Givingback2013 2

SUNDAY 7/28/13

ISLE FIRMS FIND COMMUNITY SERVICE IS ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

SIMPLY ONO

Chance given Workers just out of prison or on furloughs are hired by tough, but kindhearted lunch wagon owners

BY ANDREW GOMES

Harris Sukita Co-owner of Simply Ono

2

agomes@staradvertiser.com

hopping an onion, washing dishes and operating a cash register are job tasks at Simply Ono, a mobile food business. But those tasks also are a form of corporate giving for the catering and lunch wagon operator on Oahu.

For nearly a decade, Simply Ono has hired individuals struggling to rebound from difficulties — typically drugs — and to stay off the streets or out of prison.

This form of giving back to the community is not high-profile. There are no public presentations of blown-up copies of checks.

It’s also tough. The success rate is low, and just try-

C

“When they do good, I feel like a proud papa.”

|

ing is often difficult.

But personally helping someone get back on his or her feet is a powerful reward.

There is also a broader result of helping reduce the burden on society from its need to incarcerate or support unproductive citizens.

“When they do good, I feel like a proud papa,” said Harris Sukita, a co-owner of Kalihi-based Simply Ono. The program for Simply Ono started eight or nine years ago when one of its regular customers, a counselor at nonprofit service provider Alu Like, suggested hiring some of the organization’s clients with such needs.

Sukita said he initially de-

MORE COMPANIES WILLING TO GIVE PEOPLE A CHANCE, INCLUDING FORMER INMATES AND INMATES STILL IN CUSTODY WHO ARE IN THE STATE’S WORK FURLOUGH PROGRAM, ARE NEEDED.

clined. “I didn’t know anything about Drug Court,” he recalled. But later, he changed his mind, and over the years has worked with several service providers that also included TJ Mahoney & Associates and the state Department of Public Safety.

“Somebody’s got to give them a chance,” he said.

Toni Schwartz, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety, said more companies willing to give people a chance, including former inmates and inmates still in custody who are in the state’s work furlough program, are needed.

“We are in need of more employers that want to hire

former inmates,” she said.

“Our furlough program has a few businesses that consistently hire our inmates. But we could always use more.”

For Simply Ono, participating in such programs provides a significant portion of the company’s workforce, which comprises five people including Sukita and co-owner Cora Stevens.

Sukita said he tries to treat program employees like family. But he also applies a stern one-chance policy. “If you screw up, you’re out,” he explained. “If you don’t show up, you’re done.”

This stance hasn’t always

Please see ONO, Page 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS: > Simply Ono, Page 2 > Bank of Hawaii, Page 10 > McDonald’s, Page 14

> Aqua Waikiki Hotels, Page 18 > Prudential Locations, Page 26 > Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, Page 34

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

> HMSA, Page 44 > Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Page 50 > Sanrio Surprises, Page 56

> Hawaii High School Athletic Association, Page 60 > Hawaiian Electric Industries, Page 64 > Castle Foundation, Page 68

> University Health Alliance, Page 72 > First Insurance, Jani-King, Kahala Nui, Page 74

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ONO: Business helps turn lives around ceed make him proud.

One hire has been working for Simply Ono for five years, and started her own shaveendeared him with some in ice truck business. One forthe rehabilitation community. But he said he wants to mer employee who had been give chances to people who in prison for 10 years worked are committed to work hard at Simply Ono before moving to Hawaii island and has to turn their life around.

“My objective is I want to done well, according to Sukita. “We gave him a see them become productive, and not be a burden on chance, and he totally turned his life around,” he said. society,” he said.

There often is a financial Unfortunately, the success incentive to do such work. rate Sukita has experienced Sometimes, rehabilitation is low. He estimates that of programs subsidize part of 75 to 100 employees he’s the wage for a participating had over the years through employer. In other cases, various rehabilitation prothere can be tax benefits. grams, only about four or Sukita said he pays emfive rebounded while they were working for him. Some ployees the same wage regardless of whether they are hires stayed on the job five from a rehabilitation prohours. Others caused trougram. Skills learned on the ble. But the ones who sucContinued from Page 2

PHOTOS BY KRYSTLE MARCELLUS / KMARCELLUS@STARADVERTISER.COM

Shelly “Sparky” Souza, a five-year employee of Simply Ono, prepares a plate lunch. At top, Cora Stevens, left, and Harris Sukita, co-owners of Simply Ono, and Souza pose with their lunch wagon in Kalihi.

4 > > H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

job — from cutting fish and cooking to washing dishes and running a cash register — are what Sukita views as bigger keys for program participants to make a transition to higher-skilled and higher-paying jobs.

“I want them to learn everything,” he said. Sukita said he also tries to help out program participants in other ways, such as letting them take home leftover food, staying in a companyowned apartment or borrowing a car on occasion.

Sukita has his hands full running Simply Ono, but he also has a dream to one day start another business — maybe a small sandwich shop or cafe — with a group of what he calls his “graduates.”

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GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, “THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL” IS A WAY OF LIFE AT LE JARDIN ACADEMY. Community service is integrated into the curriculum from preschool through high school at Le Jardin Academy, instilling a sense of ‘ohana. Most recently, students, teachers and families worked together to restore their neighbor, Kawainui Marsh, as part of an Earth Day celebration. The Marsh is home to many endangered Hawaiian birds such as the Ae’o, Alae Ula, Alae Keo Keo and Koloa. Le Jardin students dug in to help the Department of Land and Natural Resources reforest upland portions of the marsh by planting native trees. More than 30 Sapindus trees were planted and are now being cared for by Le Jardin Academy’s students, parents and faculty.

Creativity, Action and Service are integral parts of the IB curriculum.

Students take an active part in the local community at all grade levels through student driven projects. From organizing an afterschool reading program at the Kailua Public Library, gathering Marine debris at Hanauma Bay, to conducting energy audits on campus to conserve energy; Le Jardin Academy students make a difference.

How do our students make a difference?

Fifth grade students were invited to create their own unit based on a local or global issue. One particular group chose to research poverty, and donated toiletries to the Department of Human Services as a part of the unit.

Another group researched every individual’s right to a quality education, and gathered school supplies for students that would otherwise have gone without as a part of Operation Backpack.

The summer school sewing class created Hawaiian print outfits that will be donated to orphanages or schools in Africa through “Little Dresses for Africa.”

In high school the annual projects are as individual as our students’ talents and interests; ranging from volunteering at the Humane Society and NOAA, publishing books to share with our youngest students, painting portraits of students in Ghana as gifts for them, to volunteering at an orphanage in Africa.

Reflecting on the world around us and choosing to act is a way of life at Le Jardin Academy. Our students are inquisitive learners, global citizens and future stewards for a better world.

LE JARDIN ACADEMY 917 KALANIANAOLE HIGHWAY | KAILUA, HAWAII 96734 | (808) 261-0707 LEJARDINACADEMY.ORG 8 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> SUNDAY 7/28/13

SUNDAY 7/28/13 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> 9

BANK OF HAWAII

Stricken sheltered Residential services, case managers, psychiatrists and more are helping folks get better at Safe Haven

BY SUSAN ESSOYAN

|

sessoyan@staradvertiser.com

ekoa, a hefty carpenter who stands 6foot-1, broke his back when a wall form fell on him five years ago.

“Everything started going downhill from there,” he recalled softly. “I lost a lot of things, my house, my cars.

Most of all, I started to lose my sanity. I went into a deep, deep depression and became homeless.”

It still hurts with every step he takes, Kekoa said, but the 32-year-old now gets around with just a cane. And he has a place to call home at Safe Haven, where he is overcoming his depression and moving along the road to recovery.

Safe Haven/Mental Health Kokua reaches some of the most vulnerable and needy of Honolulu residents: people with mental illness who

K

“We are a one-stop shop … and we are staffed 24-7.”

Pamela Menter Program director

10

are living on the streets.

While the nonprofit has long operated under the radar, it is working to increase its visibility, said CEO Greg Payton.

Bank of Hawaii lent a hand in that effort by sponsoring a benefit concert in April at Aloha Tower to help shine a light on Safe Haven/Mental Health Kokua and encourage the community to contribute to it.

“This organization is doing really amazing work,” said Donna Tanoue, president of the Bank of Hawaii Foundation, which supports a wide range of charities. “Mental Health Kokua is not one of those brand names. It’s not as wellknown as some homeless service providers. They have a targeted population in terms of the mental ill-

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

SAFE HAVEN/ MENTAL HEALTH KOKUA REACHES SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE AND NEEDY OF HONOLULU RESIDENTS: PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS WHO ARE LIVING ON THE STREETS.

ness piece.”

Safe Haven, which opened in 1995, has served more than 400 residents over the years. Its staff builds trust with wary and anxious adults on the street, coaxing them to come in for a meal or to do laundry, and eventually move in so they can get help to recover. It houses 25 residents at a time in individual bedrooms upstairs, with shared bathrooms, at its Beretania Street location in Chinatown.

“We are the only facility in the state that is specifically dedicated to addressing the needs of the homeless severely mentally ill population,” said Pamela Menter, program director.

“We are a one-stop shop because we not only have residential services for 25 people, we have psychi-

atric services, rehabilitation, case management, nursing (and) substance abuse treatment, and we are staffed 24-7.”

More than 80 percent of its clients have mental health problems as well as chemical dependency, Menter said.

The $14,000 raised by the concert will go toward helping residents as they move up and out of the facility, including security deposits, furnishings and other start-up costs. Just as important, the event brought community members together to support those living with mental illness, Payton said, giving them a concrete way to pitch in.

“Everyone talks about the homeless problem, but what can I do as an average

Community coordinator Jackie Warlick helps a resident at Safe Haven/Mental Health Kokua, at left. Below, program director Pamela Menter, left, Bank of Hawaii Foundation President Donna Tanoue and the chief executive officer of Safe Haven/Mental Health Kokua, Greg Payton, pose by a painting made by a Safe Haven/Mental Health Kokua graduate. Above, the inscription on the painting reads, “I was adrift at sea, with no port to call home. Mahalo for welcoming me, and giving me hope for the future.”

PHOTOS BY CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

person, as a small business or a large business?” Payton asked. “How do you help an adult that is obviously very impaired in Ala Moana Park?”

“This effort (the concert) will help 10 to 15 people move to more permanent housing. We know that with the right support, the right relationships, with the right treatment team, miracles

happen. … Recovery is really possible and we see it every day.”

Safe Haven has few rules, and no mandates to take medication. Residents are often inspired by each other’s progress.

“What really works is they see their peers getting better,” Menter said. “It has a lot to do with being medication-compliant. It also has to

do with the trust, which can take months and months for some of them.”

Safe Haven has 70 eligible people on its waiting list and they are encouraged to take part in its daily programs while waiting to move in.

That’s how Kekoa got started in January, until a bedroom opened up for him in March.

Most residents live at

Safe Haven for about a year before they are ready to move on to more permanent housing, either in group homes or living independently. The agency stays in touch with its “graduates” for six months, and is happy to report that 90 percent of them remain in their new homes.

Kekoa, who asked that only his first name be pub-

lished, is gradually getting back on his feet. He plans to go back to school to train for a less-physical job, in hopes of reclaiming the independent life he once relished.

“Safe Haven has been a blessing,” he said. “They help me with my wash, they feed me, they help me with my depression, my PTSD and my suicidal thoughts. I

see a psychiatrist, a therapist, a case manager. If you want to talk or just vent, it’s all here. My life is going uphill now.”

“Here they give me hope,” he added. “They give me something to strive for the next day.”

---—— To learn more or donate, visit www.mentalhealthkokua.org/safehaven.html.

The Little Store That Grew Up… Loyal to Kaimuki

When Kaimuki Dry Goods first opened its door in 1926, trolley cars ran along Waialae Avenue and Kaimuki was a bustling residential community. It was a variety store then, one of the first shops to open in the area. The modern wooden building was crammed with anything and everything that customers could possibly want. Shelves were stocked with fabrics ranging from pure silk crepe de chine to muslin, men’s detachable collars, jewelry, shoes, belts, Easter candies, Christmas decorations and toys.

Today, Kaimuki Dry Goods is a sophisticated fabric retail store and its wares include chiffons from Australia, silks from Japan synthetics that would have astounded the customer of 1926. The store does a brisk business in fabrics, sewing machines, commercial patterns, notions and trims.

Financial success has made the expansion to larger, more modern quarters inevitable but Kaimuki Dry Goods will remain loyal to the neighborhood where it all began.

Edith Takeya, manager of the family owned dry goods store reminisced about the early beginnings of this Kaimuki landmark. “My mother and father were real pioneers who opened one of the first stores in Kaimuki. Aside from the Pam Metzger, Manager, Dee Dee Miyashiro, President, Edith Takeya, Ex-Chairman (passed away 2009) merchandise, my mother had several dressmakers, sewing with her. As an extra service, special knitting classes were held in the evenings,” she recalled.

The influx of large department stores forced another drastic change in “For home sewers, the store stocked Simplicity patterns. They were printed on inventory. In 1966, Kaimuki Dry Goods eliminated the ready-to-wear cream colored stock and were illustrated with crude pen and ink sketches. departments choosing instead to specialize in fabrics.

“My father never worked in the store. He worked for Theo H. Davies & Co. When Dorothy Sumida retired as manager in 1972, Takeya took over the in the dry goods department.” store operations, assisted by her daughter, Dee Dee Miyashiro.

All the goods sold at Kaimuki Dry Goods were bought from Davies. “My sister After 77 years of loyal service, Mrs. Takeya had passed away in 2009 and her Dot (Sumida) said that whatever Davies had to sell, we had in our store.” Takeya chuckled. “The changes in our merchandise were seasonal. Whenever there was children, Dee Dee Miyashiro and Kenneth Takeya have taken over Kaimuki a holiday, we had something new. Before Woolworth’s or Kress ever opened, we Dry Goods while Pam Metzger is now the manager. were making and selling Easter baskets. We’d stuff the baskets with paper, grass Since the very beginning, 87 years ago, Kaimuki Dry Goods has undertaken and candy. And we took special orders for larger and fancier baskets, too. many public service projects and that tradition has been one of their secrets “Christmas, when we were kids, was always so exciting. A big truck loaded to success. with toys would pull up to our store. Mother would open up a space in the store for the toys. She’d lay down wooden horses and wood planks and stack more horses and more planks for makeshift shelves to display the goods.

“It was a busy time. We’d open late. Besides selling toys, we made Christmas ornaments and table center pieces to order. We would decorate a big ChristWho: Kaimuki Dry Goods, The Calico Cat, New Home Sewing Center mas tree for the store and all the customers wanted to buy that tree. The 1st and Kuni Island Fabrics are teaming together. customer to leave on Christmas Eve got to buy it. They’d take the tree home When: August 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) with all the decorations.

“In 1931, mother retired and my sister Dorothy became manager. Our store What: In-Store Specials at all 4 locations. Come and check it out! image changed. We began to specialize in ladies, infants, children’s wear Why: Keeping it local is what makes Hawaii...Hawaii! and fabrics. Dot managed the ready-to-wear departments and I had the piece goods.

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1144 10th Avenue • Tel. 734-2141 • FREE PARKING • HOURS: Mon. thru Fri. 9am-8pm; Sat. 9am-5:30pm; Sun. 10am-4pm www.kaimukidrygoods.com 12 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> SUNDAY 7/28/13

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SUNDAY 7/28/13 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> 13

MCDONALD’S OF HAWAII

More than burgers McDonald’s is a major player on the local fundraising scene, supporting a wide range of nonprofit community initiatives

BY ERIKA ENGLE

|

eengle@staradvertiser.com

he most high-profile aspect of corporate giving by McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii Inc. is likely its support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii, or RMHC-Hawaii, but the quick-service restaurant chain also is a major sponsor of many other Hawaii nonprofit fundraising efforts.

Giving is “part of our heritage at McDonald’s,” said Melanie Okazaki, marketing manager for McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii Inc. “We always believe in giving back to the community. It’s an important part of who we are and what we do.”

In addition to RMHCHawaii, which provides a home setting for seriously ill children and their families,

T

“I don’t think we quantify (all of) the support, because we do it in so many different ways.”

Melanie Okazaki Marketing manager for McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii Inc.

14

the biggies for McDonald’s of Hawaii are Hawaii Children and Youth Day, the FIRST Robotics Competition, and the state Department of Education’s career and technical education programs.

Many other nonprofit and community organizations also receive support from the local locations of the globally known restaurant chain. They include the Hawaii State Public Library System’s annual summer reading program, the Honolulu Zoo’s “Wildest Show in Town” summertime concert series, and a good number of youth sports teams, school bands, hula halau, paddling clubs and more.

The July 4 festivities for the grand reopening of the Hawaii Kai McDonald’s, for instance, raised funds for

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

MCDONALD’S RESTAURANTS OF HAWAII INC. 1132 Bishop St., Suite 2000, Honolulu, HI 96813 Call 585-8570 or fax 532-1580 MAJOR GIVING Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii: $250,000+ Children and Youth Day: Diamond-level sponsor, cash donation of $15,000 plus $10,000 in-kind giving FIRST Robotics Competition: Nearly $36,000 to the competition in 2012 State Department of Education career and technical education programs: $13,000 to CTE programs, $10,000 to the Hawaii State Career and Technical Student Organization in 2013 COUPON BOOKLET CONTACT: Michelle Takahashi RMHC-Hawaii 973-5683

the Rotary Club of Hawaii Kai and Kaiser High School.

Because McDonald’s of Hawaii comprises companyowned and franchiseeowned stores, total charitable giving by all restaurants in the region that includes Guam and Saipan is not tallied.

“I don’t think we quantify (all of) the support, because we do it in so many different ways,” Okazaki said.

Between the company and its customers via in-store and drive-thru canisters, as well as other programs including newspaper purchases, “in excess of $250,000” per year is collected for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii, Okazaki said.

That is an example of cash giving, but the company also provides other

Ryan Li, 6, of Hawaii Kai, enjoyed a 99-cent Big Mac with his mother, Rochelle, at the Hawaii Kai McDonald’s grand reopening on July 4.

The restaurant had been closed for renovations. The reopening event, below, raised funds for the Rotary Club of Hawaii Kai and Kaiser High School.

PHOTOS BY KRYSTLE MARCELLUS / KMARCELLUS@ STARADVERTISER.COM

types of support that are not strictly monetary.

For instance, company executives serve as judges and mentors for the state Department of Education’s annual career and technical education competition.

“So there’s that part” of giving, Okazaki said.

Decision-making behind corporate giving centers on families, with an emphasis on children and youth education, she said.

“So that’s how our sponsorship of FIRST Robotics came about … it’s such an exciting thing,” said

Okazaki, who spoke of being “amazed” at how fun the event was — with the many parents and students cheering in the stands, as well as the number of schools and students participating in this facet of STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math education.

There are 75 McDonald’s restaurants in Hawaii.

Twenty-four are companyowned and 51 are owned by 13 local franchisees. Oahu has 51 stores, and there are 10 more on Maui, nine on Hawaii island and five on

Kauai. All neighbor island stores are owned by franchisees.

Between Guam and Saipan, there are 10 additional stores under the purview of McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii.

“We’re always interested in opportunities” to sponsor local nonprofit community organizations, Okazaki said.

To be considered, “we ask that information be sent to us” at the regional office downtown, such as the

Please see GIVE, Page 16

GIVE: More than $250,000 is collected each year for Ronald McDonald House Continued from Page 15

KRYSTLE MARCELLUS / KMARCELLUS@STARADVERTISER.COM

Chet Dal Santo, former district governor of Rotary District 5000, said a few words after receiving a donation check from McDonald’s for the Rotary Club of Hawaii during the Hawaii Kai McDonald’s July 4 reopening celebration.

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1 6 > > H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

nature of the organization, proof of nonprofit status, the purpose of desired fundraising and contact information.

“It does take a while,” she said, as there are “internal processes” to work through, so a nonprofit needing money this week for, say, a T-shirt purchase next week is not going to get timely approval.

However, another option is for organizations to sell what are called “McFunRaiser” booklets containing coupons redeemable for food items at no additional cost. The booklet is valued at $16 because it also con-

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tains a coupon for $5 off youth admission to Wet‘n’Wild Hawaii.

Organizations purchase the booklets from RMHCHawaii for $3 each, sell them for $5 and keep $2 from each sale.

At a hyper-local level, managers at each location also may be contacted.

“It would be helpful to provide something in writing, such as a letter of request,” with specifics about what the organization is seeking, Okazaki said.

Sometimes teachers will call a local restaurant manager and express a need for pencils, for example, and “we go ahead and we do that,” she said.

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The company tries to honor as many nonprofit requests as possible across the state.

“We appreciate the community’s support of McDonald’s,” Okazaki said. “We feel that it is our duty to return the favor and support the community that supports us.”

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AQUA HOTELS AND RESORTS

‘Compelled by God’ Aqua Hotels and Resorts encourages its employees to do good works, and the Eastmans excel at it |

very time Aqua Waikiki Wave housekeeper Saipele Siatini picks up a mop, he sings religious praise songs thanking God for the job that has given him the opportunity to start cleaning up his life.

The 35-year-old Siatini, who served eight years in prison for offenses related to drugs, already knew how to be what he calls “free on the inside” thanks to Aqua Hotels executives Bulla and Lynette Eastman. He said the pair, who lead a team of volunteers at the Free Inside Ministry, the prison ministry of the First Assembly of God, and others are now teaching him what it means to be free on the outside.

“These people are my family,” Siatini said. “I thank God that they’re in my life.”

Siatini credits divine intervention with introducing him to the Eastmans, be-

cause an inmate typically wouldn’t get an opportunity to meet Lynette, the area general manager of Aqua Waikiki Wave and Aqua Waikiki Pearl, or her husband, Bulla, the company’s corporate director of safety and security. The couple, who worship at First Assembly of God Wahiawa, say they were called to action in 2010 when asked to assist

by Pastor Scott Sonoda, who became a minister after overcoming a 30-year addiction to cocaine and heroin.

“We feel compelled by God to make a difference, and we’re glad that we work for a company that encourages us to get involved,” said Lynette, who along with Bulla also serves in a key leadership role with the Convoy of Hope Hawaii, another First Assembly of God program that has grown into one of the state’s largest reli-

E

“These people are my family. I thank God that they’re in my life.”

Saipele Siatini Housekeeper for Aqua Wave Waikiki

18

aschaefers@staradvertiser.com

BY ALLISON SCHAEFERS

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

LAST YEAR THE EASTMANS AND A TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS PROVIDED 345 CHAPEL SERVICES, REACHED 13,700 INMATES AND WITNESSED MORE THAN 3,400 SALVATIONS.

gion-based charitable giveaways.

Aqua sets itself apart by encouraging employees to be committed and involved in the causes that they support, said Elizabeth Churchill, the company’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.

While the Eastmans are involved in religious efforts, other Aqua employees support everything from the Waikiki Aquarium to the LGBT community and the Make-a-Wish and Patsy Mink foundations. The company also participates in the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association’s annual charity walk, and plans are underway to launch more women’s and conservation initiatives, Churchill said.

“We promote diversity within our employee base and our guest population,” Churchill said. “We allow a

lot of creativity in our company. People have different values and things that they are passionate about, and we want to make sure that they feel free to focus.”

The Eastmans, who were married in 2006, are standouts even at Aqua Hospitality, where community service and high performance are encouraged.

Lynette, who starts her day early enough to meet with the night shift, was named 2012 Manager of the Year at the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association’s Na Poe Pa‘ahana Awards. And Bulla’s got her back making sure Aqua’s hotels stay safe.

The irony of working in law enforcement by day and ministering to inmates at night hasn’t escaped his attention.

“When we first went into the prisons, I expected to know the guards, but what

Saipele Siatini, a housekeeping employee at Aqua Wave Hotel and a former inmate, folds towels in his work area. Saipele is a member of Free Inside Prison Ministry and has received support from Bulla and Lynette Eastman through his employment with the hotel.

KRYSTLE MARCELLUS /KMARCELLUS@STARADVERTISER.COM

surprised me was how many of the inmates that I knew,” he said. “We encounter people who should never see daylight again. However, many people that I come across are just at the wrong place at the wrong time making the wrong decision.”

The Eastmans have brought renewed passion to the prison ministry, said Sonoda, who now oversees the First Assembly of God’s Harvest Ministries, which includes the prison outreach.

“Much of the program’s success goes back to their leadership,” he said. “Most ministries have lay volunteers, but few put in the hours that they do.”

While volunteers from most church prison ministries spend two to three hours a week with inmates, the Eastmans have increased First Assembly of God’s local prison ministry to about 40 hours a week.

They’ve also bolstered the ministry’s volunteer pool to about 30, who faithfully give of their time at local facilities including Waiawa,

Halawa, Oahu Community Correctional Center, the federal detention center and Windward Women’s Facility, and even at the prison in Saguaro, Ariz., where many Hawaii inmates are housed. Last year the couple and a team of volunteers provided 345 chapel services, reached 13,700 inmates and witnessed more than 3,400 salvations, which in many Christian faiths means that the person’s soul was saved from the consequences of sin.

“We’re in the prisons six nights a week,” Lynette said.

“To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Bulla, who is a licensed minister, also reaches out to the “incarcerated, the lost and the broken” on his “Free Inside Ministry” radio program, which airs Monday to Friday at 9:30 p.m. on 99.5 FM. He addresses his listeners, even the hardened criminals, as “beloved” and at times speaks in pidgin.

Please see AQUA, 20

AQUA: ‘Through God everything is possible’ Continued from 19 “We bring the good news of Jesus Christ to those that are lost and broken to let them know that they do have a hope and a future,” Bulla said.

Aqua hotel employees including Gabriel Reyes, Kathy Gunderson and Flora Bumanglag say the Eastmans bring the same level of optimism to their workplace, which has been blessed by the addi-

tion of Siatini.

“He’s been excellent on the job,” said Bumanglag, who made the choice to hire Siatini. “I’d do it again. If there was another one like Sai, why not give them a chance?”

Reyes said Siatini and the Eastmans have inspired him to be more active in his own church, the Good Samaritan Worship Center in Waipahu.

“Through God everything is possible,” Lynette said.

Saipele Siatini, left, a housekeeping employee at Aqua Wave Hotel, poses with Bulla and Lynette Eastman, executives with Aqua Hospitality, and Pastor Scott Sonoda of First Assembly of God in Wahiawa at Aqua Wave Hotel in Waikiki.

KRYSTLE MARCELLUS /KMARCELLUS@STARADVERTISER.COM

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Engineers Help Engineers around the world, including those in Hawaii, have an important role in progressing the lifestyle of people. All the modern conveniences we enjoy and the healthy environment we take for granted have been made possible by the work of the engineer. From the time we wake up to the time we go to bed, we utilize hundreds of devices designed by the engineer. And throughout the modern history of Hawaii, the engineer has had an important role in advancing the economy of Hawaii.

Several engineering accomplishments in Hawaii have won national awards for their historic impacts. The East Maui Irrigation System demonstrated the feasibility of bringing water from

high rainfall forested watersheds to fertile and dry plains for sugar cane agriculture. Its success led to other major irrigation aqueducts on the four major islands and the

growth of what was once Hawaii’s largest industry.

The population growth in downtown Honolulu in 1870 led to the construction of the Kamehameha V Post Office, the oldest

extant public building in the United States constructed with reinforced Portland cement. This building is the forebear to all the modern high rise buildings that surround it.

In 1886, Crown Princess Kaiulani threw the switch at the old steam plant and turned on Honolulu’s street lights. Iolani Palace was one of the first buildings in the world to be lighted by electricity. And telephone service was installed in Hawaii only two years after Alexander Graham Bell summoned Dr. Watson. And in 1901, Hawaii offered the first interisland radiotelegraph service in the United States using Marconi equipment.

The pineapple industry was in

financial trouble in 1911 due to the high cost of preparing the fruit for canning. Mr. Henry Ginaca developed a machine that sized and cored the pineapple, and made it possible for large scale pineapple processing. The Ginaca machine permitted pineapple to become Hawaii’s second largest industry at one time and is still used in overseas canning operations.

World War II produced two engineering milestones. The Opana Radar site on the north shore of Oahu represented the first wartime use of radar by the United States military on December 7, 1941, and led to its successful application throughout the war.

The Navy built the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility to

safely store over 250 million gallons of fuel for military use. This was the largest project of its kind at that time and is still in use today with its original design. In more modern times, the trans-Koolau H-3 Interstate freeway and the Admiral Clarey Bridge at Pearl Harbor have received national awards from several engineering disciplines for innovative engineering.

The current environment of high energy prices has had an adverse impact on Hawaii’s economy. Hawaii relies on imported petroleum to supply 90% of its primary energy needs, and Hawaii residents pay some of the highest electricity prices in the nation as a result. The State of Hawaii is

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efficient products. They must also educate the public and profession on how to take advantage of energy saving methods. Engineers use codes and standard to design efficient equipment and materials into a facility to reduce energy consumption. Engineers help implement changes by informing the public, training public building code officials, and the building profession to the new laws and codes.

Engineers provide technical expertise to implement energy conservation in the entire community and provide the leadership to professionals to act accordingly. Hawaii’s engineers are taking the lead in and designing and implementing energy

Hawaii’s engineers are not only interested in designing and implementing projects to benefit Hawaii, they are also mindful of nurturing future generations of engineers. The Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies and its member societies support the

College of Engineering at the University of Hawaii Manoa (COE), and offer programs to stimulate qualified students in public and private schools to enter engineering. Local engineers serve on the College’s accreditation boards and help with fund raising.

Several engineering societies support student engineering chapters at the COE. The College in return trains the future engineers and conducts research to spark innovation, that provides the staffing that private firms and government agencies require to be an innovative operation.

The COE reaches out to students in the middle and high school levels to generate interest in an engineering education and

career. They host the Junior High School Expo in the Fall Semester and the High School Expo in the Spring Semester. Both these events have generated extreme interests where over 300 and 600 students, teachers, chaperons, and parents have participated, respectively. These activities concentrate on the engineering concepts of teamwork and communication while stressing the importance of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) course work. The College also sponsors a 6 week Summer Internship Program for high school juniors.

Robotics are now very popular with many programs and tournaments in Hawaii. The College

and engineering societies are involved in teaching the engineering aspects of robotics to spur interest in the field. Many engineering society members, with the support of their employers, visit schools to tell students about the benefits of an engineering career and the scholastic preparations needed to enter an engineering curriculum in college.

The Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies represents 17 engineering societies present in Hawaii. The Council’s objectives are to support the engineering profession in Hawaii and to support engineering education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to produce qualified engineers.

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PRUDENTIAL LOCATIONS

A legacy gift A real estate firm’s employees help public schools boost opportunities that will also benefit students in the future

BY NANEA KALANI

|

nkalani@staradvertiser.com

real estate firm with heart. That’s how employees describe Prudential Locations, Hawaii’s largest locally owned real estate firm.

Through the nonprofit Locations Foundation, Prudential employees donate time and money to benefit about 70 local charities that service children and families.

The foundation isn’t a corporate-sponsored entity. It’s solely funded by the company’s real estate agents and staff, with most of Prudential’s more than 300 employees devoting a percentage of each paycheck to the cause.

The foundation donated more than $150,000 and some 2,000 volunteer hours to local charitable causes last year, mostly on Oahu. That

A “It’s amazing how much people want to give of themselves but don’t always have the outlet.”

Jodee Farm Partner with Prudential Locations and president of The Locations Foundation

26

amounts to 250 eight-hourdays’ worth of volunteering.

Activities range from an annual school supply drive for needy keiki to all-day repair and maintenance projects at school campuses to hosting recreational events for children in foster care.

“The foundation starts with the premise that as a company we work better together. The fundamental purpose is to give back to the community,” said Linh DePledge, vice president of marketing for Prudential Locations.

Help is often most needed at Hawaii’s public school campuses, the foundation’s president says.

“The whole goal when this was started 25 years ago was to serve children, families and the community, and a

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3 ★

THE LOCATIONS FOUNDATION PARTNERS ANNUALLY WITH HAWAII 3RS — REPAIR, REMODEL, RESTORE OUR SCHOOLS, WHICH ADDRESSES THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE BACKLOG AT HAWAII’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

lot of times that means helping the schools,” said Jodee Farm, a partner with Prudential and president of The Locations Foundation.

Last year, the foundation launched its E Kulia a Hana Pono Legacy Project program, which provides grants to schools wanting to upgrade facilities or educational materials.

Palolo Elementary School was awarded the program’s first grant of $25,000, which went toward a new science lab, including all equipment purchases. More than 70 Prudential employees volunteered to complete beautification projects and sustainability gardens on the campus.

Farm said the school — in an impoverished area — had recently revamped its

curriculum to better help students learn through STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math) lessons. The lab was seen as a way to help current and future students.

“We called it a legacy gift because we wanted to make sure the gift carries on,” Farm said.

She said the foundation tries to organize a charitable event or activity at least once a month.

The foundation partners annually with Hawaii 3Rs — Repair, Remodel, Restore Our Schools, which was started in 2001 by the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to address the repair and maintenance backlog at Hawaii’s public schools through community involvement.

Hawaii 3Rs awards grants

Palolo Elementary School teacher Jodean Wong gave a tour of the thirdgrade class’ vermiculture garden in November. More than 70 Prudential Locations employees volunteered to complete beautification projects and sustainability gardens on the campus. The school also was the first to receive a grant of $25,000 from The Locations Foundation for a science lab.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Volunteers Robert Davis and Wendy Watanabe painted safety stripes on the walkways and helped with some light landscaping at Washington Middle School in May. COURTESY PRUDENTIAL LOCATIONS HAWAII

to public schools that step forward with private contributions and volunteerism — or “sweat equity” — of equal value to the requested grant amount.

Farm said Hawaii 3Rs arranges for the foundation to help a different school each year.

Prudential employees recently completed work at Washington Middle School, marking the 12th time the Locations Foundation has partnered with Hawaii 3Rs.

The foundation also donated $5,000 for additional restoration initiatives.

“It’s amazing how much people want to give of themselves but don’t always have the outlet,” Farm said. “We give them the opportunity and the projects. A lot of times we have more volunteers than we can use.”

“It’s so heartwarming when the community comes together and wants to pay it forward.”

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Mahalo to Hawaii’s real estate community and our loyal customers for recognizing our professional achievements and dedication to personal service.

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REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Prudential Locations LLC (808) 295-1072 KEYWORD: LCHINEN

Laura P. Chong

Alice Clay

Bonnie Ishii Coen

Kathy Cole

Mary Tess F. Edu

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Prudential Locations LLC (808) 225-2069 KEYWORD: LCHONG

REALTOR®, GRI Alice Clay Realtor alohaaclay@hawaii.rr.com KEYWORD: ACLAY

REALTOR®, Associate Partner, eCertified Prudential Locations LLC (808) 395-5566 KEYWORD: BCOEN

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Prudential Locations LLC (808) 384-5874 KEYWORD: KCOLE

(R) AHWD, CDPE, CRS, GRI, SRES Prudential Locations LLC (808) 221-3680 KEYWORD: MEDU

30 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> SUNDAY 7/28/13

Mahalo to Hawaii’s real estate community and our loyal customers for recognizing our professional achievements and dedication to personal service.

Elaine Evans

Erin B. Evans

Emi Fritz

Deborah Ann Garrow

Joan Graham

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, e-PRO Nakamoto Realty, LLC evnz@aol.com KEYWORD: EEVANS

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, ABR, CDPE, SFR CENTURY 21 All Islands (808) 292-5722 KEYWORD: EBEVANS

(RA) ABR, CHMS, e-PRO, GRI Sachi Hawaii PCP, LLC (808) 721-7566 KEYWORD: EFRITZ

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, SFR Century 21 Paradise International (808) 222-7731 KEYWORD: DGARROW

(R) CRS, GRI, SRES, People’s Choice Award Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (808) 228-8444 KEYWORD: JGRAHAM

Iris S. Griego

Renée Hampton

Susan Hayter

Ellen H. Hiromoto

Iku S. Honda

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, CHMS Primary Properties, Inc. (808) 295-4838 KEYWORD: IGRIEGO

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Kahala Associates renee@kahalaassociates.com KEYWORD: RHAMPTON

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® East Oahu Realty, Inc. (808) 258-3681 KEYWORD: SHAYTER

REALTOR®, CRS, GRI, SFR Prudential Locations LLC (808) 255-2015 KEYWORD: EHIROMOTO

VP, REALTOR®, SRES Coldwell Banker Pacific Prop.

(808) 226-2790 KEYWORD: IHONDA

Joshua Horita

Darouny Hu

Edith T. Iwami

Frances Kuba

Randy Kuba

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, ABR, SFR Herbert K. Horita Realty, Inc. (808) 728-8584 KEYWORD: JHORITA

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, CRS Kahala Associates darounyhu@aol.com KEYWORD: DHU

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Horita Realty, LLC (808) 226-2047 KEYWORD: EIWAMI

(R) ABR, CRS, e-PRO Horita Realty, LLC kubahawaiihomes.com KEYWORD: FKUBA

(RA) ABR, e-PRO, SRES Horita Realty, LLC kubahawaiihomes.com KEYWORD: RKUBA

Ryan D. Kumabe

Michael R. Kwak

Sue Ann S. H. Lee

Darlene D. Leong

Gervin S. Lincoln

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES Horita Realty, LLC (808) 255-5851 KEYWORD: RKUMABE

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties michaelk@cbpacific.com KEYWORD: MKWAK

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES Kahala Associates (808) 722-9581 KEYWORD: SLEE

(R) AHWD, CRS, GRI Horita Realty, LLC (808) 778-7325 KEYWORD: DLEONG

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, SRES Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (808) 781-5192 KEYWORD: GLINCOLN

SUNDAY 7/28/13 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> 31

Mahalo to Hawaii’s real estate community and our loyal customers for recognizing our professional achievements and dedication to personal service.

Nelly Pongco Liu

Melanie Long

Sandra M. L. Mann

Cecilia “Sally” D. Manungas

Marshall C. Mower

REALTOR®, GRI NELL Properties nellyliu88@gmail.com KEYWORD: NLIU

(R) PB, GRI, ABR, CDPE, e-PRO Pacific International Realty Melanie@MelanieLong.com KEYWORD: MLONG

(R) CIPS, CRS, GRI, SRES Properties of the Pacific (808) 733-6266 KEYWORD: SMANN

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, VP/Partner TLC Realty, LLC (808) 271-5151 KEYWORD: CMANUNGAS

(R), Partner, CRS, ABR, GRI, FHS, e-PRO Prudential Locations LLC (808) 277-7878 KEYWORD: MMOWER

Pat Muneno

Sheri S. Y. Murasaki

Dennis Muth

Fusayo H. Nagai

Blaise M. Nakagawa Jr.

(R) ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES Lifestyle Properties LLC (808) 342-1098 KEYWORD: PMUNENO

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Prudential Locations LLC (808) 294-4517 KEYWORD: SMURASAKI

REALTOR® Prudential Locations LLC (808) 387-9153 KEYWORD: DMUTH

REALTOR®, CRS, GRI, SRES Horita Realty, LLC (808) 223-4373 KEYWORD: FNAGAI

(RA) CNBS, CNAS, CNMS, CNIS Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (808) 748-2651 KEYWORD: BNAKAGAWA

Joyce R. Nakamura

Glenn S. Nishihara

Ann K. Noguchi

Joy Yonemura Oda

Penny A. Okano

(R) VP, AHWD, CRB, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SFR Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (808) 371-5420 KEYWORD: JNAKAMURA

VP (R) CRB, CRS Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties glenn@cbpacific.com KEYWORD: GNISHIHARA

VP, (R) ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES Marcus & Associates, Inc. (808) 224-6226 KEYWORD: ANOGUCHI

REALTOR®, VP Residential, CRS, GRI, SRES Marcus & Associates, Inc. JoyY@marcusrealty.com KEYWORD: JODA

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Horita Realty, LLC (808) 479-2535 KEYWORD: POKANO

Kendra K. Okihiro

Seiko Ono

Leilani R. Ornellas

Ada Peroutka

Shiela Marie S.J. Pesebre

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Prudential Locations LLC (808) 258-5950 KEYWORD: KOKIHIRO

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, ABR, e-PRO RE/MAX-Honolulu (808) 721-1125 KEYWORD: SONO

(RA), CRS, GRI, CNAS, CNRS, SRES Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (808) 479-3791 KEYWORD: LORNELLAS

(RA) CDPE, GRI, e-PRO Prudential Locations LLC info@homesforhawaii.com KEYWORD: APEROUTKA

REALTOR®, ABR, AHWD, GRI, SFR HOMES R US REALTY, LLC (808) 277-2510 KEYWORD: SPESEBRE

32 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> SUNDAY 7/28/13

Mahalo to Hawaii’s real estate community and our loyal customers for recognizing our professional achievements and dedication to personal service.

Joe Pineda

Christopher A. Prendergast

Fukuyuki “Fuku” Puckett

Iris T. Rapoza

Cindy Rees-Ouchi

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Prudential Locations LLC www.JoePineda.com KEYWORD: JPINEDA

REALTOR® Prudential Locations LLC (808) 388-5555 KEYWORD: CPRENDERGAST

(R) ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI, SFR Summit Realty, LLC (808) 391-1561 KEYWORD: FPUCKETT

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® RE/MAX Honolulu (808) 864-1154 KEYWORD: IRAPOZA

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES Island, REALTORS (808) 687-8012 KEYWORD: CREESOUCHI ®

Keith E. H. Sakoda

Joan Sato

Karyn S. Shaunnessy

Kimo Smigielski

Suzanne Smith

PB (R) CRS, GRI Sakoda Realty LLC (808) 224-6577 KEYWORD: KSAKODA

(RA) Certified Green Professional Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (808) 729-4899 KEYWORD: JSATO

REALTOR®, ABR, AHWD, GRI, RSPS Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (808) 388-2446 KEYWORD: KSHAUNNESSY

(R) ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI Sandwich Isles Realty, Inc. (808) 255-2400 KEYWORD: KSMIGIELSKI

REALTOR®, Principal Broker Suzanne Smith Associates (808) 922-3100 KEYWORD: SSMITH

Mary Jane Stoner

Gerald T. Takasaki

Linda C. Toki

Loren S. Tripoli

Kathy Tswei

REALTOR®, Principal Broker Malia, Ltd. mjmalia@aol.com KEYWORD: MSTONER

REALTOR® Horita Realty, LLC (808) 258-5242 KEYWORD: GTAKASAKI

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Prudential Locations LLC (808) 224-8869 KEYWORD: LTOKI

(R) Broker, DR, ePro, Notary Bob Vieira Realty, LLC (808) 778-8865 KEYWORD: LTRIPOLI

REALTOR®, CIPS, CRS Pan Pacific Realty, LLC (808) 780-5583 KEYWORD: KTSWEI

Sandra D. Wai‘ale‘ale

Wendy E. F. Watanabe

Lynn M. Wilkinson

Rowena S. Wong

Debbie L. Young

(RA) ABR, ASP, e-PRO, IAHSP Century 21 Homefinders of Hawaii c21Sandy@SBCglobal.net KEYWORD: SWAIALEALE

(RA) ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, SFR, SRES Prudential Locations LLC wendy.watanabe@pruhawaii.com KEYWORD: WWATANABE

(R) CRS, ABR, AHWD, e-PRO Prudential Advantage Realty realestate@lynnwilkinson.com KEYWORD: LWILKINSON

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, CRS, e-PRO Prudential Locations LLC (808) 255-5574 KEYWORD: RWONG

REALTOR®, CRS, GRI Help-U-Sell Honolulu Properties (808) 228-0661 KEYWORD: DYOUNG

SUNDAY 7/28/13 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> 33

HAWAI‘I LODGING & TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Setting the pace Since it began in the ’70s, the Visitor Industry Charity Walk has raked in more than $26 million to help out local groups

BY MIKE YUEN

|

SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER

or Kevin Donnelly the statewide Visitor Industry Charity Walk has always been a passion.

Now this festive philanthropic event — which combines exercise with eating and entertainment — is also a labor of love.

“I first ran it, then I walked it and now I drive it. I’ve done every one since it started in 1978,” said Donnelly, 57, a former marathoner whose involvement with the annual fundraiser has shifted from participant to volunteer van driver. His responsibilities: pick up those unable to finish the 6-mile course through Waikiki and break down the course checkpoints when the Oahu walk ends.

“This (charitable event) is just something really special

F

“This is the only walk where you can gain weight.”

Tina Yamaki Former Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association executive director

34

to me, and it is for a good cause,” said Donnelly, operations manager for the Queen’s Medical Center department responsible for patient room service, housekeeping and training.

If numbers are any indication, tens of thousands share Donnelly’s affection for the Visitor Industry Charity Walk: They have helped to raise more than $26.3 million since the event’s inception to assist hundreds of local charities.

When this year’s walks on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii island, Molokai and Lanai wrapped up, a single-year record of $1,671,436 was raised, according to the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, formerly the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association. There were also more than 14,700 runners

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

WHEN THIS YEAR’S VISITOR INDUSTRY CHARITY WALKS ON OAHU, MAUI, KAUAI, HAWAII ISLAND, MOLOKAI AND LANAI WRAPPED UP, A SINGLEYEAR RECORD OF $1,671,436 WAS RAISED, ACCORDING TO THE HAWAI‘I LODGING & TOURISM ASSOCIATION.

and walkers participating, an increase of nearly 66 percent since 2009.

“Ninety-five percent of the funds raised reach charities because hotels absorb much of the administrative costs. Plus, they make lots of donations in time and labor,” said Tina Yamaki, former executive director of the state lodging association.

She is credited with turning the fundraiser into a signature event as she organized every walk since 1990 — that’s a total of 24 — while rising through the ranks of the hotel trade group.

“And companies that have nothing to do with the (hotel) industry participate,” added Yamaki, who recently joined Roberts Hawaii, the transportation

and tour company, as director of sales.

Dennis Brown, president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, said the charity walk has a significant impact on the local community because it is able to reach nonprofits that “help all facets of the community — children, youth, the elderly, special needs and the homeless. It also raises the consciousness of the need to give back to the community, and it offers the opportunity to give back to the community.”

The charity walk makes a conscious effort to reach more nonprofits by requiring those that have received funding for three successive years to step aside for a year before they can apply again, Brown said. Plus,

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

funds that are raised on a specific island stay on that island.

That sort of fairness means that while Big Brothers Big Sisters programs on Oahu are ineligible for charity walk funding this year, those on the neighbor islands are eligible, Brown explained.

More companies are participating and more charities are benefiting, Yamaki said.

Under Yamaki’s leadership the Visitor Industry

Charity Walk has become known as an event at which one can both do good and have a good time, especially for folks who enjoy eating tasty treats.

“This is the only walk where you can gain weight,” Yamaki is fond of saying.

Indeed, unlike some marathons where people might get only water or oranges during the event, at the charity walk’s checkpoints participants are likely to get chocolate chip cookies and other snacks.

Even with his van responsibilities, charity walk veteran Donnelly said he tries to get some food as the walk comes to a close.

“At the Kahala Resort stop, there’s spam musubi.

At the Prince Hotel, kalua pork sliders. At the Hilton, lately it’s been fried rice.

Everyone has good food. At some (checkpoint) places there’s no place to stop the van.”

With a chuckle he added, “What I notice now are some people bringing bags to put

food inside.”

Yamaki has observed that the walk has become an unofficial company picnic for some participants as they eat, enjoy each other’s company and listen to the entertainment, which has included ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and Brickwood Galuteria, the singer, broadcast personality and state senator.

Kelly Hoen, general manager of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the statewide chairwoman for next year’s

Visitor Industry Charity Walk, said she wants “a friendly competition” between Maui and Oahu.

“Maui has raised more money than Oahu for many, many years,” she noted, adding that it might be time for Oahu, with its larger population, to raise more donations than Maui.

This year Maui raised $701,716, the most of any island.

Please see WALK, 36

Waikiki Park Hotel General Manager Julie Arigo and Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association President and CEO George D. Szigeti posed with Halekulani Hotel employees who participated in the Visitor Industry Charity Walk on May 18.

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM / 1997

Chad Coloma pulled a dozen Pomeranians owned by Boise Billaber in a previous Visitor Industry Charity Walk. At left, thousands of walkers passed through the Aqua Hotels & Resorts checkpoint station.

WALK: Event also features lots of food anchor events to raise donations. They include: >> A Christmas craft fair at one of the Waikiki properWith the 2014 charity ties owned by her corporate walk 10 months away, planboss, Starwood Hotels & Rening discussions for the sorts, that would attract event have not yet been both local residents and held. But Hoen has given thought to possible pre-walk tourists.

Continued from 35

COURTESY VISITOR INDUSTRY CHARITY WALK / 2008

3 6 > > H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

>> A Hawaiian music concert in January or February. >> A bowling competition among all hoteliers in the state.

Hoen said she wants the combined total of 2014 walkrelated fundraising to be “a blowout.�

Join Our Local Team

MDX Hawai‘i is a health care third party administrator offering clients services such as access to our provider network, care coordination, claims processing and customer servicing.

Together with our parent company, Medical Data Exchange (MDX) of California, we offer a variety of state-ofthe-art physician-directed products, including Practice Management Solutions. We have over 25 years of experience in serving the people of Hawai‘i.

MDX Hawai‘i invites you to grow with us in a company where you will find opportunities to develop new skills and to discover your own potential.

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MDX Hawai‘i MDX Hawai‘i

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PONCHO’S SOLAR OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD In 2012, Poncho’s Solar honored local teachers to show our appreciation and support by awarding one hot water system or $5,000 in classroom supplies from Education Works per month.

James Au

Shawna Ramos

Melinda Korenaga

Cindy Fong

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Our founder, Chung Kun Ai, lived by this motto and we proudly carry on his legacy. This year City Mill celebrates 114 years and we are grateful to the people of Hawaii for our continued success.

Last year, through the combined efforts of our company, our 450 team members and the generosity of our customers, City Mill contributed to over 100 local charities. We remember those who are the source of our success.

38 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> SUNDAY 7/28/13

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ponchossolarservices.com Lic # C-25358 SUNDAY 7/28/13 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> 39

“bold & gorgeous” Describes Chef Chai Chaowasaree’s new concept restaurant Chef Chai.

Its modern décor and ambience transport you to another dimension where glamour rules.

Chef Chai’s new menu takes his famed culinary style of Fusion Cuisine to a new level. He combines fresh local ingredients, exotic flavors of Asia and a little bit of Chai magic to create exceptionally flavored dishes that even your personal trainer would approve of.

Want to be in the know? Follow Chef Chai on Instagram @chefchai or like him on Facebook.

Enjoy the four-course Early Bird Special menu from 4-6 p.m. nightly, and Take advantage of specially priced drinks and pupu during Chef Chai’s Happy Hour from 9-11 p.m. nightly.

Chef Chai | Pacifica Honolulu | 1009 Kapiolani blvd. | 585-0011 | www.chefchai.com Dinner is served nightly from 4 - 11 p.m. | Valet Parking Available 40 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> SUNDAY 7/28/13

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Hawaii’s Hottest New Restaurant “Chef Chai” Honolulu’s dining scene is constantly changing, adapting to new tastes and encompassing a vast selection of cuisine styles from around the globe. But rarely do we see a concept come along so inspired and ground breaking that it adds an entirely new offering to the city’s culinary landscape.

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Chef Chai’s new menu takes his famed culinary signature of Asian-fusion style cuisine in a new direction all together. He combines fresh local ingredients, exotic flavors of Asia and a little bit of Chai magic to create exceptionally flavored dishes that your personal trainer will approve of. “We cook without butter (except for our desserts), use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and only serve the leanest cuts of meat to offer diners a healthy fine dining alternative with all the satisfaction of a rich meal,” shares Chai.

New signature dishes include Fresh Ahi Tartar in miniature waffle cones, Smoked Duck Breast Tacos with avocado mousse and mango salsa, Naked Shrimp Salad, Miso Chilean Sea Bass, and for dessert the Coconut Cheesecake with

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Open nightly from 4 – 11 p.m., it’s always a great time to visit Chef C h a i .

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Say YES to a Rewarding Career with Diamond Resorts International®!

Diamond Resorts International®, one of the fastest growing vacation ownership companies, with more than 300 owned or affiliated resorts worldwide, is now hiring

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If you have strong commissioned sales skills and a valid Hawaii Real Estate license, apply today at

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SUNDAY 7/28/13 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> 41

Retail Sales Associate

Part-Time REQ# 144099BR

Located in various retail outlets. Solicit, sell, and promote cable television, high-speed and mobile internet, digital phone services and products to potential, new, and existing subscribers in a retail environment.

• Thorough knowledge of cable, internet, & phone products • Customer service in a retail environment highly preferred

Telemarketing Representative

PART-TIME REQ# 143125BR

Present and promote cutting-edge communications and entertainment services to new and existing customers in outbound telephone calls while providing excellent customer service.

• High School diploma or equivalent • Experience in customer service public relations, and sales • Must have good persuasive verbal communication skills • Able to sell and handle customer service requests • Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5:00pm-9:00pm, Fri. 5:00pm-8:00pm

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• Must be willing to work any shift 24/7 including split shifts

PART-TIME 20-28 HR/wk. REQ# 142603BR

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• Mon-Fri, Primarily 6:00pm -10:00pm (Training 5:00pm-9:00pm) Flexible Saturday and/or Sunday shift Present cutting-edge communications and entertainment services to new and existing customers while problem solving their needs and concerns.

•High School diploma or equivalent • 3-6 months of clerical or customer ­­­service experience • Must have strong sales experience

Tech Support

FULL-TIME REQ# 147063BR

Assist cable & broadband internet subscribers over the phone. Communicates with internal depts in troubleshooting network & outages.

• High School diploma or equivalent • 1 year internet experience & proficient in Windows operating systems • Willing to work any shift 24/7 including split shifts

Full-time benefits include: Courtesy TV and Internet services, Discounted DVR & Home Phone services, Health Benefits, Pension & 401K/Annuity For a complete list of openings & to submit your resume online, visit our website at:

www.timewarnercable.com No phone calls please.

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42 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> SUNDAY 7/28/13

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• Reliable, trustworthy personnel with proven experience, background checks and drug screening • Total patient care with assistance in daily living activities, housekeeping, running errands, giving meds, wound care, oxygen admin, blood sugar checks and tube feedings • Reachable staff 24/7

For over 15 years, Red Wing Shoe Store has run a Trade-In sale every July. Customers who trade-in a pair of shoes will receive a $10-$25 discount off their purchase of new footwear. As an added bonus, customers can receive an extra $1 discount for every non-perishable food item they donate (limit of $5). If the trade-in footwear is still usable, it will be donated along with the food to the River of Life Mission, located in Honolulu.

RED WING SHOE STORE < WAIMALU PLAZA 486-3292 Expires 8/31/13 Restrictions apply. See store for details.

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HAWAII MEDICAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

Healthy donations Executives and employees of the Hawaii Medical Service Association find creative ways to raise money for charity

BY KRISTEN CONSILLIO

awaii Medical Service Association employees cheered and chanted for Mike Gold to begin dancing as they opened their pocketbooks to entice their chief executive to perform.

The CEO of the state’s largest health insurer then led about a dozen executives in Zumba, the popular Latin-based dance, at the company’s annual employee fundraising breakfast in June.

The breakfast generated more than $7,000 in tips from employees wanting to see their bosses’ dance moves for a campaign to support the Aloha United Way. But that was just a portion of the $250,000 the company’s employees raised for the charity in 2012 and one of more than half a dozen

H

“We find that employees have a greater level of respect for their CEOs when they see the leadership in their company caring about causes in their community” Kim Gennaula Aloha United Way president

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kconsillio@staradvertiser.com

corporate-giving events sponsored by the health insurance firm.

Gold, who ditched his business attire to don workout clothes for the performance, also was maitre d’ for the event, escorting employees to their tables, along with roughly 20 of his managers who served scrambled eggs, bagels and other healthful breakfast foods.

“Our annual employee breakfast is a fun way to support a worthy cause,” said Gold, also an AUW board member like his predecessor, former HMSA CEO Bob Hiam. “Thanks to the generosity of our employees, we’re able to make a real difference in the lives of local families and individuals in need. Supporting United Way is a statewide

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

IN ADDITION TO AN ANNUAL EMPLOYEE PLEDGE CARD PROGRAM, HMSA ALSO SPONSORS ABOUT EIGHT CORPORATEGIVING EVENTS, INCLUDING A COUNTRY MARKET AND AN EMPLOYEE CRAFT FAIR SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER.

and year-round effort for us.”

Each year, the company chooses a different theme.

One year it was the 1950s from the movie “Grease,” another was the psychedelic 1960s. Some years, the company also sponsors “white elephant” affairs, where executives, management and employees donate used items to resell.

“We look at it two ways: We feel that it’s part of being a good corporate citizen, and it’s helpful in terms of employee morale,” said Janna Nakagawa, HMSA senior vice president for corporate services, who spearheads the corporategiving campaign. “We want to make sure that all of our employees are able to participate. One of the primary reasons is AUW supports

the community similar to HMSA. We’ve always felt very connected with AUW.” In addition to an annual employee pledge card program, HMSA also sponsors about eight corporate-giving events, including a country market of local produce and goods and an employee craft fair scheduled for November. Employees pay a participation fee that goes to AUW and donate between 10 and 15 percent of their profits to the charity.

Smaller fundraisers such as bake sales and plant sales also boost donations.

“Many companies have really embraced the opportunity that their Aloha United Way campaign brings to build morale and promote team spirit within their staff,” said AUW President Kim Gennaula.

About 20 Hawaii Medical Service Association managers served food to employees, left, at the annual employee fundraising breakfast in June. Managers also waited tables, bottom left.

Below, HMSA CEO Mike Gold, right, led a Zumba workout during the fundraiser, at which employees tipped their bosses, raising more than $7,000 for Aloha United Way.

PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAII MEDICAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

“They’ve really gotten creative about their fundraising methods. The ones that are really successful are the ones that realize it’s not about twisting someone’s arm to give, but embracing the opportunity to have this be a team-building and fun experience.”

HMSA’s efforts are not in vain. Roughly 80 percent of its 1,600 employees participate in the pledge card campaign. The average employee contribution is more than $150 per year.

“Giving is a simple yet powerful way to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Evan Patek, an HMSA health plan adviser.

“I’m proud to help and be part of an organization that is interested in the welfare of the community.”

Business analyst Verna Bays added, “It’s about strengthening families, helping children succeed and

giving us all a chance to live healthy lives.”

HMSA, which has a goal this year to meet or exceed $250,000, won AUW’s Leaders in Giving award this year for having the most employees contributing $1,000 or more.

Over the past 10 years, the company has raised more than $4.6 million for United Way, mostly from employees.

“We find that employees have a greater level of respect for their CEOs when they see the leadership in their company caring about causes in their community,” Gennaula added. “When employees see their CEO get so excited that he’s willing to put on a costume as part of his way of thanking them and getting them to give, I think that makes a real impact on them. It has a direct impact on the morale of that business.”

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Girl Sc outs of Haw W Disctin omen of aii ction D inner

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HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI

Links to charity The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa presents a golf tournament to benefit kids via Make-a-Wish Hawaii

BY CHERYL CHEE TSUTSUMI

ecording a rap music video, visiting the Taj Mahal, conducting Beethoven’s Ninth for the Berlin Philharmonic — when 200 golfers Swing for Wishes at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club, they’re helping to fulfill the dreams of local kids who’ve been diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. The annual tournament benefiting Make-aWish Hawaii has been the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa’s major charity since 2007.

“As a corporation, Hyatt supports a vision called Thrive, which shows our commitment to help build thriving communities — places where we’re proud to work, our neighbors want to live and our guests want to visit,” said Sheryl Siu, the

R

“Knowing that our Hyatt team helped bring smiles to their faces makes the hard work worth it.”

Sheryl Siu, Hyatt director of retail operations and volunteer in the hotel’s Make-a-Wish campaigns

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Special to the Star-Advertiser

hotel’s director of retail operations. “Many Hyatt programs focus on children, so we wanted to support an organization that shares that philosophy. Make-a-Wish Hawaii was a perfect fit.”

Siu has played a key role in Swing for Wishes since its inception: She was co-chairwoman for four years and is serving as chairwoman for the third time. Planning requires eight months of work, with every detail taken care of right down to mailing thank-you notes to donors.

On the day of the event, more than two dozen Hyatt Regency Waikiki employees handle everything from registering golfers and selling raffle tickets to driving beverage carts around the course and manning a dozen stations where drinks,

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

TO DATE, SWING FOR WISHES HAS RAISED $300,000 FOR MAKE-AWISH HAWAII.

snacks and lunch are served.

Participants have a good time for a great cause. Individuals can win prizes for having the best putt, hitting the longest drive and claiming the ball closest to a hole.

IN DECEMBER A CHECK IS PRESENTED TO THE ORGANIZATION’S EXECUTIVES AT A PUBLIC CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CEREMONY AT THE HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI.

TEAM AWARDS change every year. “We might stick to tradition and recognize the three teams with the lowest scores,” Siu said.

“Last year the team with the lowest score won first place, but we also honored the sixth-place team because it was the sixth anniversary of Swing for Wishes and the team in 30th place because it was Make-a-Wish Hawaii’s 30th anniversary.”

The event concludes with a buffet dinner and live and silent auctions of big-ticket items such as overseas trips

for two, including airfare and stays at Hyatt hotels.

“We have generous partners who donate prizes, auction items, food, drinks and more,” said Siu, who’s on site from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. to make sure everything runs smoothly. “Because of their good will, the majority of the money from entry fees goes to the kids.”

To date, Swing for Wishes has raised $300,000 for Make-a-Wish Hawaii. In early December a check is presented to the organization’s executives at a public Lighting Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. Every Wish kid in attendance receives a gift; some of them light candles; and everyone enjoys refreshments and live music (Anuhea, Henry Kapono, ManoaDNA and Na Leo

Sheryl Siu, director of retail operations at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, gives golf tips to Make-aWish kid Kourtney Bogacz, 11, at the driving range at the Ala Wai Golf Course. Watching Bogacz line up the club are her mother, Amy Goodson, left, and cousin Brycen,7.

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Pilimehana are among the marquee entertainers who’ve performed).

“I’ve been able to meet many Make-a-Wish kids whose dreams have come true thanks to Swing for Wishes,” Siu said. “Knowing that our Hyatt team helped bring smiles to their faces makes the hard work worth it. It’s such a rewarding feeling to know we’ve made a difference in their lives.”

Siu hopes this year’s

Swing for Wishes (see sidebar) will raise $100,000 for Make-a-Wish Hawaii.

“Nearly 100 Hawaii children are newly diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition each year,” she said. “This year Make-aWish Hawaii will be granting a record 80 wishes — nearly double that of any previous year. They don’t turn down any eligible child’s wish, and it’s gratifying to know Swing for

Wishes is helping to make some of those dreams come true.”

THE HYATT Regency Waikiki’s partnership with Lemonade Alley has been a boon to several other worthy causes. The hotel hosted the contest — a fun way for kids to learn about business, philanthropy and healthy eating habits — for the first time in April.

Ten teams of two to five

children selected a charity, wrote a business plan, created a lemonade recipe and built a stand to sell the beverage during a one-day competition. Profits they made that day (totaling more than $2,000) were donated to the charities they chose, including the Wounded Warrior Project, Aloha United Way and the Ronald McDonald House.

“It was a win-win situation,” said Executive Chef

Sven Ullrich, who served on the 28-member judging panel with Director of Food and Beverage Vince Brunetti. “The kids learned how to make lemonade, promote it and sell it. People walking through our beautiful Great Hall, where the contest was held, enjoyed talking to the kids and trying their lemonade.

It was such a big success, we’ve agreed to be the host site for Lemonade Alley

again next year.”

At two-hour workshops held on three consecutive Saturdays prior to the event, the budding entrepreneurs received tips from professionals on how to concoct delicious lemonade, design their booth and attract customers. Souschef Kyle Higa led the recipe workshop.

Please see HYATT, Page 52

Make-a-Wish Hawaii wish kids helped Siana Austin Hunt, Make-aWish Hawaii president, light candles last year during the annual Christmas lighting ceremony for nonprofits at the Hyatt. At right, Lemonade Alley participants Sweet Sensations pitched its product during a recent competition at the Hyatt. Each team was given one minute on stage to sell its product to guest judges.

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HYATT: Hotel sponsors Lemonade Alley, Continued from Page 52

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The kids were in charge of everything for their lemonade business, and it was exciting to see them come up with unique recipes,â&#x20AC;? Ullrich said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drink was creamy and bubbly and had a whipped cream topping.

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Prizes for the best stand design, best recipe and best sales pitch were awarded in three age divisions. Teams also had the chance to win additional prizes, including the Hyatt Regency Waikikiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s For Kids by Kids award.

Four children judged their peers for that honor, which went to brothers Ethan and Logan Hamasaki, students at Star of the Sea Elementary School. Made

fresh to order, their Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;kea Lemonade blended local organic mint, lemons, raw sugar and brown sugar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ten years ago kids wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have known the meaning of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;organic,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Ullrich said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That shows all the efforts to teach them the importance of a healthy diet and ingredients are paying off. Lemonade Alley is the perfect complement to Hyattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global Thrive philosophy, which includes a

5 2 > > H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

LINDA SUE / COURTESY HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT & SPA

a competition that teaches youngsters about business and marketing campaign called ‘Food.

Thoughtfully sourced. Carefully served.’ We took that a step further and decided to feature Ethan and Logan’s lemonade at our SHOR American Seafood Grill in June and July.”

The two boys did a stepby-step demonstration at the restaurant to ensure bartenders would hold true to their recipe. A portion of the proceeds from sales of their lemonade at SHOR will

go to their charity, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

“Involving children in decisions about the food they eat is important,” Ullrich said. “It’s about education and empowerment. Forty kids participated in Lemonade Alley this year. We hope the Lemonade Alley team and their partners are able to double that number next year.”

According to Ullrich, Hy-

att’s Thrive vision is an extension of authentic hospitality and genuine aloha — “doing the best we can for our guests, our employees and our community. It’s also about investing in the future. The organizations we support help keiki, who are the future of Hawaii and the world. We’re honored to provide both kokua and inspiration for those incredible kids.”

Swing for Wishes golf tourney will be held Oct. 17 This year’s Swing for Wishes is set for Oct. 17, at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club, 911200 Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach. Entry fees start at $750. Registration deadline is Sept. 13. Call 237-6341, email swingforwishes@hyatt.com or check out swingforwishes.com for more information.

The free Lighting Ceremony, which celebrates all of Hyatt Regency Waikiki’s charitable giving, is set for Dec. 4, starting at 5 p.m. in the hotel’s Great Hall. There will be refreshments, live entertainment and a candle-lighting ceremony.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki will host Lemonade Alley again in April. No specific date has been set; check the website, lemonadealley.com, for updates.

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SANRIO SURPRISES

Lending a paw An animal-loving family helps the Hawaiian Humane Society through the sale of colorful T-shirts that feature Hello Kitty

BY ROSEMARIE BERNARDO

love of animals inspired the owners of Sanrio Surprises, a boutique specialty store in Hawaii that’s synonymous with the iconic Hello Kitty brand, to become generous supporters of the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Since 2007, Benjamin and Sharon Chow, who own and operate three Sanrio Surprises stores on Oahu, have donated thousands of dollars to the Humane Society through sales of limited-edition T-shirts that their company creates for the organization.

With the help of Sanrio designers in Los Angeles and Japan, the Chows incorporate the Humane Society’s logo on the Hawaii-themed Hello Kitty T-shirts.

The T-shirts always sell out, Benjamin Chow said.

A “Our donors love our Hello Kitty T-shirt.

They’re huge.

They’re super popular.”

Lisa Fowler Hawaiian Humane Society’s director of development

56

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rbernardo@staradvertiser.com

Their popularity extends beyond the islands, with diehard Hello Kitty fans as far away as New York calling to find out the arrival date of the T-shirts.

The first batch of about 720 shirts with the newest design is due to arrive in stores by the end of this month. A second batch of shirts will arrive in August.

The company will donate 25 percent of each batch of shirts to the Humane Society to sell at the organization’s store. The bulk of the T-shirts will be sold at the Sanrio Surprises stores at Kahala Mall, Ala Moana Center and Pearlridge Center. All proceeds from the shirt sales will go to the Humane Society.

The T-shirts, with a $22 retail value, are 100 percent cotton and come in children’s and women’s sizes.

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

Colors vary from soft to bright, including hot pink, Cancun blue and lilac. Tote bags that carry the Humane Society designs cost $16.

A new T-shirt design starts with a sketch by Benjamin Chow. He receives feedback from his wife and daughter before the drawing is sent to Sanrio designers in San Francisco. “The Sanrio designers will make it come alive,” said Catherine Chow, the Chows’ daughter, who lives in San Francisco and handles advertising, licensing and ordering for the family business, BSC Corp.

After Sanrio designers in Tokyo give final approval of the design, the shirts are sent to Custom Co., a T-shirt printing business in Kalihi.

Supporting the Humane Society was a perfect fit for the Chows, who love dogs.

The family has three: Simba, a German shepherdLabrador mix adopted from the Humane Society seven years ago, and Coco and Taffy, both Chihuahuas.

They are loyal and dependable, always there to welcome you when you arrive home from work, Benjamin Chow said.

Catherine Chow considers the dogs her siblings.

“We go walking together. We run errands together,” she said. “We celebrate their birthdays.”

Sharon Chow said, “They think they’re human. Whatever we eat, they eat.”

At one time the Chows owned nine dogs, but “four is ideal,” she said.

Lisa Fowler, the Humane Society’s director of development, said the organization appreciates the Chows’

creativity and generosity.

“Some people recognize the marketing opportunity of co-branding with an organization. For him (Benjamin) it wasn’t about helping his business. It was finding a way to help our cause and our mission.

“It really came from the heart for him. He has a personal connection to our organization.”

Fowler recalled the frenzy J over the custom-made T-shirts in 2011. There was a waiting list due to high demand by loyal Hello Kitty fans who collect shirts in every new design. “Our T donors love our Hello Kitty T-shirt. They’re huge.

They’re super popular,” she said. That year, Sanrio Surprises donated about 500 shirts and 175 tote bags.

Hello Kitty, created in

1974, is the most popular among the hundreds of characters created by the Japanese-based Sanrio company. Two years later Sanrio introduced the Hello Kitty character to the U.S. and later expanded to Europe.

Today the brand has a huge following worldwide.

Hawaii yields high sales due to the state’s large Asian population coupled with its proximity to Asia. “People grew up with Hello Kitty,” Benjamin Chow said.

Benjamin and Sharon Chow, owners of the three Sanrio Surprises stores on Oahu, design and sell Hello Kitty T-shirts with the Hawaiian Humane Society logo as a fundraiser for the organization.

Sharon Chow is shown in the Kahala Mall store wearing the first T-shirt her company designed for the Humane Society.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM

The brand’s popularity perseveres through generations. Women whose parents bought them Sanrio pens, stickers and notepads when they were children are now mothers buying the items for their keiki, he said.

At their three stores, customers are met with wall-towall merchandise, including car and phone accessories, luggage and handbags.

Other well-known Sanrio characters such as Pochacco and Bad Badtz-

Maru are sprinkled on shelves. The pink hue of Hello Kitty products creates a cheerful atmosphere that reflects the company motto, “Small gift, big smile.”

Helping the Hawaiian Humane Society aligns with the goal of both the company and the Chow family: to promote happiness in the community. Hello Kitty is “a nonreal character but it helps real animals. In essence it helps our community,” Catherine Chow said.

Benjamin and Sharon Chow display some of their Hello Kitty/ Hawaiian Humane Society T-shirts at their Kahala store. The Hello Kitty T-shirt on the left was released in 2009, while the green shirt and light-pink Pochacco T-shirt were released in 2008.

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SUNDAY 7/28/13 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> 59

HAWAII HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

A brighter future Sponsors of the athletic association support state tournaments and the growth of young athletes

BY JASON KANESHIRO

or all he achieved in a barrier-shattering athletic career, a distinction that eluded Wally Yonamine inspired one of his most enduring investments.

Yonamine excelled as a high school athlete at Farrington before entering the Army and later signing with the San Francisco 49ers and embarking on a hall-of-fame baseball career in Japan.

Yet, “despite all the accomplishments he’s had, he always regretted not going to college,” recalled Paul Yonamine, Wally’s son.

The prospect of perhaps helping others reach that goal contributed to his decision to have the Wally Yonamine Foundation step forward as title sponsor of the Hawaii High School Ath-

F

“This program is a way for us to give these students a good start to the next phase of their lives.”

Elisa Yadao Hawaii Medical Service Association senior vice president of consumer experience

60

|

jkaneshiro@staradvertiser.com

letic Association baseball championship in 1997.

The foundation also established a $200,000 endowment in 2006 to ensure its continued support of the tournament, and Yonamine’s legacy includes a place among the sponsors that provide vital financial resources for HHSAA’s state tournaments and scholarship programs.

“I still recall the time when I was talking to my father about it and he said, ‘I want to do something for high school students in Hawaii,’” Paul Yonamine said. “He just thought sponsoring a baseball tournament would give a lot of these kids an opportunity to be ID’d or scouted and maybe lead to other opportunities.”

HHSAA’s list of sponsors

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

THE WALLY YONAMINE FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED A $200,000 ENDOWMENT IN 2006 TO ENSURE ITS CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE HAWAII HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION BASEBALL TOURNAMENT.

ranges from individual foundations — such as those founded by Yonamine and golfer David Ishii — to some of the state’s largest corporate entities. Their contributions account for roughly a quarter of the organization’s annual budget, according to HHSAA Executive Director Chris Chun.

“They’re essential,” Chun said. “It helps keep the schools’ dues down, it helps us keep our ticket prices down. Without them we wouldn’t be able to put on the type of state tournaments that we do. “(Sponsors) see the value in it and what it does for the families and the community.”

With the advent of Division II state, HHSAA — which separated from the

Department of Education in 1995 — has expanded its tournament lineup to 43 championships. Since 2001 the association has introduced state championships in four sports (cheerleading, paddling, judo and water polo) and added nine Division II tournaments, beginning with football in 2003.

Keith Amemiya, Chun’s predecessor as HHSAA executive director, oversaw the growth of the corporate sponsorship program, which helped cover the expenses inherent in increasing state tournament opportunities.

One of the first big tests was the establishment of a state football tournament in 1999. Chevron, which currently sponsors the wrestling championship,

The Hawaii High School Athletic Association has expanded its school sports tournament lineup to 43 championships. Since 2001 the association has introduced state championships in four sports (cheerleading, paddling, judo and water polo) and added nine Division II tournaments. The Kalaheo Mustang varsity boys paddling team paddled its way to victory in the finals heat in 2008.

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

served as the football tournament’s first title sponsor, and HHSAA also received aid from Hawaiian Airlines in assisting with transportation for the teams.

“They were critical for us because we had to find a way to cover the tournament’s expenses,” Amemiya said.

First Hawaiian Bank took over as title sponsor in 2003, initially agreeing to a one-year deal. The bank has renewed its $100,000 com-

mitment each year since and also contributes $5,000 annually to the state paddling championship.

“These are healthy outlets that teach them values in life that are invaluable,” said Brandt Farias, First Hawaiian’s marketing director.

“We get some branding and awareness associated with the tournament.

Therefore when people see the state championships, whether it’s football or paddling, they see First Hawai-

ian is engaged in the community. … We’re very happy with our investment in the HHSAA.” Every state tournament has a title sponsor (although the judo championship is sponsored anonymously), which generally covers operating expenses such as facility rentals, staffing and officials, among others. Several companies also provide general sponsorships whether in trade or cash,

which can further help offset the cost of running nonrevenue-generating tournaments.

HHSAA collects dues from each member school at the start of each year, but “we end up giving most of that back to the schools in other ways,” Chun said.

Without sponsorship money, Chun said the association might have to look into charging schools to participate in state tournaments, “and I’m not sure the

public schools can budget for that at this time.”

Sponsorships also support HHSAA’s two major scholarship programs: the Enterprise Rent-a-Car Hall of Honor and the HMSA Kaimana Awards.

Enterprise provides a $2,000 scholarship for each of the 12 Hall of Honor inducees. HMSA has sponsored the Kaimana Awards since 2005 and gave out 21 scholarships of $3,000 this year, with five honorees re-

ceiving an additional $2,000 as “distinguished scholars,” who may in turn end up giving back to the community later in life.

“This program is a way for us to give these students a good start to the next phase of their lives,” said Elisa Yadao, HMSA’s senior vice president of consumer experience. “We know that when they come back, whatever community they’re in, they’re going to make huge contributions.”

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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES

HEI powers up giving The electric utility company has its employees volunteer for work in the community and donates millions to charity

BY ALAN YONAN JR.

|

ayonan@staradvertiser.com

awaiian Electric Industries’ commitment to be a “good corporate citizen” has grown in recent years to include a greater focus on tracking the results of its charitable giving and increased participation by its employees in community events.

Through its charitable foundation and contributions from employees, the largest publicly traded company in the state gave about $2 million to various community causes in 2012. On top of that HEI workers donated more than 12,000 hours of volunteer work in the community.

“HEI, its subsidiary companies and their employees have a long history of giving back to the communities we serve,” said Alan Oshima,

H

“When practical and possible, we want to include our employees as volunteers in projects that our gifts support.”

Alan Oshima Hawaiian Electric Industries executive vice president

64

HEI executive vice president for corporate and community advancement.

The HEI companies include Hawaiian Electric Co., Maui Electric, Hawaii Electric Light Co. and American Savings Bank. Corporate giving is done through the HEI Charitable Foundation, which is funded primarily by shareholders.

Oshima noted that the company’s charitable giving has evolved over time.

“Most recently HEICF is becoming more focused on tracking outcomes of its gifts to ensure they are effective in attaining the intended community benefits,” Oshima said. “We believe this accountability helps our giving practices and the organizations to which we donate, improving their performance as well.

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

HELPING OUT Major donations made by the HEI Charitable Foundation in 2012: Aloha United Way: $440,000 Keaau Laptop Program: $300,000 Child & Family Services: $86,000 Ka‘ala Farm: $50,000 Kalani High School: $25,000 American Heart Association: $17,000 Kona Hospital: $12,000

“Also, when practical and possible, we want to include our employees as volunteers in projects that our gifts support. Our giving policies are evolving to include more connections with our employees,” he said.

Toward that end about 60 Hawaiian Electric employees and their friends and families spent a recent Saturday at Ka‘ala Farm in Waianae, helping rebuild a thatched hale destroyed by a fire last year and clearing some of the farm’s loi kalo, or wetland taro patches, that had become overgrown with weeds. HEI also presented a $50,000 check to the farm on behalf of HECO. Ka‘ala Farm is an ancient agricultural complex that offers hands-on educational science programs to thousands of students each year.

Dawn Wong, who works in HECO’s community relations department, opted to help prepare logs to be used in the reconstruction of the hale, while her 11-year-old daughter, Kelsey, jumped at the chance to get muddy in the loi.

“She was covered with mud but had a great time,” Wong said. “It was really cute: The day before we went I overheard her talking to her girlfriends about how excited she was to be going,” Wong said. Her daughter had a good idea of what she was in for, having gone to the farm a few years earlier on a school field trip, Wong added.

“We’re looking forward to doing more of these types of projects in the future. It’s perfect for kids her age to be able to give back to the com-

Hawaiian Electric Industries employees and their families spent a recent Saturday at Ka‘ala Farm in Waianae, clearing the farm’s taro patches among other tasks. HEI also presented a $50,000 check to the farm on behalf of Hawaiian Electric Co.

COURTESY PHOTOS

munity. It’s also a great way to see fellow employees and their families outside of work,” Wong said.

Outdoor projects such as the farm effort have become so popular with HECO workers that the company has started using a lottery system to select participants, said Briana Ackerman, a senior community affairs consultant for the utility.

An outing to the Papahana Kualoa taro patches near Kaneohe drew about 200 volunteers, Ackerman said.

“The environmental projects are very popular,” Ackerman said. “It’s an opportunity to be outdoors, and many of these are historic places that you can’t go to normally.”

The HEI Charitable Foundation focuses its giving in four categories: educational excellence, environmental sustainability, economic growth and community development, Oshima said.

The amount donated annually has remained fairly constant through the last

decade and is not pegged to the company’s financial performance, according to Oshima.

“HEI Inc. believes that every company operating in Hawaii must also be a good corporate citizen and help improve the communities in which it operates.

The HEI companies … are Hawaii-based, owned and operated. Whatever improves Hawaii’s society and economy helps all Hawaii’s people and businesses,” Oshima said.

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CASTLE FOUNDATION

Strong footing For 50 years the Castle Foundation has been awarding grants to help Windward Oahu groups reach their goals

BY NINA WU

|

nwu@staradvertiser.com

n the Windward side of Oahu, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation is pretty much a household name.

Community organizations and schools in the area, both big and small, have received grants from the largest private foundation based in Hawaii at one time or another through the decades.

This year marks the foundation’s 50th year of giving.

Since its inception in 1962, the foundation has awarded more than $176 million in grants, with more than $55 million going toward organizations serving Windward Oahu.

“I’m pretty amazed at the range of good work that’s been happening in Hawaii,” said foundation Vice Presi-

O

“We’re not about cynicism.

We’re about possibilities.

We fund dreamers who have their heads in the clouds and feet on the ground.”

Terrence R. George Harold K.L. Castle Foundation vice president and chief operating officer

68

dent and Chief Operating Officer Terrence R. George.

“Yet I think there’s a lot more to be accomplished.”

The foundation’s mission, quite simply, is to make Hawaii a better place, with three target goals: close the achievement and college completion gap in public education, restore nearshore marine ecosystems and strengthen Windward Oahu communities (from Waimanalo to Kahuku).

While the foundation used to give grants to a broad gamut of causes, the board of directors identified these three goals as critical for the future of Hawaii about 10 years ago.

“We’re in the business of making a difference by trying to help the best, brightest and most dedicated

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1962, THE HAROLD K.L. CASTLE FOUNDATION HAS AWARDED MORE THAN $176 MILLION IN GRANTS.

leaders of the state, from grass roots to the grass tops, to create permanent solutions to seemingly intractable problems,” said George.

The foundation has about $6 million to $7 million to work with a year, and looks for creative ways to leverage its grants.

Some examples of the foundation’s dollars at work include a $114,000 grant to the U.S. Educational Delivery Institute for public education reform last year, when the state was in jeopardy of losing its Race to the Top grant.

The foundation also offered a grant of $500,000 to The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii in 2011 for its “supersucker project,” which uses an underwater vacuum to

help clear invasive algae from the reef.

Over the last few years, the foundation also helped a nonprofit called Kako‘o ‘Oiwi get off the ground with its long-term project of restoring 405 acres of long-abandoned wetlands in Heeia with grants of $50,000 and $150,000 in 2010 and 2011.

The group continues to remove invasive mangrove and hau trees from the wetlands and to rebuild the taro farms that once thrived there. The project invites the community to participate, serving as an educational and cultural resource while cultivating taro.

“In each of these cases, we’re interested in the longterm impact,” said George.

The foundation was established in 1962 by the late

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation has given grants to both community organizations and schools in the area. Ethan Rau volunteers at taro fields at Kako‘o ‘Oiwi, a recipient of a Castle grant. Part of the foundation’s mission also is to restore nearshore marine ecosystems and strengthen Windward Oahu communities. Volunteers remove invasive algae from Kaneohe Bay, below.

PHOTO COURTESY SEAN MARRS

Castle & Cooke partner Harold K.L. Castle and his wife, Alice Hedemann Castle, who wanted to help build a vibrant community on the Windward side.

Upon his death in 1967, Castle bequeathed a sizable portion of his real estate assets to the foundation, which are the base from which its grants are made.

The potential sale of the majority of Kailua commercial real estate holdings will not affect the foundation, George said.

“It’s not going to affect us

at all except to potentially make us financially stronger,” he said. “We’ll be in the same building, with the same staff and mission.”

In 1963, its first year of giving, the foundation had $2,856.16 to distribute. The money was divided and given to six organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA and Castle hospital.

Today Castle’s list of grant recipients includes the Bishop Museum, Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii Pacific University,

the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the University of Hawaii Foundation.

Recently the Castle Foundation’s board of directors approved a $43,000 grant to the Waimanalo Health Center to bring dentists to students at Blanche Pope Elementary School.

The foundation also offered $150,000 to Malama Maunalua for the restoration of Maunalua Bay and $41,244 to the UH Foundation to improve college completion.

Grants can be as small as

$800 to help fund World Wetlands Day in Kailua to $2 million to help Castle Medical Center renovate its facilities.

The foundation cultivates the next generation of leaders by encouraging Windward youth to apply for and earn up to $5,000 for their club or group activities by doing something positive for the community.

“We’re not about cynicism,” said George. “We’re about possibilities. We fund dreamers who have their heads in the clouds and feet on the ground.”

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Mālama ‘āina, mālama kānaka Care for the land and you care for its people

Kamehameha Schools cherishes our ancestral relationship with the ‘äina and envisions a sustainable Hawai‘i by supporting the local farming community, improving infrastructure and increasing food production for all.

For more information on Kamehameha Schools’ agricultural initiatives, visit www.ksbe.edu/ag.

70 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> SUNDAY 7/28/13

E Noa is an EEO/drug-free workplace

Trolley Driver Want to make a difference in Hawaii’s tourism industry? Come work for E Noa Corporation.

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We are continuing to accept applications for Trolley Driver.

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SUNDAY 7/28/13 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> 71

UNIVERSITY HEALTH ALLIANCE

Team effort The American Diabetes Association’s Hawaii branch reaches out to businesses to raise awareness and funds

BY AMY BUSEK

|

abusek@staradvertiser.com

he Hawaii branch of the American Diabetes Association has a new face for corporate recruitment: Howard Lee, president of insurance company University Health Alliance.

Lee’s job is mainly to increase awareness of diabetes within workplaces through educational seminars. His responsibilities also include raising more than half a million dollars from corporate sponsors and increasing participation in the ADA’s annual diabetes prevention walk, with the goal of soliciting some 2,300 newcomers.

“We’re working to get on the same path by educating employees,” said Leslie Lam, executive director of the local ADA. (We want

T “If you catch pre-diabetes at the onset, you can change the outcome of your life.”

Leslie Lam Executive director, American Diabetes Association Hawaii branch

72

them to) understand diabetes more than they did prior.”

Diabetes, which is caused by lackluster or malfunctioning insulin production in the pancreas, is diagnosed every 17 seconds in America, according to an ADA news release. There are different types of diabetes, though the most common are type 1 or type 2.

Type 1 is often called juvenile diabetes and occurs typically in younger people who are otherwise healthy.

Type 2, on the other hand, is also referred to as adultonset diabetes and is caused by unhealthy eating and lack of exercise over a long period of time, as well as inherited genetic risks.

The workplace classes taught by the ADA target

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

PRE-DIABETES EDUCATION COULD ARGUABLY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF EDUCATION FOR HAWAII WORKPLACES, SAYS LESLIE LAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LOCAL ADA.

preventive measures against type 2 diabetes.

The UHA has a longstanding relationship with diabetes education. According to Linda Kalahiki, UHA chief marketing officer, the business promotes diabetes education throughout its workplace and encourages employees’ participation in the ADA’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes.

Lee said he hopes to enlist some 300 local businesses, ranging from banks to educational institutions, into donating time and money for the walk in March.

“We’ve sponsored this walk for years,” Kalahiki said. “We’re talking to (businesses) that we already have professional relationships with.”

Wellness is a top priority at UHA, Kalahiki said. Employees are given Fitbits — personal exercise and sleep monitors that are worn around the ankle or wrist — as an encouragement toward healthier lifestyles.

“You cannot have a thriving business without thriving employees,” Lam said.

“Diabetes has such an impact on Hawaii,” Kalahiki said, “the Hawaiian population in particular.”

According to an ADA press release, several of the islands’ ethnic groups are prone to diabetes.

“There are over 20,000 Native Hawaiians living with diabetes, followed closely in statistics by Filipinos and Japanese,” Dr. Dee Ann Carpenter, president of the ADA’s Community Leader-

The American Diabetes Association’s next Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes takes place in March.

Local efforts are already underway to recruit businesses to help by donating time and money.

Below, Leslie Lam, Hawaii Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association, left, Dee-Ann Carpenter, president of the ADA Hawaii Community Leadership Board, and Howard Lee, CEO of the University Health Alliance, gathered at the “Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes” at Queen Kapiolani Park in March.

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2006

COURTESY AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION

ship Board, said in a news release. “The current trend must be stopped, but funding for critical research is needed.”

The ADA allows companies to customize the type of diabetes education they want to receive through classes like Diabetes 101 and Stop Diabetes at Work.

Some places request dietitians; others, endocrinologists — and the ADA works to accommodate them through networking with community specialists, Lam said.

At one Oahu law office that connected with the ADA, many attorneys were parents who wished to learn

more about healthy eating for children, Lam said.

“There were 40 attorneys listening so intently,” Lam said. “(They were asking), ‘How do you make good choices about your children?’”

Lam said pre-diabetes education could arguably be the most important aspect of education for Hawaii workplaces. She said people are often oblivious about carbohydrate and sugar intake and could be pre-diabetic without even knowing it.

“If you catch pre-diabetes at the onset, you can change the outcome of your life,” Lam said.

FIRST INSURANCE, JANI-KING, KAHALA NUI

Driven to help Volunteers from businesses of broadly divergent nature aid in delivering meals to seniors and the disabled across Oahu

BY AMY BUSEK

|

abusek@staradvertiser.com

awaii Meals on Wheels supports a demographic that is often overlooked, isolated and forgotten.

Making, packaging and distributing meals to Hawaii’s seniors and disabled is no easy task, but it is one that some local businesses have integrated into their company’s credo.

Hawaii Meals on Wheels is one of two Oahu programs that provide hot meals to 300 to 400 elderly and disabled residents yearround, from Monday to Friday. The other group is Lanakila Meals on Wheels.

Hawaii Meals on Wheels has relationships with various food production companies, which often subsidize the price of cooking and packaging. Last year the nonprofit delivered more

H

“Our slogan is meals from the heart, food for the soul. (These) organizations really exemplify that.”

Claire Shimabukuro Executive director of Hawaii Meals on Wheels

74

than 83,000 meals throughout the island, said Executive Director Claire Shimabukuro.

“Every year, we serve more meals per week,” Shimabukuro said. “Everyone (as they age) is going to be impacted by being isolated or homebound.”

One of the organization’s many benefactors is retirement community Kahala Nui, where about 50 meals per day are prepared for Hawaii Meals on Wheels.

The Kahala Nui management team also does a weekly delivery to upper Palolo.

“We felt that in addition to serving the seniors that live here at Kahala Nui, we have a greater obligation to serve the community,” said Kahala Nui Chief Executive Pat Duarte.

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R > > S U N D AY 7/ 2 8 / 1 3

WHEN FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING FOR MEALS ON WHEELS WAS CUT IN 2007, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CLAIRE SHIMABUKURO SAID THE NONPROFIT ‘IMMEDIATELY’ RECEIVED A CALL FROM FIRST INSURANCE CEO ALLEN UYEDA ASKING HOW MUCH IT WAS LOSING.

Shimabukuro said First Insurance Co. of Hawaii and Jani-King Hawaii, a janitorial management company, are two of the most generous benefactors of the program, which began in 1979.

“Our slogan is meals from the heart, food for the soul,” Shimabukuro said. These “organizations really exemplify that.”

When federal and state funding for Meals on Wheels was cut in 2007, Shimabukuro said the nonprofit “immediately” received a call from First Insurance CEO Allen Uyeda asking how much it was losing. When she informed him that the sum was about $3,500, First Insurance gave the organization a grant for the amount, and regularly supports the nonprofit by purchasing tables at the

Hawaii Meals on Wheels’ annual gala.

Jani-King, a commercial cleaning service, also regularly purchases tables, which cost several thousand dollars, says part-owner Mark Pennington.

Pennington has been volunteering for Hawaii Meals on Wheels for about a decade. He spent his first five years as a driver delivering meals on a weekly route through downtown, but switched to an Aiea route when Jani-King moved to the Leeward side. Pennington gives his employee Joy Yoshihara an hour and a half off every Thursday morning so she can be a driver as well.

He sees his role as much more than mere deliveryman. His favorite stop on the route is the house of a

woman with whom he has developed a close relationship over the years.

“The first time I met her, she was sitting up in her patio,” Pennington said. “She had tripped, fell and broke her knee. As we talked, I sensed a depression in her.

She said, ‘I’m so sad because I’m a shut-in now. I can’t get out of this chair, I can’t go anywhere. I used to be very active.’”

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Pennington began delivering her meal last, bringing a lunch so they can eat together each Friday.

Pennington is thinking about expanding community involvement with his small employee base, about 11 people, in the future.

“Community involvement is so lacking and so important,” Pennington said. “I would want my employees to feel like they are giving

back in some small way.”

First Insurance is a much larger company and has incorporated employee participation in its Meals on Wheels volunteerism. The company rotates a handful of employees to deliver meals along a Punchbowl route twice a week during their lunch break, said corporate communication specialist Kaela Wasnich.

Three to four associates

will serve as volunteer drivers, someone to carry the food up to the home and otherwise assist in delivery, Wasnich said.

“FICOH, a very competitive private insurance company, gives employees discretionary time to give back on a regular basis.

That’s pretty amazing,” Shimabukuro said. “They manage the routes themselves (through their) 150

volunteers. The dates of the annual routes are listed.

(The) list fills up in less than a half-hour for the next 12 months.”

Wasnich said, “We have 300-some-odd employees, and roughly half do Meals on Wheels (deliveries) at least once a year.”

——— Volunteer for Hawaii Meals on Wheels can call 988-6747 for more information.

Eunice Sueoka, left, and Aileen Tom are among the residents at Kahala Nui retirement community who help package Meals on Wheels dishes for delivery in Palolo.

nolulu, Haw Ho ai

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76 >> HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER >> SUNDAY 7/28/13