The Adorable Welcome Crew!

The other weekend 40 parents, youth and volunteers gathered in the Honolulu Elks parking lot for a car-dog wash fundraiser to benefit the Kumulokahi-Honolulu Elks Youth Paddling Program. About 60 vehicles were tended to by the paddlers and even one cute little dog named Fluffy!

All monies raised from the car-dog wash are going towards the purchase of a 600lb pig that will be cooked and then sold October 23^rd at the Honolulu Elks for $7.00 per pound. The income generated from the pig sale will be put towards a free recognition banquet in February for the paddlers in the program to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Kumulokahi-Honolulu Elks Paddlers Eager to Wash Cars, Vans, Trucks and Dogs!

The Honolulu Elks has been sponsoring a paddling program open to any youth between the ages of ten to eighteen on Oahu that has an interest in paddling. This co-ed program is one of the community services that the Honolulu Elks provide with volunteer coaches and well as the cost and upkeep of the canoes that the program uses. As any of us who have paddled in a canoe club know, the fees and costs can be expensive and the Kumulokahi-Elks program makes it possible for these children and young

Car Wash Service with a Smile!

adults to paddle and participate in Hui Va’a, Na O’pio and the Oahu Interscholastic Association of Paddling. They learn valuable water skills, increase their confidence and communication as they learn to work together in the canoe – abilities that will serve them throughout their lives.

I encourage all of you to share your water skills and reach out to a canoe club and help develop the next generation of paddlers. Now more than even, this vulnerable age groups needs

The Next Generation of Paddlers Needs Volunteers and Mentors

mentors to develop their leadership

and confidence. The Kumulokahi-Elks program is lucky to have many wonderful people volunteering their time, people like Auntie Sally and her husband Clarence Moses, Uncle Hiram, Ray and Deb Clarke, Julie McBane, Ron and Bonnie Perry and Wendee Wilson. Without their time and valuable support, the Kumulokahi-Elks Program would not be possible.

Many clubs are looking for volunteers and it is a terrific opportunity to refine your own paddling skills and technique

Brave Fluffy Got a Doggie Wash

by teaching. In my experiences working with youth, I end up getting more out of it then I imagined. Contact a school, church group or other community program where you can open the world of paddling and the beautiful ocean to a young life. You will positively impact their lives forever and in the process learn from them. CLICK THIS PHOTO & VIDEO LINK to view the full gallery. (Photos and Video by Cara Mazzei)

Great Flower Selection at KCC Farmer's Market

Many people come to Hawaii and they want to hike famous Diamond Head, snorkel in Hanauma Bay or take in a luau on the beach. Or if you are my mother you can’t wait to go to the KCC Farmer’s Market. I have to admit, that while I live only minutes away from the venue I had never been. And to shame me even further, my friend Andrea who has only lived in Hawaii three months has been multiple times!  So off we went to the market under Andrea’s experienced guidance.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation is a private, non-profit organization supporting the economic viability of Hawaii’s farmers and ranchers. While the Farm Bureau hosts many markets on Oahu, one of the biggest with the greatest diversity of products is at the Kapiolani Community College on Saturday mornings. Known to residents as the KCC Farmers’ Market, it is open between 7:30 to 11:00 am.

Dale Detton of Green Valley Farms & Students

The vendors range from organic fruits and vegetables to shave ice and local honey. I have to plug the honey from Green Valley Farms, as Andrea (a self professed honey connoisseur), says it is outstanding. Located in Kaaawa, it is owned by husband and wife Paul and Dale Detton (phone 808.728.6119). Dale is also a teacher at Castle High School where she is the DECA Business Club Advisor. I mention this because she incorporates her honey and teaching together by offering her students the opportunity to get hands on sales experience helping her at the farmers’ market. My mother had a drink made with Hawaiian Ginger syrup and bought a bottle of syrup to share with her friends back home. She is using it for ginger flavored martinis! My mom also had a conversation after trying HONEY GIRL Organic Handmade Skincare brought to the Market by Linda and John Noey.

There is so much to see and take it in. It is a true blend of tourists and local residents. Andrea had us start by picking up the weekly tip sheet outlining all the vendors there that day. Then she had us move on with a great cup of Kona coffee as we snaked our way through the tents. It is a great place to get breakfast as well as try some new nibbles and treats. The vendors are eager to share about their products and often will give you a sample. In fact many vendors will give you free recipes on what to cook with their products. I had a made to order duck egg omelet and my mom went for some freshly squeezed orange juice.  Andrea had a fresh coconut and Aunt Jean a blueberry scone. If you are interested in tropical flowers, the KCC Farmers’ Market is the place for you. It is a color explosion of orchids and anthuriums. They have a huge selection of cut flowers as well as potted plants.

Students From Waianae High School

The KCC Farmers’ Market is accessible by the Honolulu City and County bus system. Parking is available on side streets along Diamond Head Theater and also in the KCC parking lot C. Restrooms are available. It is rather sunny and can get warm so wear sunscreen and a hat. Be sure to pack your camera, wear comfortable shoes and a shopping bag to carry your new wares. The crowds can get overwhelming so if you have small children you may want to use a stroller. For more information call 808.848.2074 or go to www.hfbf.org To view my photos from the KCC Farmer’s Market, CLICK THIS PHOTO & VIDEO LINK and select the slide show in the upper right corner. (Photos and videos – Cara Mazzei)

Members of the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Temple

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin’s Annual Bon Dance. You do not need to be a Buddhist to attend; in fact this was the second Bon Dance I have attended! There was music, food booths, Taiko drums, great parking, and a very family-friendly atmosphere.

If you are not familiar with the festival, an Obon or just Bon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the deceased spirits of one’s ancestors. This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors’ graves, and when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon Odori.

The history is much more complicated and detailed then this, so please forgive me as I paraphrase. According to Wikipedia, the Bon Odori originates from the story of Maha Maudgalyayana (Mokuren), a disciple of the Buddha, who used his supernatural powers to look upon his deceased mother. Buddha instructed him to make offerings to the many Buddhist monks. He also began to see the true nature of her past unselfishness and the many sacrifices that she had made for him. The disciple became happy because of his mother’s kindness and danced with joy. From this dance of joy comes Bon Odori or Bon Dance, a time in which ancestors and their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated.

I would encourage you to attend this evening’s Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin’s festivities starting at 6:30 pm located at 1727 Pali Highway. Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai will be participating again tonight. For more information, call 536-7044.  If you don’t live in town, the Wahiawa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will also be holding their bon dance this evening at 6:30 pm. Call 622-4320 for more information.

Each temple has their own individual Bon Dance and it is truly an amazing community remembrance. Click this link to see the 2010 Oahu Bon Dance Calendar provided by Champuru. It was wonderful to see several generations of families together and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about this Buddhist custom. As I looked around the celebration, I saw so many faces and different people that it reminded me that Hawaii’s many cultures and ethnicities are one of its greatest strengths. Lucky we live Hawaii! CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERY (Photos & Video: Cara Mazzei)

2010 Top 40 Under 40 Event

Each year the Pacific Business News recognizes the up and coming community leaders and entrepreneurs in Hawaii. The catch is they all have to be outstanding individuals and also under the age of forty. This year I nominated my fantastic friend Simone Perez and I am proud to call two other nominees as friends – Chenoa Farnsworth and Brandee Faria.

Held at the Hawaii Convention Center in Waikiki, more than 300 hundred people gathered to enjoy drinks and nibbles to celebrate the 2010 Top 40 Under 40 Class.

The nominees were selected among hundreds of applicants as forty exceptional, business professionals in the state. This prestigious group is comprised of Hawaii’s emerging leaders, politicians and community activists – the who’s who among the Aloha State.

Howard Dashefsky, "Top 40" Simone Perez, Henry Perez, & Cara Mazzei

KHON2 Sports Director Kanoa Leahey did a great job as the host of the event, humorously joking that he is still waiting for someone to nominate him for Top 40 Under 40. After each nominee was introduced with a photo of them as a child, the two big awards were announced.

John Leong, President/Executive Director of Pono Pacific LLC and Kupu was named as the 2010 Bank of Hawaii Community Leader of the Year. Than David Chang, President and CEO of Wealthbridge Inc. and Power H20 was recognized as the 2010 Pacific Business News Young Leader of the Year.

Dr. Jenkins, "Top 40" Chenoa Farnsworth, Trevor Orr, Guest, & Barbara Pleadell

Closing remarks were given by Layla Dedrick, CEO of Bella Pietra and the 2009 Pacific Business News Young Leader of the Year. She referred back to comments made earlier in the evening about Hawaii’s brain drain and she stated that in this room we have Hawaii’s best talent – Hawaii’s brain trust. Layla ended the night on a hilarious note by inviting Kanoa back up to the podium and crowning him as “Mr. Top 40 Under 40”.

Mary Beth Lohman, Publisher of the Pacific Business News and her team again delivered a great event. On a personal note, it was worth missing part 3 of The Real Housewives of New York reunion! CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTO GALLERY

Commemorating the U.S. Flag

Sunday June 13^th was Flag Day and it was a fantastic opportunity to salute Old Glory aboard the U.S.S. Missouri. All Elk members and their guests were welcomed aboard for a private service to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

Under a sunny sky a hundred gathered as a representative from the Honolulu Mayor’s Office read a proclamation to celebrate June 13^th as Flag Day. All five Hawaii State Elks Lodges were represented – Hilo Lodge 759, Honolulu Lodge 616, Kailua Lodge 2230, Kona Lodge 2616, and the Pearl City Lodge 2669.

Admiral Greg Thomas, Commander of the Pearl Harbor U.S. Naval Shipyard and Rear Admiral Stephen Mehling, U.S. Coast Guard District Fourteen Hawaii were in attendance along with Pearl Harbor Survivors Mr. Herb Wetherwax and Mr. Al Rodrigues.

Representatives from the US Navy, US Coast Guard, Honolulu Mayor's Office with Pearl Harbor Survivors

Members of the Kailua and Pearl City Boy Scouts did an elaborate presentation of flags. Members of the Ladies of Aloha from the Pearl City Elks performed a lovely hula and Ms. Kerri M. Nakatsu was recognized by the Elks National Foundation with a $4,000 2010 Most Valuable Student Scholarship.

To close the patriotic day, the Navy Brass Quintet performed as a soloist Mr. Elmer Kapuaala from the Honolulu Elks Lodge sang the Star Spangled Banner. It was a great day of community and remembering all the amazing troops in all the U.S. Armed Forces. For a look at all the photos I took that day – (CLICK THIS PHOTO LINK) – and then select the slide show. Enjoy!

Geno and Willy at Sign-Up

Often we hear people say “lucky we live Hawaii”. For me yesterday was a true example of the slogan. The Honolulu Elks Club hosted a family-fun, ocean day for members and friends. It was a celebration of ocean sports, community, and getting active.

Starting at 10am people started to gather. Beneath a bright, blue sky we joined for a blessing and the festivities began! Under the direction of Elk member and Kumulokahi leader Mr. Keoni Farias, registration was open. Keoni is the Honolulu Elks’ resident water expert maintaining the canoes and who without his participation, the Ocean Fest event would not have happened. I would also like to recognize Mr. Wily Rol and Mr. Jon Takushi, Elk members and members of the “New Hope Diamond Head Surf Ministry and Da Crew”, who provided much of the Stand Up Paddling (SUP) equipment and lessons for everyone.

Outrigger Canoe Rides

Participants had the options of taking a ride in an Outrigger canoe, surfing, and SUP. Throughout the afternoon more than forty children and adults had signed up for the ocean action. I gave SUP a whirl and had a blast. As I was paddling out by the channel, weaving between all the rock star ten year old girls who were making it look easy, I encountered some men. It was apparent they were completing a long Hawaii Kai stand up paddle run. As I passed them I heard them mutter, “Man it is crowded today. And where did all these girls come from?” I chuckled to myself because I think the ten year old girls were faster than the men!

Mother and Daughter SUP

In the end one hundred and fifty people came to experience “Kumulokahi Da Keiki Ocean Fest”. Many were members I recognized and there were also many fresh faces. Being on the water with everyone was truly a feeling of fellowship and camaraderie. Everyone was helping one another, making new friends and laughing. My face hurt from smiling so much! It was a sincere sense of community, making me happy to be an Elk and “lucky to live Hawaii”.

Norman, Nico and a new friend

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who made the event such an incredible experience. A big mahalo to Mr. Geno Godinet, Mr. Clay Naahu, Mr. and Mrs. Josh and Gretchen Houston, Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Lauren Zimmerman, Hans Hedemann, Auggie from EX Drinks, all the fantastic volunteers whose names I am forgetting, and last but not least the Honolulu Elks staff and lodge #616. To view all the photos I took at the ocean fest CLICK THIS PHOTO LINK and select the slide show in the upper right corner. Enjoy!

Pairings in Paradise

Part of a three-day culinary extravaganza, the 3^rd Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Paradise, held an epicurean delight Saturday afternoon at Ko Olina Beach Club. It was a “foodie-face –off” between four of Hawaii’s top chefs and a Hawaii food critic, and best of all it was all for a worthwhile cause to benefit the Kapolei Foundation.

Ms. Andrea, Mr. John Heckathorn and Ms. Cara

Guests have been eating and drinking with a purpose as the culinary festival supports beneficiaries of the Kapolei Foundation, one of the charitable beneficiaries of the Hawaii Food & Wine Paradise. It was a win-win for everyone as guests were presented an amazing experience while helping to create bright futures for deserving Leeward Oahu high school students who benefit from the Kapolei Foundation college scholarship program.

Chef Matt Zubrod and Mr. John Heckathorn

The ever charming Mr. John Heckathorn, editor and food critic of Hawaii Magazine served as the “Pairings in Paradise” panel moderator. This four-course luncheon featured dishes by some of Hawaii’s top chefs. Heckathorn introduced each chef and their course. The twist was that there were two wines with each course, one selected by the respective chef, and one selected by Heckathorn. The guests and chefs then casually voted on if they thought Heckathorn selected the best food and wine pairing. As the winemakers were also in attendance, it

sparked some lively debate and laughs amongst all.

Wine Service with Each Course

Serving the first refreshing course was Chef Scott Nelson of Sapori Enoteca Birreria. It was an unexpected “Stracciatella” hand pulled Mozzarella with fresh cream and Kamuela tomatoes. The wine accompaniment was the choice between a Levendi and Reynolds’ Chardonnay, the vote for this course was right down the middle. Half the guests thought the Levendi was a better complement and half selected the Reynolds.

Chef and owner Fred DeAngelo of OLA at Turtle Bay Resort presented the second course which consisted of fresh Kona Abalone with sauce a la “Nicks” rock shrimp dill citrus sauce. The wine

choice was between a Rombauer Pinot and a Twomey. It was a hard decision but in the end

Chef De Angelo’s pairing of the Rombauer was the favorite for this course.

Mr. Gerhard Reisacher of Delectus Winery

Executive Chef at Monettes in the Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Matthew Zubrod served the third course. It was called “Monettes Steak and Eggs”, which according to Heckathorn is one of Zubrod’s signature dishes. The plate, braised beef short ribs with a farm fresh egg was accompanied with a Maui Brewing Company Coconut Porter. The wine options here were between a Delectus Petite Syrah and a Reynolds red wine blend called

“Persistence”. Again this was a fifty-fifty split among the guests. In addition to his crowd pleasing dish, Chef Zubrod also brought along his daughter Christina, who unfortunately for him, is too young to drink and could not weigh in on the vote.

For the final fourth course, Chef Russell Siu of 3660 on the Rise served a refreshing dessert. It was a medley of poached pears with ginger scented panna cotta, Ka’u orange, and Keawe honey consommé. As this was the last delectable course of the day, my attention to detail in my note taking had been diminished by this point. I do apologize as I cannot recall the Vineyards!

The Chefs, Wine Makers and Mr. D. Keola Lloyd

What I do remember is that Chef Siu’s dish was presented with the choice of a Riesling and a Viognier. Again it was a fifty-fifty split among the guests, but Chef Siu commented that he actually preferred Heckathorn’s wine pairing over his own.

Hawaii Food and Wine Paradise is by far, the best epicurean experience I have ever had in Hawaii. Event Chair, Mr. D. Keola Lloyd and his team deliver an outstanding event. Their attention to detail and level of service is exceptional. This is a must for anyone interested in food, wine, and island hospitality. With amazing venues, chefs, and winemakers, be sure to mark your calendar for next year. This is an event not to be missed! To view all my photos from the day CLICK THIS LINK TO GO TO THE PHOTO GALLERY.

Women Leaders Tea With Neil

The Hawaii State Democratic Women’s Caucus hosted an afternoon tea at the Waioli Tea Room Sunday. It was a festive gathering to benefit the Democratic Women’s Caucus featuring multiple presenters and special guest speaker candidate for Governor Neil Abercrombie.

Ms. Ann Freed lead the event as the mistress of ceremony to a packed room. There were many familiar faces and some fresh faces too. First to speak was Ms. Katie Reardon who gave the group a brief legislative update. Then Ms. Jeanne Ohta followed, urging all to consider giving legislative testimony and stressing that is much easier than we think.

Tasty Treats

Next up was Ms. Josephine Chang, co-founder of the “Da Moms” which is an organization working to end discrimination against gay and transgendered individuals. She stated that in order to combat all discrimination we must be informed and personally connected to the issue. Chang stressed the need for greater outreach and education within our communities.

We then had an impromptu guest who briefly stopped by. It was Congressman Abercrombie’s wife Dr. Nancie Caraway. Fighting a cold, she still wanted to make an appearance and thank the Hawaii State Democratic Women’s Caucus for all their valuable work in the community. Aside from her efforts on the campaign trail, Dr. Caraway has been working to end the international trafficking of women and children.

Faye, Rai, Amy, Congressman Abercrombie and Ann

The next speaker was poet Ms. Amalia Bueno who shared two poems with the group. The animated reading of her work was entertaining for the guests soliciting claps and cheers.

After an enjoyable tea service of tasty treats, Congressman Abercrombie took to the podium accompanied with a standing ovation. He aptly mentioned all the efforts of the incredible Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink. Abercrombie stated she was a true champion speaking for those who had no voice or could not speak for themselves. It is his hope to carry on a small measure of her civil rights legacy in his work.

Congressman Abercrombie and "The Three Amys"

Abercrombie went on to further state, “we have lost our sense of direction” and that, “civil rights are really human rights.” Abercrombie spoke in support of public education, civil unions, energy independence, public health, and woman’s right to choose. He concluded by stating, “you will never see me agonizing for months if someone should be granted their civil rights.”

I would like to recognize the planning committee Ann Freed, Debbie Shimizu, Jeanne Ohta, Katie Reardon, Allicyn Tasaka, and Amy Monk from the Hawaii State Democratic Women’s Caucus for organizing such an enjoyable and energizing afternoon. To view my full PHOTO GALLERY CLICK THIS LINK.

An Exceptional Epicurean Experience

I am not easily impressed and my level of expectation is high, so I was skeptic of another cliché “food and wine festival.  I couldn’t have been more wrong.

D. Keola Lloyd is the creator of several food and wine productions including the Taste at Kapolei, Kapolei Uncorked, and Kapolei Chef Showcase. A Big Island native, Lloyd started seven years ago designing premium festivals showcasing the best of Hawaii’s culinary talents. With tickets costing $250, these events are targeted to an affluent audience, yet Lloyd gives back to the community by partnering with and benefiting local nonprofits including the Leeward Community College’s Culinary Arts Program, the Kapolei Foundation which secures scholarships for Leeward Oahu youth, and the Hawaii Nature Center, assuring guests they can indulge guilt free as proceeds go to worthwhile programs. This weekend I was lucky enough to attend Lloyd’s 3^rd Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Paradise.

Pau Vodka from Maui

With my foodie friend Andrea in toe, we headed to the VIP reception which was held at the historic Westin Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki.  There we were greeted with fine wines from Napa Valley, ultra- premium Pau Hawaiian Vodka from Maui, and Casa Noble Tequila. A Tequila lover myself, I was very impressed with Casa Noble. At the reception, I learned from Enrico Caruso and Rob Boyd of Infinium Spirits that their tequila is 100% organic and USDA approved. It was also a fabulous opportunity for wine enthusiasts to speak with the wine makers and owners from Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars, Levendi, Rombauer, Delectus, Emeritus, Reynolds, Flora Springs, and Jarvis Wineries. There was even Hawaii Nui Brewing from Hilo showcasing their premium island style lagers and ales.

Event Chair Mr. D. Keola Lloyd and Guests

We were then lead to the ball room to enjoy a five-course culinary extravaganza from Hawaii’s top chefs. The master of ceremonies was John Heckathorn, editor of Hawaii Magazine. Much to our delight, Andrea and I were seated at table one along with the ever charming Heckathorn. I learned that he is a culinary critic and received national recognition with a CRMA bronze award for his dining perspectives.

Chef Colin Hazama's Lobster Delight

The chefs and winemakers joined the stage to share the stories behind the preparation of the dishes and wine pairings. Our first course was presented by Chef Ryan Loo, Chef de Cuisine at Twist at Hanohano in the Sheraton Waikiki. It was mouthful of heavenly abalone with truffled white soy broth. The tasty morsel was paired with a Reynolds Family Winery 2007 Napa Valley Chardonnay. Winemaker and owner, Steve Reynolds graciously asked all to raise a glass to the people who work in the vineyard allowing us to enjoy the fruit of their efforts. Interesting to note, Reynolds is a retired dentist. Cheers to whoever suggested his career change!

Our second course was presented by Chef Jon

Guests Enjoying the Martini Bar

Matsubara, Chef de Cuisine at Azure in the Royal Hawaiian. He created a Hawaiian Swordfish poached in aromatic duck fat stating, that Swordfish is the most underutilized fish in Hawaii. This was complemented with an Emeritus Vineyards 2007 Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Nior. Winemaker and owner, Brice Cutter Jones came to the stage dressed in a snappy blue and white suit, a purple shirt, and fancy sneakers. Jones shared that the Emeritus winery was started on an old apple farm ten years ago. You know what they say; glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away!

Tasting with Flora Springs

The third course was my favorite. Presented by Chef Colin Hazama, Chef de Cuisine at the St. Regis Princeville Resort’s Kauai Grill, was a Keahole lobster slow roasted with Tahitian vanilla. Originally from New England, I have devoured my fair share of lobsters, however I have never enjoyed one with the unexpected flavor of vanilla and it works! The lobster was paired with a Twomey Cellars Napa Valley 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. Director of National Sales, Charlie Campbell discussed how the crisp minerality of the wine perfectly complemented the Big Island lobster and the local Hamakua cocktail tomatoes.

The final protein of the fourth course was

Mr. Kimo Alama Keaulana Entertained

presented by, Chef Rodney Uyehara, Chef de Cuisine at the Beach House at the Moana. It was a perfectly packaged mignon of beef, with Molokai sweet potato galette, Kahuhu corn, and Waialua asparagus. Chef Uyehara stated that he tries to support the local farmers as much as he can, and it was aptly reflected in his dish. The accompaniment was from the Delectus Winery, a 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Mutti’s Pride. Gerhard Reisacher, an eighth-generation winemaker originally from Austria, came to the stage and stated that he had

Mrs. Suzie Reynolds Tasting Jarvis Wine

lived in Spain and all over Europe, but nothing compared to Honolulu traffic!

The final course was presented by Chef Richard Lancaster, Chef de Cuisine at the Moana Surfrider. It was a beautiful arrangement of Kula lavender and cacao nib cannoli, mango iced parfait, and a delightful Kona coffee pot de crème trilogy. It was accompanied with a selection from the Levendi Winery, 2008 Alexander Valley Late Harvest Viognier. Owner and winemaker, David Gianulias shared that late harvest grapes are often more similar to raisins but have been naturally dehydrated while on the vine.

Designer Ms. Anne Namba

Expecting it to be a very sweet, I was delighted by the taste and finish which complemented the desert course.

And just when we thought the night was over, world-class Honolulu designer, Anne Namba took the stage and delighted guests with a preview of her summer 2010 collection. Recently returned from a fashion event with actor and dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov in New York, Namaba delighted guests

Guests Enjoying the Music

with a medley of her most exciting pieces. As the event concluded John, Andrea, and I discussed our epicurean experience and the outstanding service at the Moana (CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY). Much to our delight we realized we still had tomorrow to look forward to and another gastronomic adventure with “Pairings in Paradise” at the Marriott’s Ko Olina Resort. Stay tuned for part two…

Another Resource Sadly Lost in Honolulu

Last week there was sad news announced in the Pacific Business News as the Hawaii Women’s Business Center (HWBC) closed its doors. The center at 1041 Nuuanu Avenue opened in 1998 with startup money from American Savings Bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration. While the name implied it only worked with women entrepreneurs, the center help men too.

HWBC Fundraiser Event Dec 2009

I had been a member for many years. Taking advantage of their networking, business mentoring and their affordable workshops on everything from building your brand to website development.  In fact I owe the creation of this blog to the workshops I took with Nate Burgoyne at the HWBC. Without those classes I would never have been able to learn the skills necessary to navigate building Elephant Ear blog.

Congresswoman Hirono at a HWBC Member Event

The HWBC was a place I greatly enjoyed going. The staff and volunteers I worked with were remarkable individuals. Ms. Kay Lorraine the former Executive Director, Ms. Jody Hagen, the amazing and marvelous volunteer who was there every day and my HWBC Business Development Specialist, Ms. Cherylle Morrow. Cherylle, an Australian native, was such a great listener and supportive voice. Over the years she advised me on a variety of projects, connecting me to the right people. In fact, there were many people and volunteers who made the HWBC such a wonderful community resource, and for that I am grateful.

In this challenging economy, the HWBC’s essential and affordable services are needed now more than ever. It concerns me as I wonder where entrepreneurs will go to get help and guidance. To my knowledge there isn’t another affordable network in Honolulu.  It makes me very sad because the HWBC was truly living up to their mission of “entrepreneur nurturing”. All the best to the staff, board of directors and volunteers who made the HWBC such a special place. I encourage you to leave them a positive message and best wishes below. (Photos: Cara Mazzei)