Pearl Harbor Survivors Last Hawaii Reunion

The opening of the new Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is also the final reunion of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. The group returns to Hawaii every five years. Membership in the group, chartered by Congress, is dwindling as members advance in years. For those who remain, traveling to Hawaii is physically taxing. The group decided to make this reunion the last gathering in Hawaii.

Membership is open to active military who were on duty and survived the Pearl Harbor bombings 69 years ago on December 7, 1941. National and state chapters are run by members who are all in their late 80′s or over 90 years of age. The national Pearl Harbor Survivors Association is considering disbanding due to low membership and workload on remaining members.

The Virginia Pearl Harbor Survivors Association thrives for now. Meet two Virginia Beach members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association who traveled to Hawaii for this year’s reunion.

Bill Temple, president of the state chapter is returning to Hawaii for the first time since his tour of duty in the 1940′s. At 91 years young, Bill is sharp as a tack and keeps a schedule that would tire someone half his age. He is joined on the trip by his daughter Joan.

Bill Temple

Ernest “Dave” Davenport, state treasurer for the group, is joined by his wife and three sons. A youthful 89 years old, Dave’s personal mission is to make us all aware and alert so we are better prepared for the future.

Ernest “Dave” Davenport

Welcome back to Hawaii and thank you for your service.

Feature Photo Credit: exfordy

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk. She is also the author of the book “Social Networking Throughout Your Career”, available in paperback and on the Kindle.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AprilMWilliams
CyberLife Tutors Blog http://www.cyberlifetutors.com/blog/
Travel Blog http://www.aprilmwilliams.com

Meet The Amazing Hawaii Talent (Cirque Wings)

The Waikiki Shell Amphitheater is going to be brought to life, on December 17th, 18th and 19th, 2010 at 7:00pm, with a new show, Cirque Wings. Come out to support our the wonderful Hawaii talent that will be performing in this amazing show.

We are pleased to introduce you to some of our amazing performers:

• Nani Vercruyssen is a 2010 Roosevelt High School graduate. Vercruyssen was the first Hawaii gymnast to compete at the World Cup level. She was recently named the trampoline sportswoman of the year by USA gymnastics. Vercuyssen trains at the Hawaii Academy in Kalihi and was selected the top trampoline gymnast in the country. She is currently attending UH while preparing for the 2012 Olympics in London.
• Chester Baptista, native Hawaiian, born and raised on Oahu, graduate from McKinley High School and Honolulu Community College. His specialty is hand balancing;
• Joseph Ahuna, native Hawaiian, currently living in Waikiki with his wife and two children. Joseph is a native hoop dancer;
• Shane Masami Doi, born in and raised in Honolulu and is currently attending the Honolulu Community College. Shane is a trampoline and tumbling addict;
• Raymond Silos, born and raised on Oahu, a featured performer with his twin brother throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Raymond specializes in aerial straps, hand balancing and the wheel;
• Kelly Chinone, born in Tokyo, Japan, has lived in Honolulu for many years and owns “Quality Health & Fitness” in Honolulu. Kelly is a hula dancer, Tahitian dancer and stunt performer;
• Alyssa Pevic, born in Michigan, she currently lives in Hawaii Kai while attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Alyssa is an artistic gymnast;
• Irina Rose Jang, born in Beijing, China, grew up in Hong Kong and now lives in Pauoa Valley while attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Irina is an aerial performer as well as an artistic gymnast;
• Billy Bellew, originally from Massachusetts, is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at Hawaii Pacific University. Billy is a contact juggler.

Press Photo’s Courtesy: Cirque Wings

Its unique quality, dazzling performance and classic beauty; Cirque Wings is the jewel of performing arts. Appropriate for all ages, the audience will enjoy incredible aerial acrobatics, various styles of dance; plenty of humor and a fun twist on traditional hula. You will not only enjoy the masterful performance, but will witness the unveiling of a spectacular new theatrical circus innovation.

“From ancient times to modern days the passion to fly has followed us in our dreams for centuries,” explains Ivo Gueorguiev, director of The New Cirque. “Cirque Wings will take you on a magical journey of the history behind flight. I want to present a show to the community of Honolulu that we can all relate to.”

Mr. Gueorguiev brings 40 years of experience to this wonderful masterpiece. A former Cirque du Soleil performer, he began his career before Cirque du Soleil with the legendary Ringling Brothers Circus. Many years following, he found himself starring in Cirque du Soleil’s Emmy nominated Bravo special Dralion setting a performance standard that has been difficult to duplicate. Cirque Wings is a masterpiece that will dazzle audiences of all ages through an amazing display of beauty and strength in flight.

“We all have dreamed we could fly in some shape or form,” says company manager and aerial performer Jill Hansen. “We want this production to be possible for everyone to enjoy. We are offering very affordable ticket prices along with special discounts for kids and the community of Honolulu, a family of 4 can enjoy an evening out for as little as $60.”

Come fly with us on December 17, 18 and 19 at 7:00pm. Support our local talent by giving your family, friends and loved ones the gift of wings this holiday season. A special thanks to The Blaisdell Center for making this holiday spectacular possible.

Tickets start at only $10 for kids 12 & under and $20 for adults (plus applicable charges) with additional discounts for Kama’aina, students, seniors and military, making this an affordable event for all. Do not miss out on this incredible show. Tickets for The New Cirque’s production “Cirque Wings” can be obtained through: Blaisdell Arena Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. For additional information, please visit www.cirquewings.com.

Train to Headline STAR 101.9′s BAND CAMP 8

TRAIN will headline “Star 101.9′s Band Camp 8” and make their Hawaii debut on Dec. 2, 2010 at Blaisdell Arena.

Internationally-known guitarist ORIANTHI (who appeared with Michael Jackson in “This Is It”) and Hawaii-based bands THE THROWDOWNS and PIMPBOT will open the event, which is being produced by Tom Moffatt Productions. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Grammy award-winning TRAIN’s fifth album, “Save Me San Francisco,” features the hits “Hey, Soul Sister,” and “If It’s Love.” “Hey, Soul Sister” is the No. 1 most downloaded song in Columbia Records history and was certified quadruple Platinum by the RIAA as of July 14, 2010. The album has sold more than 500,000 copies.

At 24 years old, ORIANTHI has already experienced what most aspiring musicians only dream of. She’s opened for her hero (Steve Vai), backed an Idol (Carrie Underwood), traded solos with a legend (Carlos Santana) and shared the stage with the King of Pop (Michael Jackson). The world was offered a glimpse of her collaborative performances with Jackson in “This Is It,” the movie that included footage from his last concert tour rehearsals.

Orianthi

Press Photo’s Courtesy: Tom Moffatt Productions & Pitch Engine

THE THROWDOWNS released their debut album, “Don’t Slow Down,” last year and have shared the stage with a variety of bands including The Fray, Matisyahu, Bad Brains, Panic at the Disco, 311, NOFX, the English Beat and others. The Maui-based group is making their second Star 101.9 Band Camp appearance.

PIMPBOT, Hawaii’s DIY-heroes, have taken their original brand of rock/reggae/ska bangers from the shores of Waikiki to the world. The Na Hoku Hanohano (Hawaii’s Grammys) nominated rock band was a featured showcase artist at Austin’s South By Southwest Music Festival and recently completed a tour of Asia & the Pacific Rim sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment.

Ticket prices are $25, $35 and $45 and are on sale NOW! Tickets for the all ages show will be available at the Blaisdell Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets including Walmart, Kailua Sports Gear, online at ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Media Contact: David Sayre 808-221-5025

2010 Honolulu Toys for Tots Parade

Get those Harleys ready for the December 5, 2010 Street Bikers United Toys for Tots parade in Honolulu, Hawaii. Four to five thousand riders are expected to make the four mile route beginning at Magic Island and ending at Kapiolani Community College. Participants from several Hawaiian Islands, Japan and other counties are expected.

The event is sponsored by Street Bikers United Hawaii and advanced registration is not required. Gates open at 7AM and the ride begins at 11AM lasting about an hour .All motorcycle riders and their bikes are welcome. A $2 donation is requested to help defray costs for permits, traffic control and insurance.

I spoke to Ray Pagon, State Treasurer for Street Bikers United Hawaii. He asked me to remind riders to be considerate of our neighbors and tourists alike. He encouraged riders to obey all speed limits and discourages revving engines to reduce complaints. This ride brings in over 10,000 toys to boys and girls and he does not want to see the event closed down.

For more information, contact event manager Ray Pagan. Here is a look at last years parade: 2009 Toys for Tots Biker Parade Waikiki.

(Feature Photo Credit: Noel F. Williams)

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk. She is also the author of the book “Social Networking Throughout Your Career”, available in paperback and on the Kindle.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AprilMWilliams
CyberLife Tutors Blog http://www.cyberlifetutors.com/blog/
Travel Blog http://www.aprilmwilliams.com

NOT I, Premieres At The Hawaii International Film Festival

Not I, is an official selection of the Hawaii International Film Festival for its 30th season held at the Regal Dole Cannery Theatres. On Sunday October 24th at 2:15pm, Not I will screen as part of the Pacific Panorama Shorts, and it is also nominated for the Best Local Shorts Award.

Written and directed by Misa Tupou, Not I ventures into the world of a violent man. Or is he? From a deep sleep he awakes to discover an abusive act on a woman. This forces him to choose, whether to help or not. His indecisiveness mirrors a familiar reality that perhaps he has lived this moment from a previous life. Is it déjà vu, a dream or is it real?

For interviews or more information about “Not I” please contact Misa Tupou directly at 808-721-6942.

What: NOT I, a short film premiering at HIFF
When: Oct 24, 2010
Where: Regal Dole Cannery Theatres
Time: 2:15pm
Tickets: see HIFF website: www.hiff.org
To View and Vote for Best Local Shorts: http://hiff.org/localfilmaward

Aloha Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber, quite possibly one of the biggest teen sensations ever – just wrapped up the Hawaii leg of his “My World Tour” in which he sent out a big “thank you” to the fans and people of Hawaii. He then went on to say in a tweet “im really gonna miss Hawaii. it is awesome here. but Japan…im not complaining…haha. See u guys soon” and with that we say Aloha to Justin Bieber and watch out Japan because here he comes!

During Justin Bieber’s stay in Hawaii he managed to get out and do some great things it appears as indicated through his tweets while in the islands…including recording a new song that he said might be good to put it out for the Holidays & raise some money for charity…he also was accompanied by Jasmine Villegas and Jaden Smith during his Hawaii visit.

Justin Bieber’s Hawaii Tweets:

• Im thinking sunshine, beaches, surfing…Im thinkin HAWAII!!
• i like it here. aloha
• like i said…i really really like it here.
• Hawaii is just too nice. only problem i had so far is got nailed by a wave body boarding….and that is not a problem
• went cliff diving. boarding. good food. sunshine. and even hit the studio inspired to write a new song. Thank u Hawaii. Showtime 2day
• recorded a new song last night. really want to share it with u guys. think we should put it out 4 the Holidays & raise some money 4 charity
• Hawaii lets spend some more time together
• sick day out on the boat with the whole crew. little jack johnson playing and some sunshine and some sea turtles and dolphins. Great day
• Hawaii great night and great vacation here. me, jaden, and @JASMINEVILLEGAS all had a great time. thank u. cant wait to come back!!

Justin Bieber
First Step 2 Forever: My Story

Make A Wish Hawaii Calling All Golfers

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, in partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawaii, invites the public to register for the Fourth Annual Swing for Wishes golf fundraiser. The tournament is Thursday, October 14, 2010 at Hawaii Prince Golf Club in Ewa Beach. Registration is $749 for a team of three players and $249 for individual entry. Fees include: green fees and cart, lunch, post tournament dinner, welcome gift bag, and a raffle ticket. All contestants are eligible to win a 2010 Honda Fit Sport from Pflueger Honda.

The goal of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawaii is to make dreams that seem impossible come true for young people diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. According to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawaii, approximately fifty wishes are made each year. With the help of the annual Swing for Wishes golf tournament, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa has been responsible for fulfilling the wishes of at least twenty-five children in three years.

To register for the golf tournament, please call (808) 237-6105 or email swingforwishes@hyatt.com. Additional information and event updates available online at swingforwishes.com.

To find out more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawaii, please visit makeawishhawaii.org

HiLife Jubilee – Waterfront at Aloha Tower

HiLife Jubilee

Top Shelf & Island 98.5 present HiLife’s Jubilee “It’s all about the music” performing live on stage Hawaii’s Hottest Groups! JBoog, The Green, Kolohe Kai, and Yoza.

Tons of giveaways from HiLife and Butigroove
Party people 21 & Over Welcome
Doors open at 7:30pm
Pre-sale $20.00 or $25.00 at the door

Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 7:30 PM
The Waterfront at the Aloha Tower Marketplace
Tickets: http://808t.in/1o8

Roller Derby Scrimmage Fundraiser for SK808

The skaters of Pacific Roller Derby (Pacific) invite Oahu’s derby fans to the Nerds vs. Prom Queens Scrimmage and Fundraiser held at The Hideaway Bar at the US Coast Guard Air Station at Barber’s at 4:30pm on Saturday, August 7. The $5 admission fee directly supports Pacific’s rollergirls as they prepare for the 3rd Annual SK808 Tournament, a unique event that welcomes the skaters from the mainland and beyond to participate in a pick-up style tournament that features hard core, heavy hitting, all female flat-track roller derby in the heart of Honolulu at the Neal Blaisdell Arena in January 2011.

Pacific’s themed scrimmage and fundraiser will feature Oahu’s favorite skaters such as BeatHer Bailey, Bella de Brawl, and Malice in Wonderland dressed in their finest prom and nerd inspired uniforms as the local derby girls compete to see who has the grace and panache to shed some blood and reign supreme on the roughly paved, skin shredding concrete. The league’s newest skaters, Ace Wenchura, Whips n’ Salsa, A-Bomb, Dirty Karry, and Serial Skrapist will also make their debut at the Hideaway’s caged flat-track. Fans can look forward to live music by Higher Ground, a bbq and bake sale, shave ice, and the opportunity to drop a derby girl in the dunk tank. Derby fans can also look forward to the much anticipated opportunity to buy merchandise that features the league’s new logo.

Pacific’s Hideaway scrimmages are family friendly events, though the bar welcomes fans aged 18+ after sunset. The first whistle blows promptly at 4:30 at the tennis courts outside the USCG Air Station’s Hideaway Bar, at 1 Coral Sea Street in Barber’s Point. Fans without a military ID must RSVP at the league’s website by Wednesday, August 4th, for entry onto the base. For further questions and inquiries, and to learn more about the upcoming SK808 event or how to become involved with Oahu’s premier roller derby league, fans are encouraged to visit www.pacificrollerderby.com.

Honolulu And Kauai Join Earth Hour 2009

Earth Hour 2009 is this Saturday 8:30 – 9:30 PM local time. Where will you be? What will you be doing? Join the one billion people who have pledged to participate in the 3rd annual Earth Hour.

Around the planet, businesses, communities and individuals are coming together to shut off lights for one hour this Saturday night. What started as a local Sydney, Australia event in 2007 grew to global participation in 2008 with 371 cities and 37 countries switching off their lights for one hour.

For Earth Hour 2009, one billion people in 2500 cities and towns across 82 countries have pledged to play a part.

The event initiated by World Wildlife Fund is designed to generate discussions and provoke action among large and small businesses, governments, communities and individuals to make an effort to make changes and reduce their carbon footprint.

The event kicks off in Sydney with boats in Sydney Harbor sounding their horns. The lights in the Harbor and Sydney Opera House will go dark for one hour. Landmarks around the world will follow suit including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Empire State Building in New York, Pyramids in Egypt and Sears Tower in Chicago.

In Hawaii, Honolulu and Kauai counties have joined the initiative. 5,500 Pearl Harbor area residential units at Schofield Barracks and 2,000 at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu will partake. On both bases families can watch movies using projectors powered by photovoltaic cells. The Starwood family of hotels and resorts will turn off all non essential lighting.

Other cities include Shanghai, Helsinki, Chicago, London, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Guatemala City, Auckland, Venice, Abu Dhabi, Vancouver, Gothenburg, Amman, Cape Town, Beijing, Rome, Moscow, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Singapore, Athens, Buenos Aires, Toronto, Sydney, Mexico City, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Manila, Las Vegas and Brussels.

Many events are planned including a drum circle in Athens where the Acropolis and Parthenon will go dark. In Lisbon candle lit outdoor dining is planned. In Melbourne, a concert will include people-powered instruments. People will gather outdoors in cities around Earth to watch city skylines transform.

Where will you be on March 28, at 8:30 pm – 9:30 PM local time? What will you be doing?

For ideas on how you can participate or information visit http://www.earthhour.org. Follow @earthhour on Twitter, #earthhour.

Here are 10 different ways to spend Earth Hour and reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Attend a local Earth Hour event or organise your own by throwing an Earth Hour street party with your neighbours
2. Gather family & friends for a night picnic in your local park and look at the stars
3. Enjoy a family dinner by candlelight
4. Organise a treasure hunt in the dark
5. Take the dog for a night walk
6. Have a candle-lit bath
7. Sit in the dark and share stories
8. Organise a family night playing board games
9. Share a romantic night in with your loved one
10. Upload your “on the night” photos and videos to flickr and YouTube respectively, and then add them to the Earth Hour flickr group and the global YouTube Group.

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Blog http://cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html