where the patients were diagnosed with dementia but after further testing, they didn’t have the illness, they had more problems than expected.” If a family member needs someone to help delineate problem solving, they see Flynn. “I am able to give them more of my time. I spend 1.5 hours per patient, most of whom are referrals from their primary care physicians,” he said.

“There are medications that can address and slow down the affects of Alzheimer’s. Early diagnosis also assists in differentiating between Alzheimer’s ans other diseases or illnesses resulting in dementia,” said Pamela Yuen of the local Alzheimer’s Association. Those battling dementia are paranoid but certain medication can change lives. “Once the meds start kicking in, in most cases, they get more receptive to doctors coming in and examining them.”

One of the biggest problems of dementia is that some people get meaner and agitated as they age. Flynn was part of a study in Honolulu involving a drug called Aripiprazole aimed at helping those elderly who are psychotic or display behavioral features. In recruiting patients to enroll in the 2001 study, one lady was particularly difficult and extremely uncooperative, recalls Flynn. But once the patient started taking the drug, “She rubbed my face and told me I had the most beautiful eyes.” Sometimes anti-psychotic drugs can have an opposite effect, where patients transform from being hostile to being accommodating.

The challenge is that there are numerous elders in our state who have not gotten any kind of care at all, not until they hit a crisis and end up in the emergency room. Some have no family members to keep an eye on them, others are on the edge where they shed weight and their refrigerator has a lot of bad moldy food. “It’s a major crisis, because if they don’t have family, there are not a lot of options for them, unless they have enough financial resources to pay for private care, assisted living, nursing home or care home,” said Flynn.

This is where the Alzheimer’s Association comes into the picture. “We offer counseling and other resources for the caregiver. We teach them how to take proper care of themselves, how to reduce their own anxiety and how to find respite,” said Yuen. The Association’s Five Core Program includes: Information and Referral, Educational Classes, Support Groups, Care Consultation and Medic Alert, and Safe Returns, involving ID bracelets. Their number is 591-2771.

Other agencies such as the St. Francis Home Care Services can come in to help with bathing, and Meals on Wheels assists seniors who have a difficult time obtaining groceries.

Dr. Flynn believes baby boomers can expect a “Silver Tsunami” on the horizon. A tsunami where a large group of our population living out their golden years, will include a huge wave of dementia patients, some of whom may be our dearest friends and loved ones.

Do Mayors Have All The Fun? Thomas Friedman, author of that provocative book The World Is Flat - one of my all-time favorites because it’s all about embracing change for the better rather than running from it – is at it again. This time he makes a startling commentary in a recent New York Times op-ed piece of the appeal and allure of the job of Hizzoner.

He piggybacks off a new book, The Metropolitan Revolution, in which co-authors Bruce Katz and Jennifer Bradley assert that it is our cities and metro areas that are leading the nation in transformation rather than Washington, D.C. They believe our cities, more than any other entity in government, are taking risks and making the tough decisions. One could obviously counter by pointing to Detroit. Nonetheless, Friedman agrees and chimes in that Washington’s repeated failure to come to grips with solving many of our problems positions cities “more than ever … to be our engines of smart growth.” Besides, Friedman concludes, “mayors today have more fun,” and cites Chicago’s energetic city hall chief Rahm Emanuel as a prime example. As one who’s been there and done that, I’ll vouch for the former but defer judgment on the latter.

Making the Tough Calls This is the perfect segue to talk about one of the toughest decisions I made as mayor that certainly wasn’t fun: dealing with the 2006 Waikiki sewage spill and striving to ensure that it would not happen again.

One of my guiding maxims has always been, “Leave this place better than you found it.” Recent news of the removal of the temporary sewer main along the Ala Wai Canal reminded me of all of those who worked tirelessly to make sure this day would come to pass.

Readers will recall when an aging Waikiki main failed following 40-plus days of nonstop rain, it forced us to have sewage flow into the canal rather than overflow and backup into hotels, homes and businesses. The city promptly responded with an effective solution that met both our short- and long-term needs. We committed millions of dollars to construct a temporary wastewater bypass that resolved the immediate problem, while concurrently beginning work on a plan to address our needs well into the future.

So many folks deserve credit for these accomplishments. Among them are Wayne Hashiro, managing director; Eric Takamura, head of the Department of Environmental Services; Eric’s successor, Tim Steinberger; and Department of Design and Construction director Craig Nishimura – all of whom provided engineering leadership, and together with dedicated city employees, enabled us to confront the problem and devise solutions. Carrie Okinaga, the city’s legal chief, helped me negotiate a settlement with the federal government on the city’s response to longstanding lawsuits and consent decrees that predated our administration. Bill Brennan was our public spokesman during the crisis and beyond, while Mark Matsunaga provided valuable media counsel. So many civic leaders, from hotel managers to small-business owners to organizations like the Waikiki Improvement Association and Neighborhood Board, lent their support for our efforts over the years. And residents and workers waited so patiently as we continued to tell them “better days are ahead.” I know I’m missing so many who contributed so much, but I believe the names above represent the legions of individuals who have toiled long and hard to enable us to reach this goal and to leave this a better place for all!

The Obon Tradition The notion that hula is great for your health and well-being certainly is not a new concept to many hula purists. The kumu hula I’ve known through the years, from Olana A’i to Michael Pili Pang, to Vicky Holt Takamine, to the late O’Brian Eselu, all have testified to the great physical benefits that hula inspires and produces for women and men. The closest I’ve come to dancing the hula (believe it or not, I did take a few lessons in my youth in Kalihi, but they didn’t help) is bon dancing, which is in full swing during the weekends of summer.

I’ve been a bon dance devotee for more than 25 years, and my reasons are fairly straightforward. First, it’s a way to appreciate the teachings of Buddha. Second, it’s another means to pay tribute to our loved ones and ancestors. Third, the bon events are an excellent social opportunity to make new friends and renew acquaintances, especially with those who are active on the bon dance circuit. Fourth, you can indulge in some of the tastiest and authentic local-kine foods. For instance, ever tasted the “flying saucers” at a Maui or Kauai bon dance? Fifth, bon dancing can be great physical exercise if you go round and round for a few hours.

So, for those of you who’ve never gone bon dancing, it’s never too late to start. This weekend there are three slated on Oahu: Mililani Hongwanji, Soto Mission of Hawaii on Nuuanu Avenue, and Nichiren Mission of Hawaii on Pulelehua Way. Admission is free and it’s definitely a people-friendly atmosphere. Be bold and wear a hapi coat. And if you can, you should find a sensei to teach you a few routines so you’ll have some extra confidence when you enter the ring. If not, just jump in, follow someone, and no scared ‘em, go get ‘em. I will be forever grateful to Ralston Nagata, Evelyn Ikeda and Misao Carlson for sharing their love of bon dancing.

One last tip: Make a donation to the temple even though it’s not compulsory. It’s just a way of showing your appreciation, local-style.

Sheri and Beth with a photo of their dad and Elvis | Photo from Sandra Sagisi

Aug. 16, 1977, forever will be remembered by Elvis fans everywhere as the day “the music died.” I was studying in New Zealand at the time and was bummed beyond compare as I took a break from classes that day to mourn the loss of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Since then, all we have are memories of Elvis Presley, who had a special place in his heart for Hawaii. I certainly have my share of Elvis memories. I enjoyed every one of his films and television specials, know all the words to his songs (even the obscure ones), and sat in awe watching him perform live in Las Vegas in his prime. As president of my high school student council, I arranged to have a contribution made to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund because Elvis was asking, and I even made the pilgrimage to Graceland before Uncle Tom Moffatt (who brought Elvis to Hawaii) made his first trip there.

As fans worldwide commemorate the 36th anniversary of the King’s death this month, not too many can say “Elvis was in the house!” The Parker sisters, Beth Uale of Hawaii Kai and Sheri Pula of Southern California, share many fond memories of Elvis – like when he came rolling into their driveway in a black limousine one summer afternoon in 1974.

“I was really excited that I ran to Elvis Presley’s limo, rolled on his furry floors and I realized I was lying on dark-brown mink,” says Sheri. That was the day Elvis gave her mother Leilani an $11,000 full-length mink coat, which Sheri since has inherited. Elvis was known to share his wealth with ordinary people and gave away cars, jewelry and houses to people he trusted.

“He loved bearing gifts and making people happy,” explains Beth.

Sheri and Beth’s father is the late Ed Parker Sr., who grew up in Kalihi. Parker was known as the Father of American Kempo Karate and Elvis’ martial arts instructor/bodyguard. Says Sheri, “Dad never considered himself a bodyguard. He always said he was a ‘protective companion’ and a friend to Elvis.”

When Sheri was just 8 years old and Beth was sweet 16, Elvis visited the Parker family home in Pasadena, Calif. He played their piano, belting out gospel music.

“It was the neatest thing to hear him sing in our large living room with great big panes. I thought the windows were going to break,” recalls Sheri of Elvis’ powerful singing voice. She remembers sitting on his lap with her younger sister Yvonne. “Elvis asked if I was a good girl, and when I said yes, he gave me $10,” says Sheri, who purchased Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs with the money.

Their dad, a Kamehameha Schools classmate of Don Ho, wasn’t much of a fan of Elvis’ music, but he was a fan of “Elvis, the spiritual giant,” as he recounted in his New York top five bestselling book, Inside Elvis. The singing sensation was nocturnal and was up all hours of the night, such that he needed his sleep during the day. That’s why he wore those dark E.P. (his initials) glasses. Because the two buddies shared the same initials, Ed inherited a couple pair of Elvis’ shades. According to Elvis, both bonded because they were “rebels” – Elvis, a rebel in the rock ‘n’ roll business; Ed, a rebel in the martial arts industry. The men spent many nights conversing about the eternities and subjects of spiritual nature.

“Dad believed that Elvis had a sixth sense, and he would always call on our father when he felt he needed extra protection,” says Beth.

The day Elvis bought Ed Parker a Cadillac Fleetwood, Elvis rode the white, gold trim and top, with gold velvet interior luxury car back to Pasadena with Ed from Las Vegas. It just so happened that they passed the church that Beth and her sister Darlene were attending at 6 a.m. the following morning.

“Dad told Elvis we attended church before we start school every day; he was intrigued and wanted to visit us. We were pulled out of class, and he gave my sister and me a big hug … when I went back to class, I couldn’t even breathe, and nobody believed me that Elvis Presley was outside our classroom until there was a knock at the door,” recalls Beth.

It was Elvis, who wanted to know if he could briefly say hi to the class. With Beth’s seminary teacher weakening at the knees, shaking like a leaf and the jaws of students dropping to the floor, Elvis addressed the group: “I want to commend you kids for doing this and getting up so early … and I believe in Jesus Christ, too. Take care and thanks for letting me interrupt your class.” Because of that experience, nobody missed early morning seminary classes for months in hope that their idol might drop by again. “The students who slept in that day regret not attending.”

And there was the Disneyland concert experience in Anaheim, when Elvis sent a limousine to fetch the Parker family.

“My recollection of the concert is it was past my bedtime so I fell asleep,” says Sheri, who was age 6 at the time.

“After the concert, we all hung out with Elvis at his penthouse, when we met a shy Lisa Marie for the first time. He gave us some of the scarves that he threw out into the audience, he kissed us, and we hung out with him as we saw dozens of screaming fans from a bird’s-eye view,” adds Beth.

Elvis came one last time to Hawaii in 1977, when he rented a house in Kailua and Beth’s dad took her to visit with him. Sheri and Beth say Elvis clearly loved the people of Hawaii. He felt more at home in the Islands, according to them, because local fans, by and large, were “respectful” of his privacy. In fact, their father often said that Elvis was “Polynesian at heart.” That’s why he enjoyed the company of Ed Parker and his ‘ohana. They knew him for who he was and not for what he had. They respected him for more than being a rock star, and knew him as a compassionate and gentle soul.

To the Parker sisters, Elvis will always live forever in their thoughts and hearts.

Glady Burrill, 94, still holds the record she set in 2010 of being the oldest woman to ever complete a marathon | Photo from Pat Bigold

Gladys Burrill was born running on a hilly farm near Mount St. Helens in Washington. Soon as she could take her first steps, Gladys was jogging up and down the hills and climbing mountains. She entered this world during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which is estimated to have infected up to 1 billion people – half the world’s population at the time. Ironically, this grandmother, who power-walked her way into the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest woman to successfully complete a marathon at age 92, is so healthy that the last time she recalls being stricken with the flu was 25 years ago.

“I don’t believe in flu vaccines.

In fact, I have a strong immune system. I do a lot of hugging with other marathoners who are just getting over the flu. The last time I caught a cold was 10 years ago,” exclaims Gladys, who earned the nickname “The Gladyator” for her vivacious energetic burst toward every finish line. Her sword or weapon is a compelling fight to live as long as she can.

She is the youngest of six children, whose parents immigrated to America from Finland. She recalls walking four miles as a child to pick her favorite fruit, strawberries, and walking more than a mile to grade school every day in any kind of weather.

They were so poor that she used charcoal to brush her teeth because toothpaste was too costly. Gladys was so devoted to taking care of her teeth that she caught a ride with the milkman at age 16 to visit her dentist after suffering a severe toothache. She had a choice: getting fillings for her upper molar for $4 or having it extracted for $2. She chose the latter and, 76 years later, Gladys would be flashing her pearly whites as she crossed the finish line in the Honolulu Marathon for the fifth time at 9 hours, 53 minutes and 16 seconds.

This Piper Apache and Cessna 172 pilot is currently training for the Hapalua half marathon next April. The mother of five, grandmother of 18 and great-grandma of 26 has outlived her 30-year-old son, who lost his battle with brain cancer in 1995. Gladys did come pretty close to death once when, at age 50, she was hiking in Oregon. “I was hemorrhaging in the mountains. I was in a beautiful meadow with pristine streams flowing around me. All I could think of was the 23rd Psalm from the Bible. I recited it, prayed, ‘The Lord is my shepherd …’ I felt a certain peace and calm, and I was not afraid,” recalls Gladys, who believes that, had she panicked, she might not have made it out alive.

At age 94, Gladys believes she has a direct connection to the heavens when she is on the trails of the great outdoors and meets people from all walks of life.

“I do a lot of praying when I am out there so that I can be an encouragement to others. I am hardly a stranger to joggers and walkers anymore,” she says. “These are people who need God in their lives and who are lost without him. I talk, pray and develop close relationships with them. I am uplifted when I come in contact with them.”

She receives divine inspiration during her daily treks. “We hug, hold hands and they tell me how I inspire them. I am proud of them, too. I feel closeness to God and know Jesus when I am with them.”

Glady Burrill, 94, still holds the record she set in 2010 of being the oldest woman to ever complete a marathon | Photo from Pat Bigold

She is strengthened by her motto from the Good Book, “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Though faith plays a big role in Gladys’ health success, “daily white bread” does not. Her diet consists of cold oatmeal mixed with bananas and 1 percent milk for breakfast, cottage cheese in half a papaya or a tossed salad for lunch, and a frozen vegetarian dinner at night. She always devours fruits for desserts. “Sometimes I will treat myself to a fish taco or a sprinkle of chicken over salad. I gain my strength from brown rice, pasta and wheat bread with no butter.”

Her secret to the fountain of youth: She never smoked or drank alcohol in her life, rises early to exercise at 6:30 a.m., six days a week, and retires at 8 p.m. She rests on her Sabbath day (Saturday), takes multi-vitamins and consumes cancer-fighting veggies. She practices positive thinking, maintains a close relationship with God and lives a happy lifestyle.

“Life is fragile; we just have to make the most of each moment. Power walking is putting your utmost energy into it and enjoying it. If you are sitting around a lot, I think it is easier to catch germs and get sick. I keep active. There are times when the weather is so bad outside that I just walk around in the house to get my exercise and make a trail from the kitchen, to the bedroom, up the steps and back.”

Take it from a master walker who walks the walk and dreams of tandem sky-diving and maybe even a trip to space someday.

You go, Gladys!

Sensei Donohue (right) and his instructors getting ready to teach karate Photo courtesy Kick Start Karate

Movies and video games glorify violence to the point where kids spend hours on end armed with their remote controls engaging in virtual fights. Some might ask why in the world would you want your child to embrace a sport that involves live combat engaging in sharp blows, blocks and kicks.

Kick Start Karate is martial arts training that benefits young people by teaching them how to defend themselves, and is an activity that encourages participants to resolve conflicts productively. Its founder, former Honolulu Police Chief and City Councilman Lee Donohue, says the program “promotes education, produces leaders and teaches its participants to live a drug-free lifestyle.”

Since its inception in 1994 by then Assistant Chief of Police Donohue and Waipahu High School educator Amy Abe, more than 1,100 youngsters have kicked and karate chopped their way through their personal challenges.

“The ’90s was an era filled with youth gangs in Kalihi, Waipahu, Ewa and Ewa Beach, and Kick Start provided an alternative to anti-social gang memberships, the use of illicit drugs and juvenile delinquency,” says Sensei Donohue, who has embraced students from “rough and tumble” backgrounds. He believes that his mentoring program has changed lives for the better.

The results are astonishing. Students who come from harsh family situations and/or displayed violent behaviors were at risk of spending part of their lives in prison, and Kick Start Karate came into play providing hope for a brighter future.

“One gal who was class president in middle school was failing her courses after her brother was killed in a drive-by shooting. We intervened and enrolled her. Today she is a great mother and is a contributing member of her community,” explains Donohue.

For nearly two decades, Kick Start has provided alternative activities for at-risk youths, but the sport is not just for troubled teens. Kelsie Pascual, now a registered nurse, was a model student when she joined in the sixth grade.

“We live in a fast-paced and demanding world, where everyone wants instant gratification. Kick Start taught me control. Discipline and patience are the basis for my career. It also helped me build physical endurance and today, I am physically fit for long shifts as a nurse, where I am mostly on my feet at work,” says Pascual.

The sport also enhances quality of life, puts all participants through leadership training and gives them a sense of empowerment, resulting in more productive citizens in society.

“We’ve had students whose families were in turmoil, some with siblings being incarcerated, and we were able to intervene to help guide them through their challenging environments,” says Donohue. “As sensei, I provide leadership that encourages them to become better people with good values and strong characters learned through the martial arts.”

Seeing his students graduate from high school and grow to become hardworking adults and understanding parents is what inspires Donahue to keep working in the dojo.

“I have watched Sensei Donohue instruct every student with love and patience. He is able to take his values and passion and make them come alive in the dojo,” says Eric Quemado, who received his black belt from Donohue. He has since returned as instructor and mentor. “I constantly seek ways to make sure each student achieves academic success, because I believe high self-esteem and academic success go hand-in-hand.”

Classes are free of charge, thanks in part to veterans like Quemado who volunteer their time and skills.

It also takes the help of the community to fund Kick Start Karate, which is available to ages 6 to 18. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. (Guidance), and 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. (Karate). Although its annual fundraiser, called “Taste of Kick Start,” was held Sept. 1 at Hawaii Kai Towne Center, donations still are being accepted. For more information on how you can kokua, go to kickstarthawaii.org.

Kick Start Karate has been an effective vehicle in instilling the values and skills necessary in the ongoing crusade to help our youths resist temptation to go astray. Donohue and his dedicated staff are the driving force behind the sport, and they merit our appreciation and support for their tireless efforts in developing and nurturing conscientious and law-abiding citizens in our community.

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