'Winter Wonderland" at Kahala Mall with the "Ka Hale I O Kahala Halau Hula"

"Winter Wonderland" was indeed an enjoyment today at Kahala Mall center stage. Even though there was no snow, the atmosphere was festive and everyone enjoyed the show put on by the "Ka Hale I O Kahala Halau Hula. The halau was lead by Kumu Hula Leimomi I. Maldonado, but everyone knows her as "Aunty Lei." If you want to see their performance, you can catch them at Kahala Mall every year during the Christmas season. Aunty Lei's love for hula goes back to her keiki days. She was inspired by her late Kumu Hula, Aunty Maiki Aiu Lake, and she continued to study and eventually graduated as a Kumu Hula. Her mentor has been her brother Milton who has stood behind her through thick and thin.

Today's performance by the Ka Hale I O Kahala Halau was something to see. You could see the excitement and joy on the faces of the keiki and adult hula dancers. Their smiles had enough energy to light up that huge christmas tree behind them. All I can say is, there is nothing like Christmas in Hawaii, because no other place has that same home town feeling. "Click" here to see event photos.

"Shop with a Cop" The Spirit of Aloha at Walmart on December 11, 2010

If you see a bunch of police vehicles at the Keeaumoku Street Walmart on Saturday morning around 6:00am, "no" our Honolulu Police Department has not moved or taken over Walmart. It is the "Shop With A Cop" program that sets the tone for the Christmas season. It is a very cool experience for our police officers, especially when you see the smiles on the faces of the children. It is such a good feeling, and the children see our officers in a positive way.

I was told that this program started in 1989 with the help of Ron Dunn, Chief Deputy with the Blount County Sheriff's Office, Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp and Bud Allison, the father of the F.O.P. (Fraternal Order of Police). This event would not be possible without the tremendous and generous support of our Honolulu Police Department D-1 Community Policing Team, Sergeant Lawrence Santos, Officer Richard Fikani, Officer Kevin Nakano, Officer Don Faumuina and Officer Taylor Hoopii, and the people of Hawaii, organizations and volunteers who donate not only their time, but money, gifts and the spirit of "Aloha." I would also like to recognize the following officers who attended and assisted a child in this event: Deputy Chief Delbert Tatsuyama, Larry Santos, Cleo Millare, Reginald DeGuiar, Val Huihui, Ron Richardson, Jonathan Almodova, Marie McCauley, William Axt, Eric Fong, Benjamin Mahi, Pamela Liu, Karl Steininger, Eric Lalau, Ronald Pinho-Goldman, Sanford Yue, Clesson Werner, Hilarion Oliva, and Julianne Kusuda.

Today's event started with Santa arriving in a police cruiser being greeted by children singing Christmas Carols and waving to Santa as he pulled up to wish everyone a "Merry Christmas." Police Chief Louis Kealoha was also there to greet Santa (John Shaw) along with Kapua Tani (photo above), coordinator of the H-5, "Hawaii Helping the Hungry Have Hope" and Executive Director Utu Langi.

Walmart has been the host of "Shop with a Cop" for the past 5 years. I can see why this event brings out the joy in our children. There are no words to express what I experienced this morning, you had to be there to feel the love, joy and happiness of these kids. When I spoke to the kids as they were shopping, they were speechless and just told me how happy they were and very thankful for all the "aloha" given to them. Santa's helper this year is "Hokulani." (photo above) His owner is Mr. Norman Dang. "Click here" to see today's event photos.

"Moanalua JV Basketball Starts the Season with a Surprise Attack over Roosevelt 62-23

What a night as the Moanalua Na Menehune took on the Roosevelt Rough Riders at Moanalua gym. It was a December 7th surprise attack that I believe the Rough Riders didn't expect. The Na Menehune JV zipped past the Rough Rider defense to continue their attack up and down the court and didn't miss a step. They were fired up from the start with Na Menehune #55 (photo above), Austin Failauga who led with 7 points and #21, Preston Armbrust with 6 points to end the first half 26-16. In the second half, aerial attacks kept coming from all sides with a lot of determination by the Na Menehune who defeated the Rough Riders 62-23. High scorers were #55, Austin Failauga with 13 points and #24, Justin Hudcovoc with 8 points. See JV action photos, "click here."

As for the Na Menehune Varsity team, it was a very disappointing game against the Rough Riders. They had a lot of opportunities to score, but just couldn't connect. The crowd on both sides were 100% into the game and it sounded like the house was rocking because the shouting and yelling was so loud. The support of friends and families was awesome! At half time, the score was tied, 27-27. The second half was an uphill battle for the Na Menehune, and penalties didn't help them, especially when they needed those crucial points towards the end of the game. It was close all the way to the end, with a score of 50-50 taking the game into overtime. The Rough Riders finally took the lead to win it 58-55. Congratulations to all the coaches and players in tonight's first game of the basketball season. See Varsity action photos, "click here." C'mon back, more photos will be added.

Janice Lee "Jazzercise" 10th Year Anniversary Celebration "Happy Holidays"

"Tis the Season" to be jolly...... as you can see, the guy in the orange shirt is already "jolly" and actually Santa in disguise. Just kidding, he's Thomas Toyozaki going through his weekly jazzercise classes preparing for his deliveries on Christmas day. Tommy (Santa) related that he should be good to go on Christmas day.

Last month, Janice Lee, (photo top left) and her students celebrated her Jazzercise Downtown and Nuuanu 10th Anniversary on Saturday November 6, 2010 at the Natsunoya Tea House. Thomas Toyozaki, Director of Security at Ala Moana Shopping Center and long time friend was the host for that evening. In the photo above, he is presenting a custom photo album made especially for Janice in celebration of her 10th anniversary. Up to today, they are both still trying to get me to join. If you don't know, or never heard of Jazzercise, it is a 60-minute class of cardio, strength, and stretch moves for a total body workout. My excuse is, if I join, I might have a total body "brokeout" and wouldn't be able to continue my sports reporting and events except by sitting down.


Just a little something about Janice. Janice Emi Yamaguchi was born and raised in Hawaii and attended Castle High School. After completing high school, she went to Kapiolani Community College for two years and then attended UH Manoa where she graduated with a BS in Human Development. Janice currently works at Kaiser Permanente as the administrative assistant to Chief of the OB-GYN Department. As for "Jazzercise," Janice got involved because she felt that she was "overweight." She tried jogging and hated it! One day her neighbor told her she had a niece who was Jazzercising, so she decided to join the crowd. At that moment, her life changed. After 7 years as a student at the Kaneohe Jazzercise, she just felt she couldn't get enough of it and decided to pursue her certification to become an instructor. And here we are today, 10 years later. As for teaching the class, she said "I think there's a personal satisfaction when I know people are having fun, or smiling or they're getting something out of it." Interested in taking classes? You may reach Janice at janicelee@hawaii.rr.com. To see her celebration party photos, "click here".

"Lokahi Day" at Ala Moana Center Stage with Jai Cunningham and Olena Heu

Today, The Lokahi Giving Project is being held at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Center Stage. Among some of the musical entertainment are groups such as Imua, Manoa DND, Page Academy of Dance, Henry Kapono, Maunalua, Tau's Y2 and Tunui's Royal Polynesians. What better way to spend a Saturday than with family and friends. Jai Cunningham and Olena Hue (top photo) are hosting the event and encouraging our local people and shoppers to help families in need of a helping hand during these hard times, especially during Christmas. Lokahi means "Unity" and is a time we should all unite to help those in need by donating goods or cash. I was told that the Lokahi project is a partnership between KHON2 and the non-profit organization Keiki O Ka Aina family learning center.

There are many volunteers for the Lokahi Caring Project and they can be seen throughout the mall, as seen to your right. Great job girls. The event is being held between 10:00am to 4:00pm, so come down and show your "Aloha" and support for this worthy cause. The season of giving has begun! Checks and cash donations can also be taken to any First Hawaiian Bank statewide, and you many also drop off items to Price Busters, Hawaii Self Storage, A-American self storage and Wet'n Wild Hawaii or click here. Have a Happy Holiday, drive safe and spread the spirit of Aloha!

Hawaii Big Boyz Youth Tackle Football League February 2011

Father (Coach) John Frederick founder, President & CEO of the Hawaii Big Boyz Youth Tackle Football League is planning another season for 2011. He is in the stage of putting together officer's for his league and so far has asked Jim Corn to serve as our League Commissioner for the first year. Coach Corn has been involved with the youth football management business for 25 years plus. Mr. Junya (Jr.) Felise, the founder, President of the 96792 Seahawks is interested in serving on our HBBYTFL Board, and Shandel Wright the founder and president of the Kapolei are interested in serving as our league secretary. His real challenge is to find an accountant to serve as the league's financial director. All associated with our HBBYTFL are volunteers.

Father John related the original Big Boyz concept was for kids 12 to 14 years old who were too heavy to play Pop Warner or island youth tackle football. He said there are several Hawaii organizations getting into the so called Big Boyz football business, but have no idea why it started or the main concept of the big boy league. Now the other so called leagues are letting high school kids and 15 year olds to play. Because these so called other big boy leagues have not stuck to the main concept, that's why we are bringing back in 2011 the "original" Hawaii Big Boyz Youth Football League for kids 9 to 11 years old (elementary division) who must weigh at least 100 pounds and can weight up to 250 pounds. As for the 12 to 14 year olds (intermediate division), they must weigh at least 130 pounds and up to 300 pounds. No high school players are allowed to play, and no 15 year olds are allowed to play. For now, "we want to be professional." Right now they have two months to get everything set up for the league in February 2011. Any questions or inquiry, email Father John Frederick at; hawaiianwarriors@aol.com.