Deputy Chief Dave M. Kajihiro Aloha Retirement Luncheon Dole Cannery, Hokulei Ballroom

Today, I had the pleasure of attending Deputy Chief Dave Kajihiro's Retirement Aloha Luncheon at the Dole Cannery.  There were over 200 attendees including his family, friends, staff, colleagues and special guests from various agencies that Dave worked with throughout his career.  Many had mixed feelings as Dave is someone who will be hard to replace after 31 years of service.  He will surely be missed

The following is a brief history of Dave's career in the police department.  He started in 1984 as a Recruit Officer; 1985 - Metropolitan Police Officer; 1990 - Metropolitan Detective CID; 1996 - Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Records and Identification; 2000 - Metropolitan Police Captain HRD; 2002 - Metropolitan Police Major HRD; 2010 - Assistant Chief of Police Support Services Bureau; and in 2011 he was appointed Deputy Chief, Administrative Operations.

The Master of Ceremony for today's luncheon was officer Don Faumuina.  U.S. Attorney Florence Nakakuni (photo above) was one of the special guest speakers who presented Dave with a Certificate of Appreciation.  Other guest speakers were FBI Asst. Special Agent in Charge, Tuan Nguyen; Deputy Managing Director, Georgette Deemer; Honolulu Police Commissioner Max Sword; HFD Chief Manuel Neves; Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry; Police Chiefs of Hawaii Assn.; SHOPO President, Tenari Ma'afala; and finally Honolulu Police Chief, Louis Kealoha.

Deputy Managing Director Georgette Deemer presented Chief Dave a Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Kirk Caldwell of the City and County of Honolulu, proclaiming September 30th as Deputy Chief Dave M. Kajihiro Day.  Police Chief Louis Kealoha related that it's a happy day, and yet a sad day because of Chief Kajihiro's retirement.  He will be hard to replace with all his expertise in handling the administrative side for the department. Click to: See Video   Photo Slide-Show "click here."

2015 National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 860 Annual Retirement Banquet

This year the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 860 Annual Retirement Banquet was held at the Harbor View Center at Honolulu Harbor's Pier 38 Waterfront on Saturday, July 25, 2015.  The following retirees were present (L/R), Ernest Bernal, from Downtown Station, with 29 years of service, Crystal Morita, from Downtown Station, with 30 years of service and Mark Andreyka, from Kailua Post Office, with 35 years of service. A total of 94 years.


Executive VP Alvin Matsumura presented the "2015 Steward of the Year" award to Michelle Luke who attended the leadership Academy in Washington D.C., and graduated 18 Class, December 2014.  Howard Komine, NALC President, (bottom middle photo) Branch 860 presented the 2015 "Samuel V. K. Hipa" award to Jason Shapiro.

Guest speakers were Chris Jackson, (bottom left photo) National Business Agent-Region 1, serving letter carriers in California, Hawaii, Nevada and the territory of Guam; Manny Peralta, (bottom right photo) NALC's Director of Safety and Health; and Cynthia Ishizaki speaking on behalf of Mike Kajiwara, Hawaii Foodbank's Director of Product Donations.

Special guests were Chuck Lum, NAPS President and Safety Manager and guest; Laurie Ramelb, Postmaster at Waipahu Station; Meni Ortiz, APWU Local President and guest; APWU Local Vice President, Gena Moeava; Mike Kajiwara, Hawaii Foodbank's Director of Product Donations and wife, Sonia Kajiwara; Mrs. Jackie Hipa, wife of the late Sam Hipa and daughter, Toni Walker; and Mike McGinn from the District Safety Team and his wife, Suzy McGinn.

The Emcee was Kaui Lelepali.  Karaoke provided by S&L Karaoke, and background music by Jonathan Cabagbag.  Photos and Video by Hawaii Local News - AlanKSportsHawaii and special thanks to Harbor View Center's Shane Rivera for the accommodations for my camera crew.  For Video "click here" and Photo Slideshow "click here".  Photo order web link "click here".

2015 Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Race Association Championship at Ke'ehi Lagoon, Oahu, HI

The 2015 OHCRA Championship was held on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Ke'ehi Lagoon Park located on Oahu, Hawaii.  It was a beautiful day for all that attended.  AAA Division Hui Nalu Canoe Club captured their third OHCRA Championship with 170 points, followed by Lanikai with 161 points, Outrigger 158 points and Kailua with 141 points. "Congratulations" to The Hui Nalu Canoe Club.

For the candid video of the 2015 OHCRA Championship "click here." For the candid photo slideshow "click here." For the over all final results "click here."

HAWAIIAN ISLAND TWISTERS GYMNASTICS

Joe Rapp - Founder and Executive Director and Head Coach

Today, I stopped by at Ranch 99 looking for a great deal on a plate lunch and instead ran into the Hawaiian Island Twisters Gymnastics.  It was an awesome treat meeting up with Joe Rapp (photo above), Founder and Executive Director and Head Coach.  It was amazing to watch his elite students going through their practice and I forgot all about my plate lunch.  Joe related that "HIT" started back in Kaneohe in 2006.  They since moved to Mapunapuna  Ranch 99 Market and have been here for the past 10 years.  "Our goal here is to educate kids not only in the sport of gymnastics, but in life and to get them in Collegiate Gymnastics and full right scholarship.  Since I started "HIT" we have had 34 full right scholarships and 22 partial scholarships."

Hawaiian Island Twisters (HIT) is a nonprofit gymnastics program dedicated to enriching the lives of boys and girls of all ages.  What started as a team of twenty girls has grown to a program that serves over a thousand athletes.  From toddler to high school, from recreational to competitive our gym continues to push boundaries and more important, our gymnasts have not lost sight of the primary goal, which is to have fun in a healthy, supportive environment.  Information provided by Hawaiian Island Twisters Gymnastics.  Accomplishment Highlights of: Josh Yee and Logan Agcaoili  Video and Hawaiian Island Twisters Gymnastics Facebook "HIT."

35th Anniversary "The Witness Pacific Island Praise "

Tonight I was invited to the 35th Celebrating Anniversary, "The Witness Pacific Island Praise" held at the Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church located in upper Nu'uanu by Music Director of the Samoan Gospel Heralds, Keith Autele (photo below).  The entire show along with the Samoan Gospel Heralds performance was unbelievable. "Wow" I was lost for words and you had to be here to feel and appreciate the performance.

The Witness "Pacific Island Praise" unforgettable passion play as the cast celebrates 35 years of telling the story of Jesus!  Kalani Po'omaihealani returns to the role of Peter, and you will hear again your favorite soloists and cast members from past productions as they reunite to mark the 35th Anniversary tonight at the Honolulu Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church located at 2313 Nu'uanu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii. To see this performance "click here."

2015 "Stew" Joseph Kalama Sr. Annual Memorial Canoe Race at Ke'ehi Lagoon.

Today at Ke'ehi Lagoon, OHCRA, O'ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association held their first 2015 Pre-Season Race. This race was a special event honoring "Stew" Joseph Kalama Sr., Annual Memorial Canoe Race, sponsored by Kai Oni Canoe Club. It was an honor covering this event.  The information below was shared to me by Kalani Kaanaana, Coordinator, Native Hawaiian Clinical Health & Community Programs at The Queen's Medical Center.

Kai Oni Canoe & Athletic Club was founded in 1952 by Joseph "Stew" Kalama and Max Kamaiopili and their friends who were interested in canoe paddling. On August 18, 1953 the club was formally chartered and organized as a 501 (c) 3 non profit. That same year, it was formally accepted into the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association.

Kai Oni received its first koa canoe from South Kona. The manuiwa was born by the hands of master canoe carver and uncle of Stew, Charles Mokuohai.  Along with Manuiwa, Uncle Charles, would gift the club two koa four man canoes the Popoia and Mokulua which were used as practice canoes.

As Kai Oni grew, we began competing in baseball, basketball, volleyball and other community events. Over the years the club garnered many wins and trophies but most important were the memories made and relationships formed. Although the trophies have become rusted and tarnished, the memories are clear as day and the relationships remain unchanged and stronger than ever.

Throughout our history we have seen the highs and the lows, as any organization of our age has, but we remain resolute in ensuring that the Manuiwa soars high and the Kanaiaumoana continues to conquer. Video "click here" Photos "click here."

Hawaii Law Enforcement/Fire 27th Annual Canoe Regatta Oahu, Hawaii

In 1988-1989, Gilbert Gaspar Jr., an officer with the Hawaii Police Department used to paddle canoe. Since SHOPO holds their annual softball and basketball tournaments every year, he thought it would be a good idea to have a canoe regatta involving law enforcement personnel.  Gilbert got it started and hosted it for the first five years.  He then decided to expand the regatta to include the outer islands.

These races have been very special with a team (Team Glen) named after police officer Gilbert Gasper's brother Glenn who was fatally shot on March 4, 2003 while attempting to arrest a suspect at Kapolei Baskin-Robbins on Oahu.  Gilbert has since decided to pass on the torch so others can get involved, and this is how the Annual President's Day Law Enforcement Regatta got started in Hawaii.

All monies raised are donated to different charity organizations including the March of Dimes, American Heart Association and Special Olympics Hawaii.  The host island decides which charity organization they will donate their proceeds to and this year they raised over $7,500 it will go to Special Olympics Hawaii.  Melissa Blake (photo left) is the Director of Torch Run Development for Special Olympics Hawaii.

  This year, the Hawaii Law Enforcement/Fire 27th Annual Canoe Regatta is being held at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Special recognition goes out to Colonel Eric Schaefer (Base Commanding Officer), Douglas Wadsworth (Base Chief of Staff), Major Tito Jones (Provost Marshall Office Photo left), Paul "Otis" Anslow (MCAS Director of Safety), retired HPD Lt. Vernon Kong who is the Lt. Assistance Services Officer MCB Hawaii is to be commended as to coordinating this regatta at the MCB Hawaii along with Honolulu Police Det. Lance Anderson, Cpl Kahai Canario, Lieutenant Jojo White and Sergeant Nathan Palakiki-Fletche of the Halawa Correctional Facility and OHCRA Officials Lapule Schultz and crew.

Official boats for today's regatta , Ivan Shigaki, Kenneth Kimitsuka, and Nalu Kukea (HFD Fire Capt.) laying lanes for the event for free.  Today's event was kicked off with a blessing by Mary Ann and a Pule (Chant) by Ama Keama of "Team Halawa." Special guest speakers were Honolulu Police Chief,  Louis Kealoha and Major Tito Jones (Provost Marshall Office) MCB Hawaii.

The following canoe team participates; Team Halawa, Team Glenn, Team Maui PD, Maui Community Correction Center, Na Koa Lani, Provost Marshall Office, Military Appreciation (Military Chief), Kehaulani and Chief Kealoha. LD Race Video "click here"  Mixed Race Video "click here" Awards Banquet Video "click here" Candid & Awards Photos "click here"

2014-2015 OIA Varsity Paddling Championship at Ke'ehi Lagoon, Oahu.

Today at Ke'ehi Lagoon on Oahu, Hawaii, The OIA held their 2014-2015 Varsity High School Paddling Championship.  In the Girls Overall (photo below in white shirts), Castle High School placed 1st with a time of 4-25.50.  In the Boys (photo below in blue shirts) Overall, Kaiser High School placed 1st with a time of 3-43.85, and in the Mixed Overall, Kaiser High School placed 1st with a time of 4-12.50.  For the 2014-2015 Tesoro Hawaii Cup which is awarded to the combined High School Boys and Girls Crews for Outstanding Performance in the OIA Annual Championship Outrigger Canoe Regatta, went to Wai'anae High School (photo above).

The six schools that will be moving on to the HHSAA are Castle, Kalani, Leilehua, Moanalua, Kaiser and Kalaheo.  "Congratulations" to all the participants in this years High School Paddling.  Video "click here."

2015 OIA Junior Varsity Swimming & Diving Championship - 24 Events

The 2015 OIA Junior Varsity Swimming Championship was held at Kalani High School Pool.  In the Mens 50 Yard Free, Roosevelt Sophomore Jun Yeub Yoon (center photo above) broke Scott Coleman 1984 record of 22.69 by a new record today 22.51 and in the Mens 500 Yard Free, Kalani Freshman Dong Hyeon Hwang clocked at 5:01.08 almost broke his brother Donh Jin Hwang 2014 record of 4:48.19. 

As for the combined Team Ranking through event 24. Women team points; Roosevelt 91, Kalani 75, Kaiser 72, Mililani 72, Leilehua 61, Kahuku 54, Moanalua 37, Campbell 28, Kalaheo 10, Waialua 10. Total for the women's 510.00. 

As for the Mens team points; Mililani 118, Roosevelt 91, Kaiser 81, Leilehua 45, Kalani 30, Waialua 24, Kahuku 22, Kalaheo 20, Pearl City 13, Campbell 9, Moanalua 6, Kapolei 5 and Castle 4. Total for the men's 468.00  "Click here" to view todays video. "Click here" to view some photos

Finally After 2 Years of Delays Moanalua High School Football Field Is a "Reality."

Finally after a two year delay, the Moanalua High School Football Field here on Oahu came to a "reality" this past week as you can see from the photo above.  I spoke to Senator Glenn Wakai (photo below) of the 15th Senatorial District which covers Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, and Pearl Harbor as to the delays.  He related, the Lawmakers got the money into the budget in 2011 and the project were supposed to begin in 2012.  

Due to the DOE not getting the proper health permits, that caused the delays.  The sodding of the field is $1.3 million and the track is another $2.3 million. "We are finally back on TRACK." Our students will have a beautiful track and field for the next school year. More information "click here."  I have to say on behalf of all Na Menehunes, "thank you" Senator Glenn Wakai for your kokua on this project and what you have done in your 15th Senatorial District over the years, it shows.