it's that time of year again...

This past weekend, Kara and I went back to Kona to spend time with the family for Father's Day. My dad and uncle were in a fishing tournament and needed anglers, so we decided to go with them. I went on Saturday and Casey and Kara went on Sunday. This fishing trip was the first of the fishing season for my dad guys and it was a great weekend for all of us!

Around 7:30am on Saturday morning, I caught a 199.5 lb. blue marlin and about 3 hours later, boated a 243.5 lb. blue marlin.


On Sunday morning, Kara called home at around 8:30am and told us they had boated a marlin, approximately 500 lbs. Her black marlin weighed in officially at 532.5 lbs.

We ended up winning two most prestigious prizes of the tournament...Largest Fish (which is considered the grand prize) and Total Weight Marlin. We had the 3 biggest fish of the tournament, with the next one weighing in at 192 lbs...Though I must mention, that's a big ass ahi!

I know it sounds like I'm tooting my own horn, but after being bolohead for 9 years, I've paid my dues and deserve a little bragging rights! ;)

Keep dancing!

time flies when you're having fun...

I can't believe how fast this year is going by. It seems like just yesterday when I posted the blog about attending the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Here's an update so far...

We're not as busy as we were last year with corporate incentive gigs. That means hardly any travel to the outer islands, and a lot less free trips home to visit. It's almost a blessing in disguise for me...I've learned so much more with the company this year. My boss has really pushed me to learn the marketing and PR side of the company. I can't say I like it a whole lot, but I can say that it'll be good to have under my belt.

This year marks Cecilio & Kapono's 35th Anniversary. We're producing a HUGE show at the Waikiki Shell this year in honor of it. It'll be on Saturday, August 23rd and it's going to be a trip down memory lane. Opening bands include Kalapana and Summer and guest appearances by a whole crapload of celebrities! We're calling it C&K 35 Back in the Day and we're focusing on taking everyone back in time...It'll truly be a Who's Who in Hawaii entertainment, so be sure to check out our website (www.henrykapono.com) for more information.

In addition to the big Oahu show, we're planning our neighbor island and mainland tour. So far, we've got these cities confirmed:

Denver, CO
Lake Tahoe, NV
Coos Bay, OR
San Francisco, CA
Tacoma, WA
Cerritos, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Agoura Hills, CA
San Diego, CA
Las Vegas, NV

So any of you who live in or near those cities, be sure to let me know! I'd love to meet up with old friends!

Aside from being busy with work, I've been concentrating on making myself a better person. I've been spending time with some really good friends...Of course, that involved a whole lotta alcohol, but it's ALWAYS good times with them. I'm so grateful to have such a solid support system surrounding me. I've also been trying to take care of myself physically...Eating healthier and going to the gym has made me feel so much better about myself...And shoppings always fun now! :)

I'll be going home this weekend to Kona to celebrate Father's Day with my family. I'm so excited to see them (and Abunai), as I haven't been back to Kona since January! I'll be getting some much-needed R&R at home...As well as some yummy mommy-cooked meals!

Keep dancing!

Aloha, Aloha.

It's a sad day for the entire state of Hawaii. My dad has been an Aloha Airlines aircraft mechanic for 23 years and my Grandma was the first woman ticket agent in the history of the company. Aloha has been nothing but good to my family, and I'm so sad to see it come to an end. My heart goes out to all the employees and their families.

The last few days I found myself praying for a miracle, but it never came. I'll definitely miss everything about the airline. I travel a TON for work, and I've never quite felt that friendly vibe with any other airline. This year would have been the first year that our company, Kapono Inc., would have flown Aloha Airlines exclusively because we were so happy with everything the airline had to offer.

It's hard not be upset, but I'm trying to see the positive in everything. I wish the best of luck to all the employees...You all will excel wherever life leads you next.

Keep Dancing.

what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger...

As cliche as that sounds, it's so true. I've been through some major life changes in the last couple months, but I've decided that if I let it all get to me, it will only bring me down. I have to really focus on the good things in my life...I have THE BEST family in the world, who has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. I have WONDERFUL friends who have been there for me through the good, the bad, and the worst times of my life...They keep me sane. I have a great job, that allows me to keeps me very, happily busy and keeps my mind of things. I'm turning over a new leaf in life and there's no turning back! :)

So to elaborate, Aaron and I are not together anymore. Fate has given us different life paths...It's sad, but I know it will get easier with time. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for me. So if anyone knows a guy who's drop dead gorgeous, can take care of himself (and me when I need it!), has a TON of money, and has a HUGE heart, send him my way...I'm now taking applications! hehe...Just kidding.

I want to congratulate my good friends, Elana and Roland Geyrozaga, on the birth of their new baby boy, Nathan. Their lives will be filled with even more joy!

Sugar's not so sweet for Hawaiians!

I was fortunate to find out on Christmas Eve that I'd get a free trip to New Orleans, Louisiana for the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day. It was an amazing start to the holidays for me.

We took a chartered flight on Aloha Airlines with Duane Kurisu of the aio Group. It was AMAZING! They decked out the check in counter for the "SUGAH PLANE EXPRESS", as well as the terminal and the aircraft itself. On the flight over, they served us ahi poke, tako poke, dried ebi, popcorn, chocolates, boiled peanuts, iso peanuts, arare and even served us plate lunches, local style. Each person on the charter received a goody bag with a UH rally towel, Warrior trading cards, Big Island Candies chocolate dipped shortbread cookies and UH beads, among other things. The group was able to attain a copy of K5's special program, "The Perfect Season" and played that instead of an on-board movie. It was a completely hosted bar, and everyone really enjoyed themselves on the plane.

Upon landing in New Orleans, we were able to go straight to the buses and to the Marriott where we were staying, along with the UH Football team and a bunch of other fans. That night, we had a hosted dinner at Bourbon Vieux restaurant, which is on the 2nd floor in the heart of Bourbon Street. We were able to throw beads to the passerbys on the streets, compliments of Mr. Kuriso and gang. Momi and I were able to walk the street and even came across Johnnie Write's, which is owned by Mufi Hannemann's classmate. It was CRAZY!!! While out front, we even bumped into Mufi making a stop at the bar and Vili, the Warrior, who stopped by to do a cheer on the street for the overlooking fans.

The next day (New Year's Eve) was spent catching up on some much-needed rest and getting to Generations Hall in the Warehouse district for the Cajun-Warriors New Year's Eve Bash. Henry was fortunate to have been invited to perform for this Na Koa Football Club and New Orleans Habitat for Humanity fundraiser. Even at $125 a pop, it sold out a few days before the event, and the night of the event, 5,000 faithful fans showed up to help celebrate the cause. It was one of the best Henry Kapono performances that I've ever seen in the 5 years that I've worked for him. Mufi Hannemann, Governor Linda Lingle, Coach June Jones and Robert Kekaula were among the celebrities that stopped by to help present $75,000 to the Na Koa Football Club and $10,000 to the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity.

Finally, it was GAME DAY. The aio Group was nice enough to bring some Ozoni to the Big Easy for some local New Year's tradition. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to drink some, but it was a very nice thought! We took the bus to the Superdome and when we boarded, they had musubi lunches waiting for us! It was the first day that the temperature had dropped drastically.

Unfortunately, the Warriors played their worst game of the season, but it was still a great accomplishment to make it that far. Although the mood in New Orleans was a bit somber after the game, the Hawaii fans made a good showing in the Big Easy and represented Hawaii with the utmost aloha. I'd say we definitely left our mark in the south. Maybe next year, it'll be the BCS championship game for us...Hehe...

Keep dancing,
Kim

The terminal we used for the "Sugah Plane Express"

Ringing in 2008 with 5,000 Hawaii Faithful

At our awesome seats...40 yard line, 8 rows from the field!

Getting ready for opening kickoff

I found this sign outside a bar across the street from our hotel...Even the N'Awlins' peeps got into the Warrior spirit!

This is the view of the Mississippi River from our hotel room.

Momi and I trying to play the part while we wait to board the bus in the lobby of the hotel. Even with 2 tshirts, a sweatshirt, coat, scarf, beanie, tights and jeans, I was still freezing!

On our way to the Superdome

The Superdome...The Home of the New Orleans "Aints"...Haha...It's my Mom's favorite team!

The view of Bourbon Street.

A Hawaiians-Only celebration!

Me and Mayor, Mufi Hannemann...He's like 2 feet taller than me!

Coach Jones and Mufi Hannemann presenting a $75,000 check to Benny of the Na Koa Football Club.