Las Vegas Bound V6#3 Aug - Oct '14 by Las Vegas Bound Magazine

DIAMOND HEAD THEATRE Anniversary

MUSICIAN AND PHILANTHROPIST

Date Night VEGAS STYLE

Ginny Tiu

$5.00 AUG–OCT 2014

Being BEN JAY

1954

1962

Building relationships for 60 years. One business at a time. 2014 In 1954, Central Pacific Bank’s founders embarked on a mission to help fill the unmet needs of local businesses. That commitment, to serve all of Hawaii’s people, continues to this day. From helping to get your business started, providing the tools for growth and the guidance to help see your vision realized, it’s been our honor to serve you. Through every part of your journey, committed to your needs and your success.

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CONTENTS

Volume 6 | Issue 3 | August/September/October 2014

Las Vegas entertainment 6 10 14 15 16

Showcase

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t-miss Las Vegas shows and events

Vegas Calendar

A three-month guide to Sin City happenings

Downtown Dining

Pinches Tacos

Cheap Eats

Rainbow Boulevard Food Run

Date Night

No matter what you consider the perfect date, Vegas is sure to deliver

Boyd Casino Winners

LIVING ALOHA 24 Talent and Compassion

Ginny Tiu reflects on a life of music and giving

28 30 34

Urban Gardening Succulents and air plants

Health & Wellness Reigniting the spark

Lucky you!

LasVegasBound

Diamond Head Theatre Celebrating a century on stage

UH Sports

Athletic Program Director Ben Jay

Vacations Hawaii

What to know before you travel

Transplants

John Kamahele, Matthew Wong

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Volume 6 | Issue 3 | AUG/SEP/OCT 2014

pUBliShe rS

Bill Smith Vice President / General Manager Vacations Hawaii

Jamie & Naomi Giambrone Element Media, Inc.

aSSociate pUBliSher E. S. Adler

managing e ditor Kevin Whitton

art dire ctor Keith Usher

StaFF e ditor

Alyssa Fukumoto

The fall season is traditionally our busiest season of the year and this year has every indication of being no different than past years. Bookings for the September through November period have already surpassed our expectations. In addition to more than 11,000 air seats available on the charter during the fall, Vacations Hawaii is also offering more than 1,000 air seats on six- and seven-night packages utilizing the services of scheduled air carriers. October has always been the favorite month to travel for class and family reunion groups. One customer recently told me that what started out last year as a family reunion ended up being a memorable reunion of old time neighbors who once lived in the same neighborhood in Pearl City. If you’ve never gone to Vegas in the fall, you’re in for a special treat. Cool temperatures make traveling about a real pleasure. Whether you decide to take in a show or two while you’re there or capitalize on the opportunity to do your preholiday shopping, you’ll find that moving about is comfortable and fun. This year, the University of Hawai‘i/UNLV football rivalry won’t be taking place in Vegas, but instead at Aloha Stadium on November 22. But on alternating years when the game does take place in Vegas, it offers another exciting reason to travel in the fall. Whether it’s the ease and convenience of our charters or the length of our six- and seven-night packages that you’re interested in, we recommend that you make your reservations as soon as possible, as space is limited. Whichever you decide upon, do it soon!

contriBUting w riterS Kim Baxter Kara Jernigan Myra Rabanal

adminiStration Kathy Bell Patrick Garrett Sally Shaner

pUBliShe rS’ aSSiStant Chelsea Tsuchida

inte rn

Lauren McNally

element media inc.

1088 Bishop St. #1130 Honolulu, HI 96813 808.737.8711 info@elementmediahi.com

VacationS hawaii

1585 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 900 Honolulu, HI 96814 808.591.4777 boydvacationshawaii.com

©2014 by Element Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in Las Vegas Bound do not reﬂect the opinions of Element Media or Vacations Hawaii.

on t he c o Ve r :

Ginny Tiu’s philanthropic mission is centered on helping those without a voice.

Las Vegas Bound @vegasboundmag

LasVegasBound

Photo: Dave Miyamoto

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Your guide to can’t-miss Las Vegas shows and events

Pacino: One Night Only Best known for his film roles as mobsters Michael Corleone in The Godfather films and Tony Montana in Scarface, cinema icon Al Pacino’s numerous awards include the triple crown of acting (an Oscar, two Tony Awards and two Emmys) as well as four Golden Globes and the AFI Life Achievement Award. In a retrospective at the Terry Fator Theatre, Pacino will discuss his relationship with acting and directing, chronicling his film and theater career from its off-Broadway beginnings in the ’60s through the present, with a rare audience Q&A session to follow. VIP tickets include premium seating and a post-show meet and greet.

WHERE: The Mirage WHEN: August 16 › $150–$200, VIP $500 › mirage.com › 702.792.7777

F &

Crosby, Stills & Nash Folk rock supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash have added dates to their U.S. summer tour that now includes a performance at the Palms in Las Vegas. The band unites to perform CSN classics as well as material from each member’s various other projects. David Crosby released CROZ this past January, his first solo studio album in 20 years; Steven Stills debuted an album with his blues-rock group, The Rides; Graham Nash published his autobiography Wild Tales: A Rock and Roll Life. All three wrapped recent solo tours and, following Nash’s induction with The Hollies in 2010, have all been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on two occasions, separately and as CSN in 1997. WHERE: Palms Casino Resort WHEN: September 27 › $60–$115 › ticketmaster.com › 702.944.3200

LasVegasBound

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history oF the eagles The Eagles are stopping at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for one night only in what may be their last world tour together. In conjunction with the release of their recent documentary, History of the Eagles, former Eagles guitarist Bernie Leadon joins current members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit to perform classic hits from the band’s 20-year career as well as songs never performed live before the tour. The documentary chronicles the band’s ascent into rock legend, 14-year hiatus, intervening solo careers, subsequent reunion and present-day endeavors. WHERE: MGM Grand Garden Arena WHEN: October 11 › $85–$255 › ticketmaster.com › 702.891.7800

liFe is beaUtiFUl FestiVal The Life is Beautiful Festival returns to the streets of burgeoning Downtown Las Vegas for its second year. Following the success of last year’s event, which drew a crowd of 60,000, the festival has added a third day and will host nearly 70 musical acts in across-the-board genres along with urban art installations, worldclass culinary offerings and motivational speakers. In its wider function as a forum for social change, Life is Beautiful aims to provide not only a festival but also a supportive online platform that champions the arts and encourages self-acceptance and community. WHERE: Downtown Las Vegas WHEN: October 24–26 › $200–$250 › lifeisbeautiful.com › info@lifeisbeautiful.com

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

AUGUST 9

Lynyrd Skynyrd Founding guitarist Gary Rossington and the rest of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s presentday incarnation honor their late original members and preserve the band’s legacy. The tour follows their second summer run with Bad Company, who they teamed up with last year in a joint 40th anniversary tour. Photo by Mark Tucker

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino From $79 goldennugget.com 866.946.5336

AUGUST

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AUGUST 15–16

The Bridal Spectacular

AUGUST 15 YES

Progressive rock group YES takes to the stage at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to play a setlist encompassing some of the band’s greatest hits, their entire Fragile (1971) and Close to the Edge (1972) albums and songs from Heaven & Earth, released in July of this year. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino From $39.50 axs.com 702.693.5222

LasVegasBound

Vegas’ premier bridal event, the Bridal Spectacular, will hold its fall show in the Cashman Center exhibit hall. Brides can watch a gown and tuxedo runway fashion show, consult wedding specialists for information, inspiration and discounts and pick up a copy of Bridal Spectacular’s Las Vegas wedding guide, Spectacular Bride. Cashman Center $15 bridalspectacular.com 702.368.0088

AUGUST 16

ZZ Top & Jeff Beck ZZ Top and Jeff Beck’s longawaited collaboration debuts in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as part of their joint summer tour. Their individual performances culminate in an epic finale fusing ZZ Top’s Texas blues and hard rock sound with Jeff Beck’s genre-bending musical persuasions. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino From $59.50 axs.com 702.693.5222

SEPTEMBER 5–6

The Las Vegas Wine & Food Festival

SEPTEMBER 4–14 Kinky Boots

Hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots, about a shoe factory owner who discovers an untapped market in custom drag stilettos, high-kicks off its first national tour at The Smith Center in Las Vegas. Cyndi Lauper’s music and lyrics won for Best Original Score at the Tony Awards last year.

Lounge in luxury poolside cabanas while enjoying live entertainment and tasting stations staffed by top chefs, mixologists and sommeliers at the Las Vegas Wine & Food Festival. Proceeds go to the James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit based in New York City that serves the culinary arts through awards and educational programs. Red Rock Casino & Resort $75–$100 vegaswineandfood.com 702.509.4636

The Smith Center $39–$139 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 5–7

Las Vegas Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show Shop for antiques, original artwork, handmade jewelry and countless other wares at the Las Vegas Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show. Peruse hundreds of booths during the all-day, indoor event while enjoying food and entertainment in addition to activities for those with kids in tow. Cashman Center $9 adults, $7 seniors harvestfestival.com 415.447.3205

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SEPTEMBER 19–20 Ray Romano

SEPTEMBER 19 Diana Ross

The Guinness Book of World Records named Diana Ross the most successful female artist of all time in 1993 for her prolific career as a solo artist and lead singer for ’60s Motown act The Supremes. She returns to Caesars Palace during her In the Name of Love tour to perform her most well known hits. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace $50–$80 thecolosseum.com 888.929.7849

Ray Romano rejoins the Aces of Comedy series at the Mirage alongside names like Jay Leno and Kathy Griffin. Romano’s roots in stand-up groomed the everyman shtick that earned him an Emmy Award for the semi-autobiographical sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond. The Mirage $50–$60 mirage.com 702.792.7777

SEPTEMBER 19–21

Las Vegas Jazz Festival Smooth jazz and R&B acts entertain all weekend at the Las Vegas Jazz Festival. Attendees can take advantage of food options in the vendor area beside the stage or dine at the JW Marriott’s slew of onsite restaurants. The hotel also offers packages for those looking to stay throughout the festival weekend. JW Marriott Resort & Spa $65–$975 lvjazzfestival.com 602.244.8444 LasVegasBound

SEPTEMBER 20–30, OCTOBER 2–5 Rod Stewart: The Hits

In an extended residency at Caesars Palace, Rod Stewart’s energetic live performances celebrate over 50 years of career hits and accolades. In recent years, he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, published Rod: The Autobiography and released original studio album Time, the artist’s first in 20 years. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace $49–$250 thecolosseum.com

SEPTEMBER 20

Downtown Brew Festival Brought to you by the same team responsible for the Great Vegas Festival of Beer in the spring, the Downtown Brew Festival brings live music, food vendors and unlimited samples of over 150 craft beers to the Clark County Amphitheater this fall. Designated drivers who won’t be tasting get in for $20. Clark County Amphitheater $35–$75 downtownbrewfestival.com 855.235.2867 702.425.7513

SEPTEMBER

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SEPTEMBER 22–27

September 30

World Series of Comedy The World Series of Comedy is searching for the funniest standups in North America. Comedians advance to the main event in Las Vegas through online video submissions and preliminary competitions across the U.S. and in Canada, with judges awarding points based on originality, stage presence and overall performance. Tuscany Suites & Casino $29.95 theworldseriesofcomedy.com 702.205.9050

An Evening with Jerry Lewis

SEPTEMBER 25–27

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Arizona-based auction company Barrett-Jackson will exhibit hundreds of classic cars at its Las Vegas event, including a number of charity vehicles. Nearly 70,000 collector car enthusiasts filled the Mandalay Bay Event Center last year, generating $32 million in total sales and raising $2.2 million for organizations like The Multiple Sclerosis Society. Mandalay Bay $20–$45 barrett-jackson.com 702.632.4760

The Smith Center invites you to spend An Evening with Jerry Lewis for stories, stand-up and video montage spanning Lewis’ career as an entertainer. His slapstick comedy routines first made the nightclub circuit over half a century ago and today his career credits include music, feature film, TV, radio, stage, directing and philanthropy. The Smith Center $24–$99 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000

OCTOBER 8–NOVEMBER 9 Wicked

OCTOBER 5–6

Lucky Rice Festival The Lucky Rice Festival invites you to eat, drink and get “lucky.” Now in its fourth year, the event stages an Asian culinary night market with cosmopolitan flair and a dim sum brunch the following morning, when guests can request various Eastern twists on the traditional Bloody Mary.

Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz picks up where The Wonderful Wizard of Oz left off, detailing the life of the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friendship with the Good Witch of the North. Variety magazine called the musical a “cultural phenomenon,” which is nearing its 11th year on Broadway. The Smith Center $45–$161 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas $65–$125 luckyrice.com 646.415.8661

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 10–11 Bill Maher

Bill Maher’s sarcastic brand of social commentary and political satire birthed talk-show Politically Incorrect, critically successful documentary Religulous, multiple New York Times Best Sellers and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, now in its 12th season. In two nights of stand-up, he’ll dive into controversial topics with equal parts cultural relevance and comedic irreverence. Palms Casino Resort $62 - $103 ticketmaster.com 702.944.3200

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OCTOBER 18 & 25 Jimmy Buffett

OCTOBER 16–19 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

PGA Tour golfers compete for FedExCup points and a piece of a $6 million purse at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. The event includes over a week of ceremonies, wellness activities and pro-am competitions scheduled around the four-day tournament. TPC Summerlin $27–$300 shrinershospitalsopen.com 702.873.1010

Jimmy Buffett will transport audiences at the MGM Garden Arena into a Margaritaville state of mind with breezy tunes like “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” and “Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes.” Buffett’s This One’s For You Tour coincides with the launch of his Internet television station, Margaritaville TV. MGM Grand Garden Arena $39–$211 ticketmaster.com 702.891.7800

LasVegasBound

Photos: Myra Rabanal

Pinches Tacos

Family, food and folklore come together at the Downtown Container Park Review by Myra Rabanal Run by the Anaya family, Pinches Tacos grew out of family folklore perpetuated through the generations. A few great uncles were cooks, or pinches, for Pancho Villa. It is said the infamous Mexican revolutionary leader would often demand, “Pinche traime unos tacos!” (Cook, bring me some tacos.) In comparison, the atmosphere at Pinches Tacos is less threatening in one of Downtown Vegas’ newest oasis, Downtown Container Park. On a spring day, a few friends and I decided to gather at dusk and dine al fresco under the clear desert sky. Downtown Container Park is filled with families in the central play area until 9pm, when it transforms into an “adults only” playground—only in Vegas. After ordering at the inside counter, we sat outside on the wooden deck with a picturesque view of the entire park lit with twinkling lights. My guests ordered a blood orange margarita and a draft beer while we waxed on about the container park concept, scanning the mélange of shops and watering holes around us. The limited space in the recycled shipping containers makes outdoor seating a must, but it is a refreshing, retro experience dining and people-watching under the stars. The idyllic locale is reminiscent of how life used to be in the suburbs and has been reborn in the new urban era. Committed to quality ingredients, the Anayas handpick fresh ingredients and keep family recipes simple and fresh. The family also keeps the prices real and the concept green. When our order arrived, it was dished up on recyclable paper plates. With more than 10 types of tacos, such as fish with Veracruz slaw, lengua (tongue) and pollo (chicken) mole, the combination plate is the ideal triple play of flavors so you can customize your mix of tacos ($8.95), including chips and homemade salsa. The al pastor torta ($7.65) features slow-broiled marinated pork on a ciabatta-like roll. The juicy fish burrito ($8.95) is stuffed with cabbage slaw for a nice crunch and creaminess and the chicken burrito ($7.65) is filled with the works: rice, guacamole, onions, cilantro and salsa. A truly authentic meal is not complete without a side of Mexican street corn ($2.95), corn on the cob amped up with Mexican cream cheese and a shake of chili powder. Pinches Tacos is uncomplicated, satisfying and homemade. With all the culinary trends that are bantered about, sometimes simplicity in the kitchen is a revolution of its own. 14

LasVegasBound

Pinches Tacos 702 East Fremont St. #5 (702) 910-3100 pinchestacos.com

cheaP eaTs: The Vegas Mixed Plate

A Rainbow Boulevard food run dishes up gold from end to end Reviews and photos by Myra Rabanal Long-time residents know that Rainbow Boulevard was once the dividing line between Las Vegas and what was called “the boonies.” Twenty years later, Las Vegas has expanded far west of Rainbow, and now Rainbow Boulevard spans for miles to the north and south, a wellknown hub for restaurants great and small. You can find appetite satisfaction on almost every block. Here are three blocks of cheap eats worth sampling. *Menu items and prices may be subject to change

Rice Trax Mochiko Bento

Rice TRaX

On the south end of Rainbow, this veteran fast food joint recently moved to a larger space to accommodate its followers. Although the garlic bento is popular, the mochiko chicken bento ($9.50) can whet any island craving. The price may border on not-so-cheap, but this bento was so much more than just mochiko chicken with the addition of shrimp tempura, chicken katsu and teri steak on a bed of rice with a side of greens. The garlic bento ($9.50) is packed with garlic chicken, SPAM, hot dog, teri steak and shrimp tempura. Order it to go so you already have a container for the leftovers. 7745 s. Rainbow Blvd. (702) 269-7439 ricetrax.com

Presto Café Greek Pide

Bruddah’s Huli Huli Chix Bowl

BRUDDah’s isLanD sTYLe

With patio and indoor seating, Bruddah’s Island Style is fast casual, bringing a Mexican twist to local grinds. Bypassing the obligatory plate lunch for healthier options, Bruddah’s offers a choice of huli huli chicken, kalua pork, pulehu steak, grilled fish or grilled veggies four ways: burrito, bowl, salad or three tacos ($6.25–$7.60). Customize your own special dish from the selections. The huli huli chicken bowl with the works is filled with seaweed rice, black beans, mango and roasted corn salsa and then piled with lettuce, cilantro, a smidgen of cheese, sour cream and a squeeze of lime. It’s delicious without the kanak attack after effects. 2330 s. Rainbow Blvd. (702) 222-0767 bruddahstacos.com

PResTo caFÉ

Bursting with people in line, this small café is an on-the-go person’s dream. The menu features eye-opening breakfasts, gourmet dinners, bright salads, made-to-order sandwiches and juice concoctions that keep regulars coming back. The Greek pide ($7.99), an open-faced sandwich on a tender crust, is a topselling tasty masterpiece with artfully placed cherry tomatoes and basil on a bed of mozzarella and feta, pesto and Kalamata olives. The porchetta sandwich is a hefty lunch for a lightweight price ($6.99). Grilled, homemade rosemary focaccia envelopes shaved roasted pork, red onion and mozzarella with a seasonal side of strawberries, arugula and green apple salad. Any gourmand would delight in the quality as well as the price. 4950 s. Rainbow Blvd. (702) 293-3332 prestocafelv.com LasVegasBound

Date Night Catch a movie, get dressed up for a show, enjoy fine dining窶馬o matter what you consider the perfect date, Las Vegas is sure to deliver

High Roller at The Linq

LasVegasBound

Photo: Denise Truscello

BY ALYSSA FUKUMOTO

n abundance of restaurants, entertainment and the general splendor of glittering nightlife make for anything but a dull date night in Las Vegas. Saturated with quality dining and classic shows, however, it can be difficult to decide where to take a significant other for some quality one-on-one time. Check out these date night suggestions—from low-key fun to a more luxurious, romantic time—to eliminate the guesswork or mix and match to create your own perfect romantic outing.

Twist on a Classic First timers and seasoned veterans traversing the strip can experience classic on-strip attractions in new, exciting ways perfect for a romantic outing. The Bellagio fountain show is a staple of Vegas entertainment, so ditch the crowd on the sidewalk and elevate the experience in a unique, intimate way by reserving a spot at Picasso in the Bellagio. Patrons get to partake in regional French and Spanish fare surrounded by Picasso’s masterpieces with an up-close, one-of-a-kind view of the Bellagio water show. Now it’s nightfall, but by Vegas standards that’s entirely too early to quit. Rather than heading back to the hotel to digest, consider kicking back and cuddling in a cushioned seat for a post-dinner show. Magicians are standard on-strip entertainment, but Pen and Teller put a twist on the magic show experience. The pair is known for their tongue-incheek mash up of comedy and magic. Smart and simple, the duo take to the stage in three-piece suits and proceed to break down the hoax barrier between audience and performers, poking a bit of fun at the smoke-and-mirrors of their psychic and fellow magic counterparts while still wowing crowds with their own sleight of hand. To sate a sweet tooth, trek to the end of the strip and look for a tiny blue shop near the Stratosphere. There sits Luv-It Frozen Custard, an award-winning ice cream and custard shop opened in 1973. Offering a daily selection of two unique flavors of frozen custard, a treat created in Coney Island in 1919, patrons can split specialty sundaes like the Banana Fudge Crumble or the popular Western sundae, including a scrumptious blend of hot fudge, caramel and pecans. Open afternoons until 10pm, this is a perfect post-activity snack stop for old-soul sweethearts.

The iconic Bellagio fountain show Picasso at the Bellagio

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A scoop of Luv-it Frozen Custard

A Casual Affair

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The ladies of Menopause the Musical Seafood Shack at Treasure Island

Photo: Raphael Quintinita

Quality couple time should not cease when wining and dining are not on the agenda. Seafood Shack, a name that belies the restaurant’s food quality and service, presents a newly revamped menu for patrons to share. Find the lowkey eatery on the casino floor of the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino. Warm lighting and nautical elements make for a comfortable dining experience. Couples can maximize their time at Seafood Shack with Chef Philip Morris’s shareable portions of quality seafood. Split a tangy and sweet shrimp ceviche, fluffy stuffed mushrooms and some quality, flavorful ahi poke tossed in sesame and shoyu. In lieu of toasting with champagne, clink glasses with some of the restaurant’s quality, signature mixed drinks. The sweet and fizzy Mermaid Mojito, including rum, fresh strawberries and mint, is a customer favorite. Fans of classic mixed beverages may enjoy the Shipwreck instead, something of a light, tropical take on a Dark and Stormy. Fully sated, it’s time to head to the Luxor for a fun, affordable bit of entertainment sure to tickle the funny bone. Less than $100 gets a ticket to Menopause the Musical, in which four women bond over a black bra and proceed to serenade their audience about dealing with “the change.” While male guests may not be able to personally identify with the discussions of hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings, they can appreciate the tunes themselves. The musical features familiar songs from the ’60s and ’70s with modified lyrics to express the characters’ menopausal experiences. Taking a post-show stroll or an affordable ride on the Strip’s double-decker buses is a great way to see the sights. For a more awe-inspiring and romantic endeavor, head over to the LINQ district and take a 30-minute spin on the new High Roller, the world’s largest observation wheel. Step into one of the High Roller’s Italian-crafted glass enclosed cabins with your sweetheart as it slowly rotates, standing 550 feet above ground, offering unparalleled views of the strip. Rentable for private parties and featuring music and video shows throughout, this is a perfect romantic ride undertaken at nighttime or at sunset.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna Photo: Raphael Quintinita

Sin City If a more adventurous experience with your significant other is desired, then Vegas is the perfect place to experience everything from the sensual to the risqué. For a truly unique experience, don fine clothing and head to The Cosmopolitan for a night out at Rose. Rabbit. Lie. Paying homage to the social clubs of old, this venue features several rooms, including a library doubling as a restaurant and a study room that includes a bar and working 1920s vinyl record player. Cuddle up in any one of the spaces as walkthrough performers entertain with everything from tap-dancing to titillating burlesque, or grab seats at the venue’s ticketed show Vegas Nocturne, a vaudeville act at its most zany and raunchy. Whether pairs prefer to dance and mingle with the performers or sit back and admire the spectacle, this is a quirky date night option for the bold couple. An intimate dinner is in order for nights when full attention on a significant other is ideal. Melting Pot on West Charleston Boulevard provides this with its delicious fondue dishes. Help each other to a choice of creamy fondue, from a classic Swiss and aged Gruyere mixture to a delicious Fontina and Butterkäse blend. Scoop it up with a selection of artisanal breads and seasonal vegetables and pair it with

Table-top entertainment at Rose. Rabbit. Lie. glasses of wine. For a treat with a naughty twist, place an order with Sin City Cupcakes. Each of their decadent treats is alcohol infused, with items like the orange and Grand Marnier-soaked French Kiss, the chocolate, marshmallow and vodka mixture that is the Chocomallow Intercourse and the raspberry, champagne and white chocolate Better

Than Sex cupcake. Sin City Cupcakes is an on-the-go dessert service that offers complimentary drop-off delivery to most Vegas hotels and can leave an order with a hotel concierge for an outan-about customer. Couples can come back and enjoy these decadent desserts together in the comfort and privacy of their hotel room.

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Living Aloha

the food, fun and lifestyle of our aloha state

Philanthropist Ginny Tiu Health & Wellness

38 UH Sports

LasVegasBound Photo: Dave Miyamoto

Renowned pianist and philanthropist Ginny Tiu reﬂects on a life of music and giving BY KARA JERNIGAN Stepping on stage to face a room crowded with people may be intimidating to most, but for Ginny Tiu it is what comes naturally. As an accomplished pianist, Tiu is not afraid of the limelight. At a young age she recognized the importance of having a sense of self. She spent her childhood performing in concert halls around the world, including the prestigious Carnegie Hall and Buckingham Palace. However, she watched other musicians and performers on stage and saw emptiness in many of their lives. “They need to be up there all charged-up all the time,” says Tiu. “So I saw that and I realized that’s not what I want. I need something much more, something deeper.” Music became not only a means of success for Tiu, but also an opportunity to extend a benevolent hand to the people of Hawai‘i.

Protégé When Tiu was only threeand-a-half years old, her parents recognized her potential as a pianist. Playing by ear came naturally for Tiu. She was fascinated by her father’s piano and wanted to mimic his music. She remembers listening to him and then picking out the keys he hit. Daily practice led

to her debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. “My dad always reminded me that the gift I have with music is a gift from God and that it’s nothing to get big headed about, but something to be very thankful of,” she says. “The main thing, he said, was to share it—to share it with other people and give joy back. Music is a great tool for bringing people together.” Over the years, Tiu enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. She even co-starred with Elvis Presley in the musical comedy, Girls! Girls! Girls! Though Tiu was only eight years old at the time, she remembers being impressed by Elvis’ southern manners and the way he addressed her parents as “sir” and “ma’am.” When she was invited back to perform in It Happened at the World’s Fair, her busy performance schedule forced her to decline. “I remember wanting to do the second movie but my dad said no,” she says. “I couldn’t because I was already committed to play for President Kennedy at the same time as the filming and had a lot of other commitments to perform as well. I remember being sorely disappointed.” Tiu has recorded several albums over the years. “When I was five years old, I actually did make one of those big album recordings,” she says with a laugh. “More LasVegasBound

recently, I have made CDs.” She continued to travel and perform across Europe, Asia and the U.S. mainland until she made her home in Hawai‘i. Tiu has been a regular performer in Waikiki since the early ’90s. Playing for hours is almost effortless for Tiu, especially on a good piano. She was a resident pianist at the Moana Surfrider for 12 years. Since then, she has played at many other hotels and lounges around Waikiki, including the Hanohano Room at the Sheraton for four years. Today, you can hear her performing at 53 By The Sea. “It’s beautiful,” she says. “The piano is wonderful. It’s Italian—a Fozioli.”

Philanthropist

Tiu’s passion for music is complimented by her commitment to better the community. She often plays at charity events, looking at performing as not being about awards or recognition. Rather, she is driven to help those without a voice. “There are things we need to try to do to make it a better world,” she says. “I really feel that for everybody. I think a lot of times we get so busy with our lives and that’s understandable. But I think we really need to not just bury our heads in the sand. We need to know what’s really going on with the rest of our community, number one, and our country and the world.” Tiu recognizes that she alone cannot change the world, but that only motivates her to try harder and encourage others to do what they can to help those in need. “There are many—the elderly, animals, children—that don’t get to make choices,” she says. “Choices are made for them. And a lot of the time they are not good choices, intentionally or unintentionally. So I think it’s very important that we know what’s going on and then try.” For decades, Tiu has supported organizations that actively help others. She likes to take a hands-on approach with everything she does. When she was in San Francisco in the early ’80s, Tiu worked very closely with Meals on Wheels, even delivering the meals. Now, Tiu spends much

In her youth Ginny had the pleasure of working side-byside with some of Hollywood’s most prolific entertainers, including Bob Hope (top), Ed Sullivan (middle), Nat King Cole (bottom) and the legendary

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Photos: The Smith Center

Elvis Presley (previous page).

Photo: Dave Miyamoto Photos: The Smith Center

of her time working on the Hawaii Humane Society board. In addition to serving as the humane society’s vice chairwoman, Tiu fosters anywhere from six to 10 dogs at a time and advocates adopting an animal instead of going to a pet store or breeder. Tiu also frequently testifies for animal rights bills. She is recognized and greeted by legislatures who, upon seeing her at the Capitol, tease her with a friendly inquiry of, “Animal bill?” Tiu cares about many other issues, but she feels compelled to be a voice for those who have none. “These animals, these poor things,” she says, “they can’t even come in here to show you their wounds and their scars or how they’ve been abused. If they can’t [speak] for themselves I want to try to at least be a supporter for them.” In May 2014, Maryknoll School recognized Tiu with their Noblesse Oblige Service Award for her dedication to helping the community. Though at first she refused the award, former honorees Larry Rodriguez and Mi Kosasa convinced her to

accept it. Receiving this award gave her the opportunity to spread her message of caring and helping others to a new audience. The 16th annual Monsignor Charles A. Kekumano Award and Scholarship Dinner celebrated Noblesse Oblige, a French saying which means, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Maryknoll School uses this sentiment as its motto. As a child, Tiu was unable to attend traditional schools for very long and had to be tutored because of her busy performance schedule. However, Tiu recognizes and appreciates the support Maryknoll School gives its students. “To me, education is very important,” says Tiu. “But it’s not enough. You have to develop the whole person. You can’t just give them a good mind. You have to develop their compassion, their conscience, because that’s what gives back to the world. I very much appreciate that Maryknoll School realizes this and doesn’t just try to develop smarter kids, but better people.” LasVegasBound

After taking the reins of the University of Hawai‘i athletic program, director Ben Jay is standing up to take on the challenges

Understanding Photos: Jay Metzger

Ben Jay

Interview by Kim Baxter On deciding to change UH’s men’s and women’s team nicknames When I got here, there was confusion because we had seven different nicknames that the program was using. Different teams had different nicknames and we really needed to consolidate our brand and really get to a brand identity that people would recognize. But it wasn’t until I made a decision that I started to hear from everybody. All of a sudden, all the cries come out. Right now we’re the Rainbow Warriors and the Rainbow Wahine. It is unique to Hawai‘i. It talks about who we are and what we are and what the rainbow represents and the islands of Hawai‘i. It is the right name for us.

On turning around UH athletics, especially a football program that has gone 4-20 in two seasons under head coach Norm Chow We have a lot of work to do. This program is facing a lot of challenges. Over the years, we’ve allowed ourselves to be a very mediocre program. We’ve not invested into the facilities. We’ve not invested into the programs. We’ve not solved the financial issues plaguing this department. 28

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We’ve only had two profitable years out of the last 12 in this department. It’s not really a spending problem; it’s really a raising revenue problem. They’ve had a shortfall of raising enough revenue to help support this program. We rely on a lot of different sources to produce that kind of revenue to support this program and we need to grow those areas in order to sustain ourselves. But we’re only sustaining ourselves at a very bare bones, mediocre level. This program really has the capacity to grow and be competitive.

On raising more money for the athletics department This program does not have a great history of raising dollars. We’ve not made the big ask of well-heeled donors and we need to do some of that. If you really love and support UH athletics, then help us. Supporting us is not just about buying tickets and buying shirts. It’s donating funds to help our program. The university is doing what it can to support us and Tom Apple as [University of Hawai‘i] chancellor is helping us with that. He’s given us tremendous support from the university to support the athletics program, but we need more. It can’t be just the university; it can’t be just the people buying tickets. It has to have corporate support. It has to have community support and it has to have philanthropic support.

University of Hawai‘i Athletics Director Ben Jay had a challenging first year and a half at the helm of the athletic program with 21 sports and nearly 500 athletes under his umbrella. From inheriting a department reeling from the Stevie Wonder concert fiasco to drawing the ire of loyal fans after changing team nicknames (even spending

Ben Jay has not been shy about putting his stamp on the University of Hawaiʻiʼs athletic program.

several days in the hospital after being injured breaking up a fight in the Stan Sheriff Center), Jay’s introduction to Hawai‘i has been tumultuous. But the 57-year-old Ohio native is eternally optimistic about UH’s potential. He spent an hour talking with Las Vegas Bound about it all.

On being injured trying to break up a fight during a UH men’s basketball game I’m a doer. I get involved. I saw an incident developing where there were many seniors, women and children in the area. I knew from experience if a large, major scuffle broke out, we could have a lot of innocent people injured. So I reacted and ran and jumped into the middle of it to keep the calm. I was just trying to keep the situation from getting out of control. That’s what I do, that’s who I am. I will get involved. The last thing I want to do is stand by and watch people get hurt. I’m not going to allow that in my shop. Unfortunately, in the meantime, somebody hit me with a chair, put me in the emergency room the next day and in the hospital for a couple of days [with] three fractured vertebra and a bruised kidney. But you know what? If it kept people from getting hurt, that’s fine. It’s part of the job. You hate those incidents, they’re ugly, but you do everything you can to keep the peace.

On what he’s most proud of at University of Hawai‘i We have a direction. We have a plan and we know where we need to get to. Our goal is to bring this program, not only to be competitive, but to position ourselves that hopefully one day we might be considered being accepted into one of the power five conferences—SEC, ACC, Pac-12, Big 12 or Big Ten. That’s my goal. You’ve got to set yourself with high, lofty goals and I think for this program it’s possible. We have a lot of work to do before we get there, but Hawai‘i should be seen as one of those schools. We have great coaches here and I love working with them. We all have the same aim. We all want to win championships. And quite frankly, the fans expect us to win. I know what it takes to win. It’s just a matter of convincing the rest of the folks that we need to get there and these are the things we need to do. We’re marching forward. We’ve put the Wonder Blunder behind us. I just wish the rest of Hawai‘i would, because we’re marching ahead. We have a goal and we want to win. We want to be competitive and we want to be financially stable.

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Diamond Head T h e at r e

A Century on Stage Diamond Head Theatre was making U.S. history long before Hawai‘i became a state. Priding itself as “the Broadway of the Pacific,” the theater enters its 100th season as the third oldest continuously operating community theater in the country.

49th state revue 1948 30

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Photos: Courtesy of Diamond Head Theatre

By Lauren McNally

Hawaiian Village Longhouse

Joe Brown 1950 Honolulu’s early theater community ripened under unique circumstances. The arts existed on the fringes of American society, practiced predominantly by the elite in deliberately highbrow capacities. Hawai‘i was ahead of its time in this respect. “Queen Emma was a singer and a performer,” explains John Rampage, Diamond Head Theatre’s artistic director. “It was okay to perform because the queen performed.” “We had an ocean between us and rest of the artistic world,” Rampage continues, recounting how, as recently as the ’60s and ’70s, even the news arrived on tapes from the mainland a day or more late. “Anything that was live was very special here.” Diamond Head Theatre’s founding entity, The Footlights, staged their first show in 1915 as a company of amateur performers. When they reconvened as Honolulu Community Theatre in 1934, troops stationed in Hawai‘i filled seats during wartime and the island location regularly attracted mainland talent. “Our theater was the closest thing to professional theater Hawai‘i had at the time,” says Rampage. Known today as Diamond Head Theatre , the group continues to exude professionalism though they remain a fundamentally communal endeavor. Founding families provide generations worth of patronage, entire households come together to usher or work backstage and former cast members appear in decade-spanning repeat performances. John Rampage himself appeared in a DHT production of The Music Man 20 years before serving as artistic director. “There’s a camaraderie and a feeling of success,” says Executive Director Deena Dray. “It’s like playing in a game every night. You become a team.”

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The devoted efforts of the theater’s team members are instrumental to its success. A quality show involves a great deal of commitment, so among volunteers juggling other full-time responsibilities, one thing is for sure. “Nobody here is giving less than 110 percent,” Dray says. “You do it for the love,” Rampage agrees, with the conviction of someone who knows it firsthand. The task of balancing the creative standards of an arts institution with the financial demands of a business falls in the capable hands of the theater’s two directors. Between Dray’s business prowess and Rampage’s industry expertise, the duo has orchestrated an impressive revitalization of Diamond Head Theatre’s operations. Among other initiatives perpetuating company transparency and an open community dialogue, Dray employs a diversified fundraising strategy that allows the theater to maintain the high production quality audiences have come to associate with DHT. When the financial crisis prompted budget cuts across the state’s various industries, Dray reports, “We had built a solid enough base with our patrons that they said, ‘we’re still going to support you.’” Individual donations currently comprise nearly a quarter of the theater’s funding. In addition to serving the community through the art of theater, Diamond Head Theatre is committed to serving the arts through education. One of Rampage’s most indelible contributions to this end is the continuing success of DHT’s Shooting Stars program, which evolved from a one-time children’s show choir to a performance troupe that performs regularly at venues across the island. “Even those who don’t go into performing as a career become avid theatergoers,” Rampage says. “You not only have to create new talent but you also have to create new audiences.” Although Diamond Head Theatre has carved a solid niche 32

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with what Dray describes as “family-friendly, big Broadway musicals,” its six-show season caters to a wide audience, staging both tried-and-true classics as well as new, unknown or otherwise unconventional pieces. “There’s something for everybody,” says Rampage. In honor of its centennial, Dray says the upcoming season features a mix of “classics, new shows and nostalgic favorites—the best we could pick of each.” With ambitious new building plans to further serve the

legally blonde the musical

Lift the Fog

Clear the Blur

Beauty and the Beast

community in a tradition now 100 years in the making, the folks at Diamond Head Theatre clearly recognize the value of combining old songs with a new story. Anchored in its rich history and propelled by a contemporary approach to a classic art, Diamond Head Theatre meets this milestone poised for many more to come.

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URBAN GARDENING Creating botanical bundles of joy with succulents and air plants Story and Photos By Lauren McNally Succulents are something of an enigma. Their ease of cultivation gives them an air of accessibility, yet their level of self-sufficiency suggests aloofness. Despite their somewhat alien appearance, they are among the most relatable of houseplants. Maybe their fleshy skins hit close to home or their unusual physical features exude anthropomorphic qualities. Maybe the palm-sized succubabies popping up everywhere from cafés to trendy clothing boutiques in recent years operate on our instinctual, parental impulses. Succulents are like little kids, at least in some ways—resilient, easy to please, good for small spaces—only they aren’t eager for attention, don’t talk back and can be left at home alone without so much as a second thought. 34

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As urbanization and the rising cost of living relegate gardens to patios, balconies and windowsills, succulents have become increasingly popular additions to the home, regardless of living situation, lifestyle and gardening abilities, or lack thereof. As drought-tolerant as they are unique, succulents function more like living works of art than pretty obligations demanding diligent upkeep. Unlike short-lived cut flowers and fussier ornamental varieties, succulents are both long lasting and low-maintenance. Their bold, geometric shapes, striking textures and wide spectrums of color lend themselves well to home decoration and botanical arrangements. Air plants also provide a hardiness and visual interest suitable for artistic use and manipulation.

“They come in so many fun shapes and sizes,” says Tamara Rigney, owner of Paiko, a botanical boutique in Kaka‘ako. “It’s like an artist’s palette.” Educated in landscape architecture but drawn to the immediacy and hands-on quality of plant and flower design, Tamara founded Paiko with the mission to “create art from nature.” With varieties like the spiky, whiteringed zebra plant and conical-flowering aeonium looking like Dr. Seuss’ botanical brainchildren, you couldn’t ask for a more diverse palette. Aeoniums alone range in color from pale blue to blood red. According to Courtney Monahan, Paiko partner and manager, succulents and air plants are the shop’s bestsellers across all demographics. “Young guys in high school, men and ladies of all ages and income brackets, people who’ve never had plants before—we get all sorts.” Tamara explains, “They’re approachable for the novice plant person.” Most air plants, for example, prefer filtered sunlight, but will adapt to various lighting conditions. Succulents are LasVegasBound

HOW DO SUCCULENTS DO IT? Succulents store water in their fleshy leaves and stems, which bear textured surfaces and a thick, durable skin to reduce water loss. Their shallow root systems also maximize water absorption.

LIGHT Direct sunlight early in the day, indirect light or partial shade in the afternoon

WATER Every one to three weeks, depending on conditions. Allow soil to dry completely between watering. Improve drainage by adding pumice or small stones to the base of the container.

HOW DO AIR PLANTS DO IT? Air plants harness and store water in scales, called trichomes, on the surface of their leaves and employ metabolic processes that reduce water loss during the day and harness carbon dioxide at night.

LIGHT Bright, filtered sunlight. Silver-leafed varieties tolerate more sun.

WATER Mist or dunk one to two times a week, depending on humidity. Allow leaves to dry completely between watering and avoid leaving in standing water.

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“They come in so many fun shapes and sizes, It’s like an artist’s palette.” equally forgiving in that they generally require watering only once a month, so going on vacation need not end in plant owner’s remorse or necessitate a house sitter. Both succulents and air plants possess a number of mechanisms allowing them to survive in arid conditions, so you’re less likely to return to a room full of withered vestiges of your plants’ former selves. Perhaps even more appealing than their camel-like attribute is the ease with which these plants can be incorporated into a variety of settings. “Their root systems don’t need to be extensive, so there’s a lot of cool ways you can pot them,” says Courtney. With options to suit your individual tastes, available resources and specific needs, the possibilities are endless. One of Tamara’s past solo projects utilized this versatility to reintegrate nature into an urban context. “We put plants in unexpected parts of the neighborhood, growing things out of little cracks in the alley,” she says. Whatever the customers’ intentions, Courtney believes that in addition to providing a commodity, Paiko offers the more meaningful service of enabling even the non-gardener to explore his or her relationship with nature. Such is the case with these plants— let them be your vessel. Their natural marriage of form and function addresses any number of modern barriers to the natural world, even a perceived “black thumb.” At the very least, they look nice perched at the corner of your desk and that’s as good a reason as any to adopt one as your own. Succulents and air plants provide maximum return with minimal effort. Enigmatic as they are, it doesn’t get more straightforward than that.

ASK THE Expert answers to the most frequently asked questions in their respective industries.

PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM THE SUN

Q A

I know that it’s bad, but what exactly does sun exposure do to the eyes?

Sun exposure, specifically exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, can burn the surface of the eyes both directly and indirectly from reflections off sand, water and pavement. Damage to the eyes tend to go unnoticed but accumulates over time, causing serious vision-related diseases. Extended UV exposure can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, skin cancer around the eyes, and pterygium—an unsightly, noncancerous growth on the surface of the eye, which can impair vision. UV radiation is most severe from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone—from children to adults—should wear sunglasses year round whenever outside. No matter the style or cost, choose sunglasses with labels that state “100% protection” or “UV 400.” Wrap-around sunglasses that extend around the temples and a hat will add further protection from indirect sunlight.

Dr. Christopher Tortora, M.D. Medical Director Hawaiian Eye Center & Dry Eye Clinic 808.621.2020 hawaiianeye.com

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With a romantic Las Vegas vacation BY KARA JERNIGAN

Faced with too many burdens, couples are often consumed by day-to-day tasks that take away from their time together. For a relationship to stay healthy, each person needs to make a conscious effort to keep the relationship a priority. Offering a wide array of activities and entertainment, Las Vegas is a perfect place for couples to reconnect. “Couples often marry and have the ‘happily ever after’ syndrome until life steps in,” explains Las Vegas Marriage and Family Therapist Deborah Sampson, M.S. “They become parents, buy homes, struggle with finances and the relationship begins to take a lower position on the priority list.“ When life gets busy it is sometimes difficult to step back and realize what is really important. Making special trips or weekly dates with your loved one is a good way to keep the 38

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lines of communication open and stay connected. Some of the most common issues Deborah sees in older couples are broken lines of communication and disrespectful treatment. “I feel a happy and healthy relationship is when both partners treat each other with respect,” says Deborah. This happens by supporting instead of critizing one another. Often times, a couple’s weekend get-away is just what the relationship needs to escape the strain applied by the stresses of daily life. From spas and art galleries to casinos and concerts, the Strip offers endless activities for couples. Even simple activities such as browsing a bookstore or people watching at a street fair can give couples a chance to reconnect. A weekend trip with your special someone doesn’t have to break the bank either. Check out these free entertainment options recommended by Sampson.

Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Forum Shops This animatronic show offers fabled history and great special effects. Every hour on the hour, it tells the story of King Atlas and how his children forced the gods to destroy Atlantis with fire and water. The viewing area can get crowded so show up early to get a good viewing spot.

The Conservatory at Bellagio The Bellagio’s Conservatory features elaborate arrangements of plants and flowers in a bright, airy atrium. Crafted by a team of 100 horticulturalists, the arrangements change every two weeks, so if you’ve seen it already, it’s still worth another visit.

The Freemont Street Experience Stretching above 1,400 feet of sidewalk in downtown, the canopy of 12.5 million synchronized LED modules is not something to skip seeing. The light canopy includes 180 strobes and eight robotic mirrors per block. Capable of producing images of swirling oceanscapes to millions of color combinations, the canopy shows choreographed color entertainment nightly.

Circus Shows at Circus Circus From the flying trapeze to juggling, the variety of acts will be sure to give you and your loved one a taste of the circus. Every half hour from 11am to midnight there is a family-friendly performance inside Circus Circus.

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Total Care from Midas

Avoiding Funeral Problems

You know you need brake repair when the brake dashboard light glows amber, indicating problems with the anti-lock brake system (ABS), when the brake dashboard light is red, indicating a system imbalance, when the brake pedal is spongy or slow to respond, or when you hear grinding or constant squealing during braking. Any time you notice these or other symptoms, it’s a good idea to have your brakes checked.

Make the right choices to help loved ones in their time of grief

One of the simplest, most effective and inexpensive ways to help protect the life of your car, especially its engine, is to change the oil and the oil filter regularly. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It reduces friction, lessens wear, provides lubrication, forms a seal between the pistons, rings and cylinder walls while helping to cool engine parts. Without the cleaning action of new oil, carbon and varnish buildup would be toxic to the engine. Engine oil even dampens the shock and noise of moving parts. When it comes to absorbing the shocks of the road, you’d think the shock absorbers would take care of everything. But you’d only be half right. Actually, coil or leaf springs handle the abuse of the road. Your shock absorbers handle the abuse caused by the rebound of the springs. They both work together to keep your vehicle under control. And those two components, plus a variety of control arms, shafts, rods, bushings, joints and knuckles make up what’s commonly called a conventional car suspension. Many larger SUVs and pickup trucks still use this time-tested design. Many of today’s front-wheel drive cars have a strut suspension system that combines the control arms and shock absorbers of a conventional car suspension into one unit, eliminating the need for a lot of other components. Struts cost more, but they do more than conventional shock absorbers and have fewer components to maintain. For more information on car care see midas.com or midashawaii.com.

You have probably seen the news reports about the running legal battle between Kerri Kasem, the daughter of the legendary Casey Kasem, and Jean Kasem, Casey’s widow. While Casey was alive but in failing health, the battle was over his care. Now that Casey is gone, the battle has switched to what will happen to his body. According to a July 24, 2014 report published in the New York Daily News, the latest chapter in this saga has seen Casey’s body shipped to Montreal, the hometown of a gentleman with whom Jean has allegedly been “romantically linked.” Meanwhile, Kerri Kasem claims that her father had no connections with Montreal and that he had told a friend that he wanted his body to be buried in Southern California. You may have heard other stories about family members feuding over similar issues. One faction wants the dearly departed’s body to be cremated, and another faction wants the body to be buried. What does the funeral home do in such circumstances? Until recently, undertakers had no choice but to wait on the sidelines until the dust kicked up by the family ruckus settled back to earth and a consensus was reached within the family or one side or the other obtained a court order. In the meantime, the body of the decedent (which is lawyer talk for “dead person”) did anything but “rest in peace.” Here is the good news: Hawaii law now allows you to state precisely who has legal authority to make proper disposition of your remains after your death. Chapter 531B of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which became effective in April of 2013, says that you may “provide written directions for the location, manner, and conditions of disposition” of your remains. The law also says that if you would prefer, you can appoint the person who will have the last word about your final resting place. The law says that you can direct the “disposition” of your remains in your Will or your revocable living trust agreement, or by way of a notarized written statement of your wishes. If you want to appoint someone to be in charge of the “disposition,” you can do that in a notarized document (which could include your Will or your trust agreement).

Dianne Pereira, Marketing & Advertising Director Midas Hawaii

LasVegasBound

Scott A. Makuakane, Esq. is a lawyer whose practice emphasizes estate planning, elder care and trust law. He is a graduate of Duke University (cum laude 1979) and the University of Hawai‘i School of Law (1983), where he served as Articles Editor of the University of Hawai‘i Law Review.

Healthy Aging A six-dimensional framework for a healthy lifestyle For many people, the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;healthy agingâ&#x20AC;? probably conjures up a vision of aging without any health problems. Healthy aging should not be thought of as being free of disease, but instead a six-dimensional framework incorporating a physical, spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and vocational lifestyle. The physical dimension promotes increased knowledge for achieving healthy lifestyle habits and encourages participation in activities that will contribute to wellness. This could consist of exercise, nutrition and weight control, healthy lifestyle habits, health screening and the appropriate use of the medical system. The spiritual dimension is the process of seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It encompasses feelings of love, hope and abundance. It is self-determined, not necessarily religious based. Spiritual wellness is the discovering of the meaning and purpose in life and living that life with morals, values and ethics to self and community. The emotional dimension involves the capacity to manage feelings and behavior and accept oneself unconditionally. This would include the ability to recognize self-worth and personal expectations, control stress, solve problems, manage success and failure and recognize and express feelings. The social dimension emphasizes the creation and maintenance of healthy relationships and encourages positive contributions to the welfare of the community and environment. The intellectual encourages individuals to expand their knowledge and skill base through a variety of resources and cultural activities. This could be engaging in lifetime learning, use of mind, exploring new ideas, learning and thinking creatively. Lastly, the vocational dimension is the process of determining and achieving personal and occupational interests through meaningful activities by developing new interests, learning new skills, identifying personal mission/goals and recognizing abilities.

Judy Knutson, OTR, Wellness Program Director. Judy Knutson graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy and has worked extensively with the older adult population since 1997.

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KNOW BEFORE YOU

What to expect on a Vacations Hawaii experience to Las Vegas ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE

You are required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide an acceptable form of identification at check-in and at the security checkpoints in Honolulu and Las Vegas. Acceptable forms of identification include photo identification issued by the US Federal or State Government or US and foreign government-issued passports. Additionally, the identification must contain a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and some tamper-resistant feature. Bus passes, library cards and fishing licenses are among the forms of identification that are NOT acceptable.

In addition to one personal item (briefcase, purse, laptop computer, backpack) each person is allowed one piece of carry-on luggage. The maximum dimensions for each piece of carry-on luggage is approximately 9 x 14 x 22 inches and the weight restriction is 25 pounds. No more than three ounces of liquids, aerosols or gels may be included in carry-on luggage. Additionally, all of the above items must be consolidated in a single quartsized zip lock bag, which must be placed separately in the security bin during the security screening process.

CHECKED LUGGAGE l In Honolulu, check in two hours prior to departure at omni Air International’s ticket counter located in Lobby 6 of the Honolulu International Airport.

l PLeASe Be AWARe THAT : • Baggage that needs to be checked needs to pass through the agriculture checkpoint before heading to the ticket counter. • In addition to affixing the hotel tags provided by Vacations Hawaii, all checked luggage must be tagged with your own personal identification tag. • You are allowed two pieces of checked luggage with a maximum weight of 50 pounds and maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches (length+width+height). • A fee of $25 will be assessed for each of the first two pieces of checked luggage on each flight segment. Passengers who check in more than two pieces of luggage will be charged $100 per piece for each additional item of checked luggage per each flight segment. • In addition to the checked baggage fees set forth above, Vacations Hawaii may, in its sole discretion, accept oversized or overweight luggage when space is available, subject to the payment of a fee of $100 per piece on each flight segment. Checked baggage that exceeds a maximum outside linear dimension of 62 inches and/or exceeds a maximum weight of 50 pounds constitutes overweight luggage. Items heavier than 70 pounds will not be accepted for transportation. • First Class passengers and Emerald cardholders in Boyd’s B Connected program will be allowed two pieces of checked luggage at no charge, except for oversized and overweight pieces described above, which will be subject to fees. • Styrofoam coolers will not be accepted unless packed within an outside box or container. Special rules and restrictions govern the transport of dry ice.

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SPECIAL NEEDS (Wheelchairs, Oxygen, Oxygen Concentrators) Customers with special needs should make their reservations with Vacations Hawaii as far in advance as possible and should request the special services available to them. Arrangements can be made for special seating and handling at the same time that your charter reservations are made. Wheelchairs are available through the porter service at both Honolulu International Airport and McCarran International Airport for the convenience of passengers. Arrangements can be made in advance to rent wheelchairs for use in Las Vegas. Customers also have the option of taking their own personal wheelchairs with them as checked luggage on the chartered flights. Oxygen can be provided at a cost for any customer who provides Vacations Hawaii with a prescription that has an acceptable flow rate and meets the government’s criteria when the request for oxygen is made. Oxygen concentrators are allowed on the airplane but are subject to restrictions concerning the make and model of the concentrator and the amount of battery-charge available. Consult with a Vacations Hawaii representative for a full description of terms and restrictions.

DEPARTING HONOLULU

Again, once at Honolulu International Airport, please check in two hours before departure at Lobby 6. A 5 1/2-hour flight will take you from Honolulu to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport. The charter approaches Las Vegas from the south, giving passengers a clear view of the Strip and Downtown as the plane descends for its landing.

ARRIVING IN LAS VEGAS

The flight arrives at Terminal 1, where a Vacations Hawaii ground agent will greet you, answer any questions

NEED ASSISTANCE? l If you need any help while you are in Las Vegas, please contact the Duty escorts at the Vacations Hawaii office in the Main Street Hotel and Casino. escorts are at the office 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may also call 702.249.8404 for assistance.

Thank You For Choosing Vacations Hawaii!

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and direct you to the buses that will take you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be greeted by another agent and proceed to the front desk to retrieve your meal-ticket book and room keys. Your luggage will be brought to your room shortly. During your stay, there are countless ways to stay busy with gaming, shopping, day trips, sightseeing, free shows and more. For a list of some possibilities, contact your hotel’s bell desk representatives.

On the day of your departure, your luggage will be retrieved from your room by the bell desk. You will meet in a designated room and await the buses to take you back to McCarran Airport, Terminal 1. At the terminal, you will need to retrieve your luggage (or use a SkyCap) and take it to the check-in counter. Check in with the Swissport counter agents. There, you will be issued your boarding pass and luggage claim tags and directed to the proper departing gate. Once you arrive at the Honolulu airport, your luggage is typically sent to Baggage Claim E. An announcement will be made in-flight to let you know where to pick up your baggage. <

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Meet Hawai‘i transplants now living Kamahele, Music Director for First Friday Las Vegas, DJ and working John in Las Vegas - Stories by Lauren McNally Coordinator at Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Resort, Resident DJ

Matthew Wong, Lifestyle Photographer and AV Team Member at Zappos.com, commercial photographer at M Photography Online, Media & Photography for E 320 Entertainment Group

Transplants: Matthew Wong

at Luxor Hotel & Casino, Entertainment Consultant for E 320 Entertainment Group

Transplants: John Kamahele

Hometown: Kailua Years in Las Vegas: 13

Hometown: Honolulu Years in Las Vegas: 17

“It wasn’t as if I had a vested interest in photography,” Matthew Wong admits. “My passion for it started by accident.” His interest grew from dabbling with a Sony Mavica. “You know, the one with a 3.5 floppy disk,” he laughs. His commercial photography services have now amassed clients across diverse industries over the past 10 years. During that time, Matt relocated to Las Vegas and ended up a graphic artist for online merchandiser Zappos. Known for its unconventional corporate culture, Zappos challenged Matt to go above and beyond. Matt’s chance foray into blogging for the company demonstrated exactly that initiative. His efforts helped to jumpstart the company’s blog department as well as his role as a Zappos lifestyle photographer and member of its audiovisual team. Matt credits his ability to connect with the people he films and photographs to his Kailua upbringing, where “everyone knew everyone.” This ethos followed him to Las Vegas when he contacted fellow Hawai‘i transplant Aaron Koyasu, manager of The Beach nightclub where John Kamahele was resident DJ. The three now work together at E 320 Entertainment Group, with Matt in charge of media and photography. “Typical local style,” Matt says.

While bartending at a Hawai‘i nightclub in the 1980s, John Kamahele was asked to try his hand at DJing. “Why not?” he thought. It’s been his full-time job ever since. In 1997, John accepted a position at The Beach nightclub in Las Vegas, just as the Vegas nightlife scene was taking off. “It was jam-packed six nights a week,” he recalls. “My career wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t move when I did.” John went on to distinguish himself in a second residency at Club Ra, one of Vegas’ leading dance music venues at the time. He currently serves as a resident DJ at Luxor Hotel & Casino and as a DJ and coordinator at the Wynn & Encore Resort. He is also the music director of First Friday Las Vegas, which introduced him to a wealth of local talent and created an opportunity to expand his entertainment consulting company, E 320 Entertainment Group. “Our goal is to help our artists take whatever steps are necessary to further their careers,” explains John. “Being from Hawai‘i, I get along with a diverse group of people,” he says. It’s a quality that’s proven valuable in his various management and consulting roles. “The luxury of loving what you do is that you never feel like you’re working.”

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o how do you choose the S right senior living community? Fun is important. So is comfort. But what about those deeper questions? Questions like whether our lives will have as much meaning and purpose? We’re the Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani, part of the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior care and services. And we’d like to help you answer those deeper questions that belong at the very center of your search.

To learn more about our community in Kane’ohe, call (808) 247-3448.

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. Copyright © 2014 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved.