2014 AAU West Coast "CHAMPIONS" The Eastsidaz Girls Basketball Team

Asked how this all got started, basketball Head Coach Simon Bitanga from Kaiser High School recalls it all started back in 2000 with only 10 girls along with his eldest daughter Keely Bitanga. "It went on for about two years and a whole bunch of siblings and little girls from Hawaii-Kai watched us play for the championship semi-finals and the championship, both vs. Texas in the MJB Tournament and we beat both of them.  After the game the girls were interested in playing and I told them come show up on Monday and the rest is history and now I have over two hundred girls from ages 5-18 and keeps growing."

In 2007 Bitanga recalls taking National Champs girls 12 and under with his youngest daughter Micaela Bitanga, Kiana Naki, Klien Masutani, Lia Galderia, Dawnyelle Awa from Kona, Celeste Tsutahara, Taryn Achong, Megan Kinoshita, and Ciera Pacheco.  "It was a great accomplishment for us just to win a National Championship from Hawaii and won a total of 12 in different age groups that same year."

As for this year, Coach Bitanga's expectation is always to win.  "But we'll always be out sized, out matched, but our girls never give up. We pressure about the whole game and that's our bread and butter and if we can do that and be successful with that, then we always got a shot and today in Las Vegas, his 8th Graders pulled through even though they were behind by 15 points (chicken skin to the max), but with the "soft spoken" coach Simon, his encouragement must have made a difference by taking the 2014 AAU West Coast National "Champions," followed by his JV 2nd Place, Varsity 4th Place, 5th and 7th Consolation Champs.  As for the JOI Las Vegas Classic, Varsity took the Championship, followed by 10th 2nd Place, 8th 3rd Place and 5th 3rd Place.

 I'll be adding more information from Las Vegas. They now head into their 2nd tournament in Las Vegas, "Jam On It Grand Finale," July 22-24.   To check out the game video "click here" and game photos, "click here".

2016 National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 860 Retirement Banquet

This year the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 860 Annual Retirement Banquet was held at the Manoa Grand Ballroom 5th Floor, 2454 South Beretania Street on Saturday, July 9, 2016.  The following retirees were Asaela "Ace" Neufeldt Hawaii Kai Station with 16 years of service, Blayne Uto, Waikiki Station with 30 years, Charlene Kamanu, Waikiki Station with 27 years, Cynthia "Cindy" Shizuma, Kailua Post Office with 30 years, Debra "Debi" Gatrell, Downtown Station with 22 years, Elson Ramos, Kapalama Station with 18 years, Frances "Fran" Maialoha, Sand Island Station, with 26 years, Gary Rezentes, Kailua Post Office with 35 years, John Leroux, Waikiki Station with 31 years, Kathy Park, Makiki Station with 26 years, Paul Cuccinotto, Waikiki Station with 28 years, Terry Suero, Kapalama Station with 43 years, for a total of 332 years.


Executive Vice President Alvin Matsumura presented the 2016 "Steward of the Year" award to Lydia Ichiyama.  Howard Komine, NALC President Branch 860, presented the 2016 "Samuel V.K. Hipa award to Terry Kaolulo.

Guest speakers (photo left) were Chris Jackson, National Business Agent-1, serving letter carriers in California, Hawaii, Nevada and the territory of Guam and Lew Drass, Vice President of the NALC, Washington DC.

The EMCEE was Rodney Villanueva, one of the bessest funniest local comedians around. Karaoke provided by S&L Karaoke, background music by the Kumuhau and Jonathan Cabagbag. Photos and Video by Hawaii Local News - AlanKSportsHawaii and a big "Mahalo" to Cynthia Ishizaki, NALC Branch 860, Political Liaison and Event Coordinator for this event.

Fat Katz Legends Softball Team vs Aikanes at Patsy T Mink Central Oahu Regional Park, Honolulu, HI

Today at The Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park (CORP) every Wednesday our Senior Mens participate in their softball games and most are preparing to head to the 2016 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championship held in Las Vegas. I had a chance to meet Head Coach Paul Mauricio of the "Fat Katz that were playing today against the Aikanes. Coach Mauricio related, most are retired and senior citizens and the spirit of gathering together and every Wednesday at CORP's is to have fun, meet people and whomever wins, win. Read more of the 2016 LVSSA/SSUSA "Click here."  Photo Gallery "Click Here."

Exalted Ruler and President of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Honolulu Lodge #616

Andrew K. Watson 

On Sunday, March 20, 2016, Andrew K. Watson was sworn in as the new Exalted Ruler and President of the Benevolent Protective Order Elks Honolulu Lodge #616 by Hawaii DDGER Thomas M. Bentkowski (photo left). Hiram K. Keli’ipio  Former Exalted Ruler and Mrs., Audrey Watson also present for the pinning event. https://youtu.be/On4GNj-XHag

                                OUR MISSION

To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

2016 Oahu Interscholastic Association Swimming Relay Championship

Aimee Iwamoto Senior Moanalua High School

Moanalua Na Menehune Boys and Girls Swim Team participated in the 2016 OIA Swimming Relay Championship that was held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Central Oahu Regional Park - Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center here on Oahu, Hawaii.

Aimee Iwamoto (photo above) has been a stand out swimmer over the years at Moanalua High School and 2 times Finalist @ 2013-2014 Hawaii State Championships and 2 times Finalist @ 2014-2015 Hawaii State Championships and Committed to the University of Idaho.

As for the race results, in the Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 2:01.08, Leilehua High School 2:03.94 and Kaiser High School 2:06.54.  Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay, Mililani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:50.58, Pearl City High School 1:58.74, Kaiser High School 2:00.94.

Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:43.88, Mililani High School 1:52.62, James Campbell High School 1:59.04.  Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 1:33.19, James Campbell High School 1:40.91, Waialua High School 1:44.23.

Girls 200 Yard Breaststroke Relay, Moanalua High School took 1st Place with a time 2:22.29, Roosevelt High School 2:24.94, Kalani High School 2:33.48.  Boys 200 Yard Breaststroke Relay,  Mililani High School took 1st Place with a time 2:01.47, Moanalua High School 2:06.86, Kalani High School 2:08.95.

Girls 200 Yard Backstroke Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 2:05.07, Kalani High School 2:07.68, Moanalua High School 2:15.94.  Boys 200 Yard Backstroke Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 1:49.39, Mililani High School 2:10.68, Kalani High School 2:15.95.

Girls 800 Yard Freestyle Relay, Kaiser High School took 1st Place with a time 7:58.14, Moanalua High school 8:47.45, Mililani High School 8:56.18.  Boys 800 Yard Freestyle Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 7:38.92, Mililani High School 8:04.58, Kaiser High School 8:23.27.

Girls 200 Yard Butterfly Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:51.83, Mililani High School 1:58.90, Kapolei High School 2:10.01.  Boys 200 Yard Butterfly Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:41.10, Moanalua High School 1:49.49, Roosevelt High School 1:54.54.

Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 4:06.82, Kaiser High School 4:17.18, Mililani High School 4:21.77.  Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 3:22.47, Kahuku High School 3:54.24, Kapolei High School 4:04.13.

Girls 400 Yard Medley Relay, Kaiser High School took 1st Place with a time 4:24.84, Mililani High School 4:31.13, Moanalua High School 4:33.77.  Boys 400 Yard Medley Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 3:42.06, Mililani High School 3:55.40, Moanalua High School 4:05.63.

Mixed 200 Yard Freestyle Australian Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:39.31, Waialua High School 1:50.30, Mililani High School 1:52.49.  Women and Mens Team Ranking "click here" More photos "Click here"

2016 Na 'Opio Canoe Racing Association - Host "Keola O Ke Kai Canoe Club"

Today at Ke'ehi Lagoon on Oahu, President Jen Romano Na 'Opio Canoe Racing Association is helping celebrate a special ceremony for Host club Keola O Ke Kai Canoe Club in their 15th year in Na 'Opio Canoe Racing Association and a big Mahalo for all you do in the community and for the youth of Hawaii.

Keola O Ke Kai Canoe Club was founded in 2001 by Gino Dayton & Jen Romano Head Coaches for Radford High School Paddling. There club is located at Ke'ehi Lagoon (off Lagoon Drive) and at the end of the culdesac.  "OIA Paddling is no longer just a dream."

Today there will be a total of 18 canoe clubs participating, Alapa Hoe, Ewa Puuloa, Ilau Hoe, Imua One Blade, Kai Heo, Kalihi Kai, Ka Mamalahoe, Keahiakaho, Keola O Ke Kai, Koa Kamalii, Kumuloka HI Elks, Leeward Kai, Makalei, Maunalua Bay, Mauliola, Na Alakai Hoe, Na Holokai, and Pulama Hoe.  Photo gallery "click here." Slideshow "click here." Video of this event "click here."

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."