Put on your favorite ‘ugly’ sweater and run! | Photo courtesy The Ugly Sweater Run

Merry Christmas! So, did you get one of those ugly holiday sweaters for Christmas? If so, here’s your chance to show it off and start the new year right with a 5K run at the Waikiki Shell.

The Ugly Sweater Run is coming to Honolulu Jan. 4 at 9 a.m., featuring a winter wonderland complete with hot chocolate, holiday-themed stations and festive attire.

“At the start line we have these candy cane columns, and after that they will run into our hot chocolate station on the course, then there’s a reindeer crossing with huge inflatable reindeers that kind of cross over the path, and then they finish through an enchanted forest with huge inflatable Christmas trees, and we also have a 40-foot Santa,” explains Amber Di-Giallonardo of Human Movement Management, who is putting on the event.

There also will be a post-run festival area where participants (21 and older) will receive two free Samuel Adams beers (Samuel Adams Boston or Winter lagers or Angry Orchard Apple Cider). All participants also will receive an Ugly Sweater Run knit hat, a mustache temporary tattoo and unlimited hot chocolate. There also will be post-race contests with some great holiday prizes.

The Ugly Sweater Run started in 2011 in Louisville, Colo., where Human Movement Management is based. The idea was to get people out for a fun run during the winter season. The response was so positive that it quickly expanded to seven cities the next year. This year, there are Ugly Sweater Runs taking place in 32 cities across the U.S. and two in Canada. Honolulu will be the final event of the 2013 series.

“We’ve just seen huge support (for this event) – it’s during winter when there usually aren’t a lot of races going on, especially around the holiday season. Everybody is kind of busy or thinking about other things,” notes DiGiallonardo. “We really encourage people to come out to our event and brighten their spirits a little bit.”

For the record, I personally think holiday sweaters are fun, festive and even cute.

And while participants are encouraged to wear an “ugly sweater,” it is not required.

“We classify this as a fun run – it’s for anyone,” adds DiGiallonardo. “We encourage marathon extraordinaires or someone who is doing their first 5K. It’s dog-friendly. It’s child-friendly.”

Cost for The Ugly Sweater Run is $44 ($50 day of registration). Make a team of four or more and pay $39 per person ($45 day of registration).

Participants also are encouraged to bring a new toy to be donated to Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

To register, visit www.theuglysweaterrun.com. yting@midweek.com

Miss Hawaii USA Moani Hara | Photo by Brice Kurihara/BK photo

Miss Hawaii USA Moani Hara, 24, has a body that many would envy. But through her career as a model, she’s discovered that what’s important is not what others see but how she feels about herself. And that’s something she hopes other girls will value, especially in today’s society where people, including the media, can be so critical of how you look.

Hara, who was born and raised in Nuuanu, also won the swimsuit and evening gown phases in Miss Hawaii USA. In preparation for the pageant, she worked with personal trainer Matt Jones and worked out four days a week. She also spent time running on the treadmill, hiking (she likes Koko Head and Diamond Head) and wakeboarding, and ate a healthy diet consisting of protein shakes, vegetables, chicken, fish and brown rice.

Growing up, Hara says she’s always been active – she played club volleyball and AYSO soccer, paddled for Outrigger Canoe Club and dirt-biked.

“I have all guy cousins, and with me being the only girl, I wanted to hang out with them, so it was either play basketball, soccer or something they did,” she explains.

Nowadays, she works out twice a week but plans to increase that to four days a week again as it gets closer to Miss USA, which is slated for late spring/early summer.

She also continues to eat healthy foods, including salads, brown rice and Brussels sprouts, which are her favorite. She does admit a weakness for desserts, noting that she loves ice cream and is obsessed with cheesecake.

“You don’t necessarily have to be on a diet,” says Hara. “It’s just knowing what’s healthy, moderation and being happy with yourself.”

Her workout must-haves include:

* lululemon clothes
* Nike shoes
* Pandora (she listens to workout radio)
* iPhone with earphones
* Hawaiian Springs Water
* Rodan + Fields sunscreen
* Arbonne lip gloss

“My motivation to live a healthy lifestyle comes from seeing some of my family members pass away from being overweight,” she says. “Also, having little cousins, and my friend’s daughters look up to me – it just keeps me going, and I want to show them how to live a healthy lifestyle and be a good role model.

“Being in the industry that I am in with modeling, it’s all about body and having that perfect image – they’ll say you’re too fat or too skinny, or too this or too that, and I struggled with that for a little bit in the beginning. But I’ve learned that you just have to be content with yourself. To me, the perfect woman is not necessarily looks, shape or size, it’s being able to wake up every morning and being completely content with yourself and to live your life with a purpose. Looks fade over time, but that mindset will never go away.”

Blake (from left), Rory, Carsen and Donna Otto at the Neon Vibe 5K Jan. 3 at Aloha Stadium | Yu Shing Ting photo

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to do the Neon Vibe 5K run with 11-year-old twins Blake and Carsen Otto of Kaneohe.

The event served as a benefit for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Kapiolani’s Children’s Miracle Network.

As we walked the family-friendly fun run at Aloha Stadium, I asked the boys if they knew why I was walking with them and interviewing them. They replied, “Because we’re awesome.”

Yes, they are awesome.

From the day they were born, they’ve inspired others to have hope. Both were born premature at 3-and-a-half months before they were due, and weighed less than 2 pounds each.

Though parents Rory and Donna Otto also have an older son, 14-year-old Devin, who also was born premature, the early arrival of the twins was still very unexpected.

According to Blake and Carsen, Blake is into the “nerdy stuff,” such as band (he plays the drums), and wants to be a book writer and inventor. He also has his own pressure washer business, and his mom wants him to be a balloonist. Carsen, who is the older twin by seven minutes, wants to be an actor.

“Donna’s pregnancies were perfect, and all of a sudden in four hours our lives were changed,” recalls Rory. “At the time, we talked to doctors and the prognosis wasn’t good. They had a 50/50 chance of living. That’s the hardest thing, just not really knowing what was going to be the outcome.

“So, for us, we go to these things because we want people to know that we did it at 25 weeks and we made it. This could happen to anybody. But there is hope, and there is a chance.”

When they were born in November 2002 at Kapiolani Medical Center, Blake stayed in the NICU for four months and Carsen for three months before they could go home. They both experienced lung problems but have since overcome them. Now they attend St. Anthony School in Kailua, and both are doing really well – Blake is on the honor roll and Carsen is close. Devin, who attends Le Jardin Academy, also is doing very well and is “obsessed with video games,” notes the younger siblings.

“We really appreciate what Kapiolani did for us,” says Rory, who owns Nylawn, a company specializing in synthetic turf, playground equipment and surfacing. “(When the babies were there) Donna would go and spend the day there and I would go at night. It’s one of the top neonatal hospitals in the country, and having that in our backyard was a godsend. Because of the knowledge they had, (our children) had a chance and we got lucky three times. So we want to continue to give hope and raise awareness about the hospital.”

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The Epilepsy Foundation’s Jan. 26 event includes bikers, runners and walkers. Photo from Epilepsy Foundation Hawaii

The Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii presents Sharon’s Ride, Run and Walk Jan. 26 at Diamond Head, starting at 7 a.m.

The family-friendly event features a bike ride (there’s a 100km, 75km or 35km course), a kid’s bike obstacle course (at 10:30 a.m.), a 10K and 5K run (starting at 7:30 a.m.), and a one-mile walk (at 8:30 a.m.).

One of the unique features of the event is the run which goes into Diamond Head Crater. Among those who will be on the scenic 5K course is Honolulu lawyer Ed Kemper, who serves on the board of the Epilepsy Foundation and has been volunteering for the organization for about the past 15 years.

“A good friend of mine, who did have epilepsy and still does, was very concerned about the foundation, and asked myself and others to help,” says Kemper to explain his involvement. “He was very concerned about whether or not the foundation would flounder. He made a strong case that they needed help, and he was going to lead the charge, so I volunteered and I have been ever since in various capacities.”

Sharon’s Ride, Run and Walk for Epilepsy welcomes runners and bikers of all ages and skill levels – from elite runners to people who simply want to support the organization and walk. Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female finisher, as well as the top three finishers in each age group.

Kemper, who lists himself in the “senior” age group, started running about 20 years ago after signing up for the

Great Aloha Run with some friends. He didn’t train, and recalls barely being able to walk after mile six. But he didn’t give up and continued on to the finish. Since then, he’s run in almost every Great Aloha Run and is signed up for the next one coming up on President’s Day.

These days you’ll likely see him running through the streets from Honolulu Club to Ala Moana or Waikiki, totaling about 20 miles a week. He also enjoys competing in various 5K and 10K races. The Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii also has another running event called the Freedom Run which takes place on the Fourth of July in Kailua.

“Since I started running, I’ve maintained my health,” says Kemper, who also is a well-known car enthusiast. “I feel very fit. I look forward to running because I think it clears my mind from the day’s work, and I just generally feel better.”

According to the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii, it is estimated that more than 15,000 Hawaii residents suffer from epilepsy, and more than 75,000 people are touched by it.

“I’ve seen epilepsy dramatically affect people where they literally faint and need time to recover, so it’s not something to be taken lightly,” says Kemper. “It’s a condition of the brain that affects the nerves, and it can cause people to have seizures at various levels from complete fainting to momentary lapses, so it’s a broad spectrum and it can be extremely debilitating. It affects people of all ages, all genders, anybody.”

All proceeds collected locally from the event will go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to individuals with seizure disorders.

For more information, visit EpilepsyHawaii.org or call 528-3058.

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NFL players Chris and Ma’ake Kemoeatu celebrate the opening of their Pacific Elite Sports Fitness Center in Kaneohe this month, a cutting-edge training and physical therapy facility with the best in new technology, nutrition and rehabilitation methodologies.

“It’s all the stuff we learned in the NFL, not only with the trainers but also from physical therapists,” says Ma’ake. “We have all the latest weights and equipment. We also will have a hyperbaric chamber, a floatation therapy pool and an anti-gravity treadmill (like the one many NBA stars are using).

NFL players Ma'ake (left) and Chris Kemoeatu of Kahuku at their new Pacific Elite Sports Fitness Center in Kaneohe | Rachel Breit photo

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“Growing up in Hawaii and knowing the talent we have here, we go to the Mainland and we learn there’s a whole different way of training for high school kids, and they even start training the kids at 4, 5 years old. So my brother and I are looking at the talent we have in Hawaii, and they have the talent to get them far enough, but imagine now they have this facility that can elevate them more.”

Ma’ake, who has one Super Bowl ring with the Baltimore Ravens (2013), and Chris, who has two with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2006, 2009), are taking a one-year break from the NFL to take care of some personal matters.

They say their fitness center is not just for football players, but for any athlete at any age and in any sport who wants to make it to the next level and realize their maximum potential.

The training is one-on-one with a trainer from Power Train, a company founded by Steve Saunders, with whom the Kemoeatu brothers train on the Mainland.

“The training we’re doing here is real specific to the sport,” explains Chris. “It’s custom-made to what the athlete needs to get better, stronger and faster. And if he’s hurt, we’ll work around that and rehab them.”

The brothers say they chose Kaneohe near Windward Mall for the location of their facility because it’s close enough for those in their hometown of Kahuku and for those in town.

“For us, we always decided wherever we go in the 50 states, we’re always going to end up in Hawaii,” says Ma’ake. “This facility has always been a dream of ours; it’s been in the thinking for the past five, six years. Now, it’s finally becoming a reality.”

Ma’ake, who has an 8-month-old son, has been in the NFL for 11 years, Chris for eight years. They always spend their off-season home, where the first thing they do is eat. They list Hukilau Cafe, Ted’s Bakery, Papa Ole’s, Hokulani and Fresh Catch as some of their favorite spots. They also love spending time with family, going to the beach, and are known to have family barbecues with more than enough food to eat and take home.

They also love helping the children in Hawaii, and have a nonprofit called the Kemoeatu Brothers Foundation. In the last few years, they’ve conducted local youth football clinics, organized fundraising events and donated time and money to assist young athletes, especially underprivileged kids.

“Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the young kids excel in the sport that they do,” says Ma’ake. “I once said that we’re not here to tell how much we’ve accomplished. The story we want to tell is what the possibilities are – the possibilities for young athletes are endless.

“Going forward in the next five, 10 years, we want not only to expand the facility to other locations, but also to see the young athletes of Hawaii get to the next level. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, soccer, we can turn on the TV to ESPN and say, hey, we trained that athlete, he’s doing well, he’s excelling. He got a scholarship, got his degree, went on and played in the pros, and comes back and gives back to the community.”

In addition to the physical training, the brothers also stress the importance of education. They hope to help with not only improving their game, but also the other factors of being a student athlete, especially if they make it to the professional level.

“That’s one thing I’m looking forward to: the young athletes coming out of college getting ready to go into the NFL. We can be a mentor to them on what to expect when you’re going into training camp, when you’re the drafted young guy, the lifestyle of it, how to handle the media – life in the spotlight is totally different,” explains Ma’ake.

“We want to give them a heads up on what to expect, how it is, the dos and don’ts,” adds Chris.

Their advice for young athletes: Stay humble, don’t forget where you came from and stay hungry.

“I think one of the things that kept us in the league for so long is just staying hungry, never being satisfied,” says Ma’ake.

In addition to student athletes, the facility also provides workouts and rehabilitation for adult athletes of any age, such as a golfer in her 50s with an injury.

For more information, visit pacificelitesports.com or call 462-0321.

The Hawaii 5210 Let’s Go! Keiki Run takes place Feb. 15 from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Neal Blaisdell Center, featuring a flat two-mile course for children age 12 and under and their families.

The fun run begins at 8:15 a.m., with participants taking off in three waves by age categories.

On the last wave, which is for preschoolers and strollers, members of the University of Hawaii women’s track team will escort the event’s littlest runners.

At the start line of last year’s Hawaii 5210 Let’s Go! Keiki Run | Photo from Hawaii 5210

After the run, participants will be treated to a healthy breakfast, compliments of McDonald’s, Meadow Gold and the Junior League of Honolulu. There will be Tru-Moo chocolate milk, apple dippers, granola bars, bananas and bottled water. There also will be a tae kwon do demonstration, and a Hawaii 5210 dance taught by students from Kamehameha Schools. Finishers also receive a T-shirt and free entry to the Kaiser Permanente Great Aloha Run Expo that opens at 9 a.m.

Based at University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, and led by Hawaii Initiative for Childhood Obe sity Research and Education (HICORE), Hawaii 5210 Let’s Go! is an initiative to promote healthy eating and active living. The numbers represent the recommended “5″ servings of fruits, roots and vegetables; “2″ hours or less of screen time per day, “1″ hour of physical play per day and “0″ sugary drinks for Hawaii’s keiki.

“We know that kids who eat more fruits and vegetables have a healthier weight, so we’re really trying to encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, or at least try them for not just weight, but overall nutrition, because they’ve got a lot of micronu-trients as well and fiber,” says pediatrician May Okihiro, who also serves as director of HICORE and the Hawaii 5210 initiative.

“Also, we definitely rec-ognize the busy lives everybody leads, and that restaurants and fast-food establishments have to be part of the solution. So, we’re really encouraging businesses to come up with healthier options.”

As for watching TV and playing video games on any type of electronic device, including smartphones and tablets, Okihiro says parents really need to monitor how much screen time their kids are getting.

“The No. 1 problem is it’s a sedentary activity. Some sedentary activities are OK, but because those electronics are so engaging with kids, they can really make it so that all they want to do is sit there,” Okihiro explains. “The second thing is a lot of TV and some movies and other entertainment expose kids to a lot of media or advertising that may encourage unhealthy eating – so fast food, junk food, very sugary cereals that are heavily advertised during children TV shows.”

According to pediatrician Theresa Wee, we’re in a childhood obesity crisis situation in Hawaii and in the U.S. In her practice, she says she teaches 5210 with the understanding that it has to be a family effort.

“One in three children, as they enter kindergarten in Hawaii, are either obese or overweight,” she notes. “At every visit, I talk to parents about their child’s body mass index – where they are on the graph as far as normal weight. When you’re overweight, you become much more prone to chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, chronic heart disease, stroke and early death.

“Now, I’m seeing children and teenagers who have diabetes and hypertension. Thirty years ago, you never saw that.”

Wee also encourages families to take baby steps – stop drinking soda and replace it with water and milk, turn off the TV one hour earlier and replace it with a family activity, such as walking.

The Hawaii 5210 Let’s Go! Keiki Run is limited to 2,000 participants. Online registration for $22 has been extended to Feb. 5. After Feb. 5, people can still register in person at packet pick-up Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 9, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Running Room (819 Kapahulu Ave.). Cost if registering at packet pick-up is $25. A portion of registration fees will go to public and private Hawaii schools to support physical education, physical activity and nutrition education programs. Last year, $22,000 was raised for Oahu preschool, elementary and middle schools.

For more information, visit hawaii5210.com.

Team Baseball, World Series champions David Wells (left) and Kevin Millar (right), with 2013 Kapiolani Children’s Miracle Network champion Ikaika Ka‘ahanui (10), who served as their ‘Miracle Caddy’ in last week’s Ace Hardware Shootout golf tournament. Team Baseball won the tourney | Nathalie Walker photo

Former Major League Baseball player and 2004 World Series champion Kevin Millar visited Oahu for the first time last week. He was here for the Ace Hardware Shootout golf tournament at Turtle Bay’s Palmer Course to help raise funds for and awareness of the critical care Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals provide throughout North America, including at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. Other athletes from the NFL, NBA and NASCAR also were at the charity event, including NBA Hall of Famers Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Clyde Drexler, and three-time Super Bowl champion Steve Young.

“The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a remarkable foundation to be a part of and such a great opportunity, especially (for me) being a father of four,” says Millar, who has been involved with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Ace Hardware events for the past eight years. “Any time you have a chance to touch kids’ lives, that’s ultimately what it boils down to: the lives that are saved through this event and this foundation. There are all kinds of foundations, but I think any time you’re talking about kids, there’s a soft spot in a lot of people’s hearts.”

Also taking part in the tourney was Kapiolani Children’s Miracle Network champion, 10-year-old Ikaika Kaahanui, who served as the tournament’s Miracle Caddie.

“Ikaika is one of my favorite little boys,” says Millar, who met him a few years ago. “To know his story, the battles he has had, the whole situation touches your life forever. And it excites me to see his progress.”

Millar, who grew up in Los Angeles and lives in Austin, Texas, played 12 years in MLB and says life now is about raising his kids (8-year-old boy/girl twins, a 7-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter) and trying to be the best father. He also co-hosts a show on the MLB Network called Intentional Talk with Chris Rose.

To stay in shape, he tries to go to the gym three days a week and enjoys playing golf, adding that he’s about a 6 handicap. He also tries to eat healthy, but admits to having a “Nestle tooth” and late-night gummy bear cravings.

And while he’s never been to Oahu before, he says he used to go to Maui a lot as a kid because his grandparents lived there.

“Hawaii is the most unbelievable place,” he says. “The food is wonderful and the people are very friendly. There’s not a whole lot of things you can dislike about it.”

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Leilehua High School junior Ella Raguindin | Nathalie Walker photo

For her senior project, Leilehua High School junior Ella Raguindin wanted to raise awareness of hyper-tension and heart disease, so she decided to organize a Jump Rope for Heart event at her school for students at neighboring Trinity Lutheran School.

“I chose hypertension because my dad Elly had it for five years, and then he got it cured by exercising, drinking lots of water and taking medication,” says Raguindin, who lives in Whitmore Village. “He went jogging every weekend, if he could, and changed his diet – he ate chicken, brown rice and lots of vegetables.”

For the event, Raguindin contacted the American Heart Association, which sponsors Jump Rope for Heart, as well as various school administrators and the PE department to get permission to use the school gym. She was able to spend up to $150 for snacks (consisting of fig bars, fruit snacks, Quaker chewy bars and Nature Valley granola bars), which were paid for by Community Children’s Council.

There was music by DJ Kris Shigeoka, and the Kamehameha jump rope team showed up to show off some tricks.

“I learned a lot from this, such as not procrastinating on things and getting information out to everybody involved – they should always be updated,” says Raguindin.

“I think the event went really well. We had 160 students, plus 20 adults participating. I wanted to spread awareness about high blood pressure and how it can lead to hypertensive heart disease, which can lead to a stroke, heart attack and death; and I think I was able to get that message out. And they had so much fun, too.”

At Leilehua, the senior project is a class elective for juniors and seniors. In addition to the event, Raguindin also has to write a research paper, put together a portfolio and give an oral presentation.

“If a 17-year-old can think big like this and make it happen, anybody can,” says co-class adviser and PE teacher William Ganiko, noting that he doesn’t recall a Jump Rope for Heart event at Leilehua in the 11 years he’s been there. “And because of Ella’s efforts, we would like to carry on from this and maybe have our PE class continue it.”

Raguindin says it was a couple of years ago when her dad found out he no longer had high blood pressure.

“He’s still eating healthy and exercising, and he’s constantly reminding us to drink lots of water,” she says. “He tells us things that we should know now that we’re growing up, that we should learn from him so we don’t follow the same mistakes.”

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Three years ago, Steven Sullivan and wife Serena decided to do their first marathon. What they never knew was that crossing that finish line would mark the start of their life as “marathon-running junkies.”

In just three years, they’ve done 13 marathons, including Kauai, Singapore, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Maui, Portland, Baltimore, Sedona, three more in Honolulu, and one on the North Shore. Their goal: 50 marathons in 50 states, and seven marathons on seven continents.

Steven Sullivan takes the plunge for Special Olympics Hawaii | Special Olympics Hawaii photo

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“Once you do your first marathon, you’re hooked,” says Steven, who is general manager of Waterfront Plaza (aka Restaurant Row). “We were active before, but not running 35 miles a week. Now, we’re running between 25 and 35 miles a week.”

Sullivan, who is originally from Baltimore and moved to Hawaii in 1996 with the Marine Corps, even has 26.2 tattooed on his right arm, as well as the Portland Marathon medal. “It was my favorite marathon and the first one I obtained a sub-four-hour time,” he notes. “I felt it was important to remind myself how hard I worked to get to that point, while working 10-hour days, etc.”

At home, the couple has a growing display of medals, as well as their race numbers in a framed collage. In addition to marathons, they also participate in races of various distances throughout the year. Their average marathon finishing time is 3 hours and 45 minutes for Steven, and 4 hours and 15 minutes for Serena, a teacher at Cole Academy in Kailua.

“Since running, my energy levels have gone up,” adds Steven. “Also, we run to eat. We quit drinking soda, but we like to eat junk foods.

“After I finished the marathon, I have a picture of me eating a whole large pizza, a Philly cheesesteak, a cheeseburger and a hot dog, all in one sitting. So, we eat a lot.”

In addition to running, Sullivan also spends much of his time volunteering. He serves as president for the Building Owners and Managers Association, is on the board for Kakaako Improvement Association and more. He also is an active supporter of Special Olympics, which provides year-round sports programs for athletes free of charge.

Last year, he recruited 35 people for Team Drop 808, who as a group raised more than $24,000 for Special Olympics through its Over the Edge event, where participants rappel 31 stories down Sheraton Waikiki. Two years ago, the team raised about $23,500.

He also takes part in Special Olympics’ annual Polar Plunge, which is coming up March 29 at Waterfront Plaza. Last year, an 80-foot inflatable water slide was added to the pool of ice water.

Plungers are asked to raise a minimum of $100 by the day of the event. Register online before March 14, and the fundraising minimum is $75. Also, students from elementary to college can join with a fundraising entry of $50. Or sign up as a Super Plunger, raise a minimum of $1,000 and take the plunge 12 times.

Sullivan, of course, will be among the Super Plungers. He did it last year, and even added a personal goal of raising $2,000 and ran one mile (two times around Restaurant Row) in between the 12 plunges.

“When I was in the Marines, I helped Special Olympics a little bit, and I remember this child who would get constant seizures, and he was in a wheelchair,” recalls Sullivan. “The whole day, I would take him from event to event, and at one of the events, he medaled. When he got the medal, it was the first time the entire day that he smiled. And after seeing him smile, it was like wow.

“I hope more people would get involved with Special Olympics. You don’t have to necessarily only raise money; you also can donate time.”

For details or to register for the Polar Plunge, visit www.specialolympicshawaii.org.

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State Rep. Sharon Har (pictured center with youths from West Oahu) is hosting a Keiki Wellness Day March 15 in Kapolei | Photo courtesy Sharon Har

To support the many young families in her Kapolei/Makakilo district, state Rep. Sharon Har is hosting a Keiki Wellness Day Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kapolei High School cafetorium. The free event will offer health and safety information, wellness checkups, keiki IDs and fingerprinting, keiki helmet fitting, games and activities, healthy snacks and more.

“One of every three residents in District 42 is a minor (under age 18),” explains Har. “So I have a very young district, including many first-time homebuyers, first-time parents.

“It really is such an honor to represent this community, and knowing I have such a high demographic of young people in this community, I really wanted to bring this service to them. To me, it just made sense.”

While the event is geared for the Kapolei community, anyone from any part of the island is welcome to attend. On-site and on-hand will be representatives from the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center WIC Program, Infant Swimming Resource, Hawaii Internet Crimes Against Children, McGruff the Crime Dog, DOE Leeward District Health and Wellness Program, Hawaii Meth Project, the City and County of Honolulu Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Honolulu Community Action Head Start, Honolulu Fire Department, Kamaaina Kids,

Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Centers, PATCH, Kaiser Permanente, KROC Center, YMCA Leeward Branch, Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii, HMSA, CVS Caremark and more.

Event sponsors include Honolulu Star-Advertiser, McDonald’s Kapolei, Service Printers Hawaii, Meadow Gold Dairies and Hawaiian Electric Company.

“Whether it’s on health or safety, we want to make sure parents and children are armed with the information they need to make better lifestyle choices,” adds Har, who was born in Springfield, Ill., and raised in Hawaii and California.

Personally, Har stays active by taking fitness classes from her husband, Vincent Todd, who in addition to his job as a professor at UH-West Oahu is an instructor at 24 Hour Fitness, teaching various classes such as step, body combat and kickboxing.

“I think exercise obviously is an important component to a healthy lifestyle,” says Har, who has lived in Kapolei for 15 years. “Also, my husband and I love to cook, so we need to balance that with exercise.”

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University of Oregon alumna Savannah Wolfe of Waipahu. Nathalie Walker photo

For 22-year-old Savannah Wolfe of Waipahu, family always comes first.

So, after graduating from University of Oregon in 2013 and then staying on as an assistant coach for the school’s cheerleading squad this past football season, she decided to come home. “My brother (Shayne) is a senior at Kamehameha, and I moved back to support him with his school and athletics, and be here for his last year,” she explains.

Wolfe, who graduated from Kamehameha in 2009, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human anatomy and physiology with a minor in psychology. She attended UO with a Dean’s scholarship for her academics, a Na Ho’okama a Pauahi scholarship from Kamehameha and an athletic scholarship as cheerleading captain for two years.

Since moving back in December, she’s also been busy preparing for next month’s tryouts for the San Francisco 49ers cheerleading team. She even got a taste of the NFL during the recent Pro Bowl, where she worked with production company e2k at the Pro Bowl draft, all-star block party and Ohana Day.

“What also was special was four of the cheerleaders went up to Kamehameha and my high school coach invited me up, and I got to ask them more in-depth questions,” she says. “They said to just go for your dream and don’t hold back. Even if you don’t make it the first time or even the second time, if it’s what you really want to do and are passionate about it, go back and keep trying. They like to see that you’re determined.

“Since I cheered from a young age, it’s always been a goal to make it all the way to the professional level. I’ve always loved California, and the Niners are my favorite out of the three teams there.”

Wolfe also recently was hired by 24 Hour Fitness as a personal trainer at the Pearl City facility, and she eventually hopes to continue her education to become a physical therapist or an athletic trainer.

“I’ve just always been interested in health, the human body and fitness,” she says. “I think health and fitness is more of a lifestyle choice. I love to go out on runs. I do some light lifting. I also love to participate in group fitness classes, such as Zumba, step and spinning. And I really enjoy yoga when I want to just relax and clear my mind, and it really helps, too, with overall core and flexibility.”

Wolfe also dreams of traveling the world, but home always will be Hawaii, where she plans to one day settle down and raise a family.

“My mom passed away from a brain aneurysm when I was in high school, and my dad (a city bus driver) has been a single parent,” she shares. “He’s been an awesome dad, works really hard and always put family first. Through the hardships and struggles, we were always there for each other, which is why family is so important to me.

“I’ve learned to never take anything, especially time, for granted and to always let your loved ones know how much you appreciate them and how much they mean to you.”

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Iolani School athletic trainer Louise Inafuku with an automated external defibrillator | Nathalie Walker photo

On Feb. 12, 2014, Louise Inafuku was in the athletic training room at Iolani School when one of the school’s baseball players ran in and said a coach was down. He had collapsed on the baseball field.

Immediately, she ran outside with an automated external defibrillator (AED) in hand.

“As soon as I saw him, I knew he was in cardiac arrest,” she recalls. “I placed the AED pads on him, it analyzed and said to shock him once, so I did. It analyzed again and said no shock advised, so I went straight to the chest compressions and we did some rescue breathing.”

In the meantime, 911 was called. Within five minutes firefighters arrived, followed by EMS shortly after.

The coach survived and is reportedly doing well.

There also have been two other incidents within the past two years at Iolani where the AEDs were used on cardiac-arrest victims. Both also survived and are doing well.

“The first incident was in May 2012 and involved one of our faculty members,” explains Inafuku. “He had some of the symptoms and knew something was not right, so he walked into the infirmary, where he collapsed. The school nurse applied the AED and initiated everything, and I was called over to assist.

“The second one was a visiting water polo parent, so that happened by the pool.

The AED was brought out and I was called. But by the time I got there, I believe one of the parents was a nurse and she applied the AED to the parent.”

According to American Red Cross, a victim’s chance of survival (from sudden cardiac arrest) decreases by 7 to 10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation, so placing AEDs in key locations and making sure people are trained to use them can mean the difference between life and death.

Iolani started installing AEDs in 2006 and has 17 devices spread throughout its campus.

“Anyone on campus has access to the AEDs,” notes Inafuku. “None of the ones mounted on the wall are locked, so anyone can open the cabinet door, and an alarm will go off to indicate the AED is being used.

“Most people are hesitant to use it because they’re, like, ‘I don’t know how to use it’ or ‘I don’t want to harm them.’ But it’ll walk you through it as soon as you turn it on.”

Inafuku says in addition to staff and faculty, all of the ninth- and 11th-graders are trained to use the AEDs.

“We want to empower the students to not be afraid to at least initiate CPR while someone else is getting help,” she says. “We don’t want them to think it’s only the medical staff that is able to save lives.”

There were about 40 students who witnessed the most recent incident, which occurred during baseball practice. “A lot of them came up to me, thanked me and gave me a hug, and that was really nice,” shares Inafuku. “I think a lot of them were very affected by experiencing that.”

March is National Athletic Training Month, which recognizes the work of athletic trainers, including Inafuku, who also is president of Hawaii Athletic Trainers Association.

At Iolani, Inafuku is one of two full-time athletic trainers on staff. The school also has two part-time trainers.

“Personally, I feel very blessed to have been there and to have assisted,” says Inafuku. “And I’m very happy that all three incidents have turned out to be very positive.”

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Vino & Vinyasa at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in Waikiki. Photo courtesy Starwood Waikiki

Last Thursday, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in Waikiki took part in the global launch of the Westin Well-being Movement, a $15-million campaign designed to enhance the well-being of guests and associates in its properties around the world, as well as in their surrounding communities.

The yearlong initiative features a variety of innovative partnerships and programs across Westin’s six brand pillars: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well and Play Well.

For example, at Moana Surfrider, guests and associates now are able to enjoy Superfood breakfast and dinner options, yoga, meditation and more.

Surfboard racks have been installed on property to make it convenient for employees who want to catch some waves before and/or after work. Fresh, made-to-order salads also are offered to its staff at the low price of $6 to encourage healthy eating.

For guests, a meditation room is available at Moana Lani Spa for those who simply want some quiet time.

And at The Veranda, where afternoon tea is a longtime island tradition, new tea menus have been added for those with gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan diets.

The iconic hotel also will continue its popular Vino & Vinyasa, held the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. and featuring a free yoga class on the hotel’s beachfront Diamond Lawn or Moana Beach, followed by vino ($5 per glass of wine). Held in partnership with lululemon, it’s open to the public. There’s no age requirement to participate in the yoga session, but guests must be 21 or older to enjoy the wine.

“This was a way for Moana Surfrider to do community outreach and speak through the Westin brand’s Wellness component, which is a global initiative,” says Diana Su, public relations manager. “Plus, our resort’s owners, Kyoya Management Co., supports great community events that locals can attend free of charge and interact with our hotel guests while staying healthy in both mind and body.”

Instructors vary throughout the year, and anyone with any level of yoga experience is invited to participate. Last month’s class was led by Coco Zhang, who specializes in Bhatki Flow.

“Lululemon helps us secure the instructors, who are their ambassadors,” adds Su. “Also, their clothing line helps us spread the word throughout the yoga community to help drive more interest.”

As for the vino afterward, there are usually two types of organic wines served – white and red.

To register for Vino & Vinyasa, kamaaina and resort guests can email moanalanispaevents.00374@westin.com or call 922-3111.

Parking validation is available for those who self-park at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani ($4 for four hours).

In Hawaii, there are three more Westin properties: Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Westin Maui Resort & Spa and Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas. For more information, visit westin.com.

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Romolo Barros (right), founder of the Hawaii Triple Crown of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with his mentor Rickson Gracie. The Hawaii Triple Crown of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will have its first event of the series, the Hawaiian Open Championship, May 3 at Pearl City High School | Photo courtesy Romolo Barros

Romolo Barros, who founded the Hawaii Triple Crown of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, believes jiu-jitsu has made him a better person.

He was born and raised in Brazil, but didn’t learn jiujitsu until he was a senior in high school living in California with his older brother Robson (who also is a black belt), and their roommate was Rorion Gracie, creator of the hugely successful Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“Learning jiu-jitsu improves your overall life in every way – to be a better husband, a better father, a better human being and a complete fighter,” explains Barros. “You will become more secure with yourself. You will learn how to defend yourself, but in the process of getting there, you also will learn a lot more than just how to be a better fighter.

“The essence of Gracie jiu-jitsu is leverage – using the least amount of force for the maximum results. Whatever position you fall into, you just have to find the leverage there, and you’ll be fine. So Brazilian jiu-jitsu is for everyone: big, small, weak, strong, young or old.”

In addition to jiu-jitsu, Barros also loves to surf, and he moved to Hawaii 30 years ago for the waves, as well as the beauty of the Islands and the aloha spirit.

Shortly after, Relson Gracie (Rorion’s brother), also moved to Hawaii and started teaching his family’s style of self-defense here. Barros started training with Relson, and together they shared a passion for promoting jiu jitsu in Hawaii. “Relson was the first to put on jiu-jitsu events here, but then he stopped and I felt there was a need to continue it,” says Barros. “It’s about the opportunity to showcase the talent in Hawaii through friendly competition, So, I created Hawaii Triple Crown of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”

The first event of this year’s tournament series, the Hawaiian Open Championship, is scheduled for May 3 at Pearl City High School from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The final two events of the series are the State of Hawaii Championship in July and the Aloha State Championship in November. Barros also has the Maui Open in August and the Kauai Open in September, and plans to expand to the Big Island next year.

“This year is our 10th anniversary, and we are upgrading our equipment to maximize efficiency, such as new mats and implementation of electronic scoring systems and hour-by-hour timeline of events,” notes Barros. “Also, one of my black belts, Chris West, will be taking over as tournament director/promoter. He’s also an MMA fighter, head coach for Kamehameha’s wrestling team, and has a lot of experience in running wrestling events which is similar to jiujitsu.

“We just want to make the event better and more professional, and I think Chris will take it to that next level. We are the longest and the only local official Brazilian jiu jitsu event in the state. We follow the rules of traditional Brazilian jiu jitsu.”

Barros, who is a fifth-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, owns and operates Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu/Gracie Elite Team, as well as the Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu Association.

“Although I originally learned jiu-jitsu from Rorion, I got my black belt from Rickson Gracie, who continues to be my mentor and close friend,” adds Barros. “And Rolls Gracie also was a great friend, instructor and inspiration. I got my first belt, a blue belt, from him and Rorion. Rolls passed away very young, but left a legacy for all of us, just like Grand Master Helio Gracie did.”

The Hawaii Triple Crown of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu features different brackets by weight, belt, and gi or no gi. There also are kids and masters divisions. Winners of their brackets receive medals, and Hawaii Triple Crown champions will get trophies and championship belts. Also, for the first time, roundtrip tickets will be awarded to some of the champions to compete in the World Jiu Jitsu tournament in Long Beach, Calif. in November.

“One of the greatest things about jiu-jitsu is it makes you a more humble person,” adds Barros. “I see it all the time in class. You also become more confident, and you develop physical and mental skills. It’s one of the best workouts you can have.

“From when I moved to Hawaii, jiu-jitsu really has grown a lot. There used to be only one school, Relson’s school, and then mine. Now, I can’t really tell you how many there are, but there’s got to be hundreds.”

Barros continues to teach and train jiu-jitsu, as well as surf, swim and lift weights. He also follows the Gracie diet, which is based on a proper combination of foods.

Anyone can attend the Hawaii Triple Crown of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Hawaiian Open Championship. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids, free for children under 5. Cost to enter the competition ranges from $55 to $75. For more information, visit hawaiitriplecrown.com.

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For more than 40 years, the KAC (Kalanianaole Athletic Club) Basketball program has been providing children a place to not only play basketball, but also an opportunity to make new friends, stay active and learn many other life skills.

Open to kids from age 5 to 18, the popular co-ed league typically attracts 800 to 1,000 participants. It runs twice a year – winter and summer, with online registration for its upcoming summer league closing at midnight on April 12.

Kalanianaole Athletic Club Basketball emphasizes learning and fun. Jonah Higashiguchi

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“I think it’s a good league because it’s not real competitive – we let kids of all levels enter,” says Ed Hoo, KAC Basketball president. “Some of the other clubs will have select teams where they choose the kids they want to join. We have open enrollment. Anybody can sign up, and then we have a blind draft where we assess the kids and blindly place them on teams. That way the teams are balanced, and the games are fun and a little bit competitive.

“That’s the whole philosophy of KAC, to let kids learn basketball without the pressure of winning all the time.”

KAC Basketball is a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers. Registration fees go toward paying for referees, use of gyms, uniforms and insurance.

The summer league starts May 26 and ends Aug. 10, and games usually are played at Kilauea District Park, Kaimuki District Park, Palolo District Park and Holy Nativity School. Games, which are about an hour long, take place Friday night, Saturday or Sunday.

“Generally, most of the kids in our league are from Hawaii Kai to Moiliili, but it’s open to anybody,” says Hoo. “Also, we try to keep our fee low. We want kids from all economic levels to come. We limit practices to twice a week, so kids can do other activities, as well as concentrate on their studies.

“Also, we believe in positive coaching. We teach coaches to not to be too negative on the kids, to not yell and scream at them, but to teach them in an encouraging, positive way.”

Hoo, a contractor, first became involved with KAC Basketball as a coach when his three children were part of the program. That was more than 20 years ago. Now he says he continues to volunteer because he likes what KAC stands for.

“I think this program is good for the kids in that not only does it teach them basketball but it also keeps them off the street, for one thing, and secondly we teach life skills,” he explains. “We have a lot of beginners who never played or were too shy to play, and somehow they’re willing to try KAC, especially at the younger level where it’s not real competitive and more participatory. They play with a lot of different people all the time, and every team they go on is usually a new team and a different coach, so it’s a good life experience. To me, that’s what basketball is about. It’s a venue to teach kids about life.

“Also, at the lower levels, we don’t keep score and we have equal playing time. So, no matter how strong you are, you have the same amount of time. Every parent pays the same fee, so why should the kid whose parent paid the same fee get less play time than the other kid? It’s not fair, even though they’re not as good.”

While KAC is not considered competitive, some of the past participants have moved on to have great success, such as Derrick Low, Ryan Hirata, Kyle Pape and Courtney Gaddis.

Cost for the 2014 KAC Basketball summer league is $75. For details or to register, visit kacbasketball.net.

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Former Campus Center Board president Michelle Tagorda and current president Matthew Nagata in the New Warrior Recreation Center. Anthony Consillio photo

There’s a new building on the University of Hawaii at Manoa cam pus designed to help its students, faculty and staff be more active and live a healthier lifestyle.

It’s the student-driven, student-funded Warrior Recreation Center (WRC), featuring a multi-purpose gymnasium, three-lane indoor jogging track, a fitness center for cardiovascular and weight training, multi-purpose fitness studios, sports equipment checkout, locker rooms and showers.

There also are fitness classes available, including Box-master, Spin Room, Power-

Plates, TRX Frame, Human-Sport Line and Kettle Bells.

The two-story, approximately 56,000-square-foot facility, located in the UH Campus Center Complex, is part of a $42 million project that includes various other renovations to the Campus Center.

After a little more than three years of construction, a blessing and grand-opening ceremony were held last Friday. For the first two weeks, the WRC is open as a trial period for UH faculty and staff members only. After that, they can choose to purchase a membership with fees starting at $240 annually.

Also after the first two weeks, the WRC will be open to current UH students for free. The public is invited, but only through a buddy-pass system, which allows a student, faculty or staff member to bring a buddy in with them for a $10 daily fee or $20 weekly fee.

“This was a student-driven initiative that started when the Campus Center Board identified, back many years ago, that we needed a recreation facility for our students on campus,” says Matthew Nagata, Campus Center Board president. “That board went to the Legislature to lobby for support and funding, and we were finally able to start construction in December 2010.”

According to state Sen. Brian Taniguchi, lobby efforts by the Campus Center Board started in 2006. At that time, those students were well-aware that they most likely would not be beneficiaries of their vision or efforts, as they all should’ve graduated by now. But that did not deter them from pursuing their dream, which started with notes on a napkin.

The building’s design also has many sustainability features, including energy-efficient mechanical systems, a photovoltaic system, water-saving fixtures, use of permeable material, solar water heating, a green roof and utilization of natural lighting.

Hours of operation are from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 956-9670.

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As part of its mission to save lives, American Red Cross offers its 50th annual Free Summer Swim program for children and adults every Saturday in June from 9 to 10 a.m.

“People don’t realize that accidents can happen so quickly, so you need to prepare ahead of time,” says Coralie Chun Matayoshi, American Red Cross Hawaii State Chapter CEO. “And because swimming is not an innate skill, you need to teach it to your kids, especially when they’re young, so that lifelong skill could save their life one day.

Commodore Wilbert E. Longfellow (second from right) taught lifeguarding techniques to beach boys such as Duke Kahanamoku (second from left). Longfellow founded the Red Cross Safety and Lifeguarding program, developed the Learn to Swim program, and created the National Red Cross Life Saving Corps in 1914. Longfellow pioneered water safety on his quest to 'waterproof America' over the next 33 years. He was successful, as the drowning rates were cut in half | Photos courtesy American Red Cross

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“We have the second-highest resident drowning rate in the nation, which is double the national average. In Hawaii, about 67 people drown per year, of which half are residents of Hawaii. And an average of 238 people nearly drown, and 54 percent of those people are residents of Hawaii (statistics from the Department of Health). So, it’s really important for people to learn how to swim.”

The National Red Cross Water Safety and Lifeguarding program, including the Learn to Swim program and National Red Cross Life Saving Corps, was founded by Commodore Wilbert E. Longfellow in 1914. According to Matayoshi, Longfellow traveled all across the country to “waterproof America” over the next 33 years and was successful, as the drowning rates were cut in half during that time. He also taught lifeguarding techniques to local beach boys, including Duke Kahanamoku, during a visit to Hawaii.

The upcoming Red Cross Learn To Swim summer program takes place in Ala Moana Beach Park at Magic Island (near lifeguard station 1E) and consists of Keiki Learn to Swim (for children age 3 to 12) and Adult Learn to Swim (for age 13 and up).

Parents of the younger group need to go in the water with them. Children age 5 and older will be divided into two categories: Level 1, Introduction to Water Skills, and Level 2, Fundamental Aquatic Skills. Participants in Adult Learn to Swim will learn fundamentals of aquatic skills (includes non-swimmer, beginner and advanced).

The classes are led by volunteer water-safety instructors or lifeguards. To register, visit redcross.org/takeaclass or call 1-800-733-2767. Course fee is $40, but for free registration, enter coupon code P298HILTS0714. Registration opens May 1 (at midnight); space is limited.

Red Cross also recently launched a free mobile app for swimming that teaches water safety to parents and children, available at redcross.org/mobile-apps/swim-app. For more information, call 739-8179.

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Saint Louis School band director Bret Shimabuku and his students rehearse for their April 30th spring concert | Nathalie Walker photo

Among its many highlights, Saint Louis School is often recognized for its dominating football program. But there’s another group of students at all the football games who deserve great applause – the Crusader Band, which celebrates its 130th anniversary with a spring concert April 30, at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Richard T. Mamiya Theatre.

The all-boy band is the oldest high school band in the state, officially established in 1884 under the direction of Belgian cornet virtuoso Charles Michiels.

According to vice principal Eric Young, the band performed for royalty during the Hawaiian monarchy, including King Kalakaua, Queen Liliuokalani, Princess Likelike and Princess Kaiulani. In more recent years, they played in national marching band competitions and the Fiesta Bowl. Band members also have participated in the Hawaii All-State Marching Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade. They also perform at various shopping centers throughout the island and in local parades.

Currently, there are 33 students in the high school band and about 50 in the middle school band. They are led by teacher and band director Bret Shimabuku, who is in his fourth year at Saint Louis.

“Being involved in band, it’s a group effort that unites the students,” says Shimabuku. “It’s very sensory oriented. They have to read the notes and decode it into sound through their instrument. They have to understand their role and what everyone else is doing, and come together to make the music happen.

“Also, being in an all-boy school, it’s just a brotherly bond that they have. And the type of music we play is more masculine.”

According to Shimabuku, the Saint Louis band has gone through many changes over its 130 years, including playing with the Sacred Hearts band at one time, and growing to about 120 members at another point.

Shimabuku, who was born and raised in Makiki, has been playing music since sixth grade. His primary instrument is the guitar, but he can play every instrument he teaches in band, including the clarinet, trumpet, baritone, trombone, tuba, guitar and ukulele.

He also teaches private and group lessons, and prior to joining Saint Louis, taught at Holy Trinity and Le Jardin Academy.

“I just love music,” he says. “I love all the different styles of music and the sound of every instrument.”

In lieu of admission charge to the upcoming spring concert, donations of non-perishable food items for Aloha Harvest will be accepted at the door. The concert is about two hours long and features 10 different songs.

“We’re going to play some amazing music,” says Shimabuku. “I’m very impressed with how the band has come together. And anybody can come (not just those with Saint Louis ties).

“Also, it’s not just the band but the whole school that’s backing this event. Our committee chairman, Avery Fukeda, a 2011 graduate, has done a lot for our concert. We also will have a lot of band alumni there. There are a lot of people helping to organize this.”

For more details, email afukeda@saintlouishawaii.org or call 739-7777.

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Last November, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa welcomed a queen to its property, along with her entourage of workers that have since multiplied into the thousands.

She didn’t arrive in a limo and doesn’t wear a crown. Instead of the typical luxury suite, this queen stays in a little wooden box found on the third-floor terrace outside of Japengo restaurant.

The beehive at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. Photos from Hyatt Regency Waikiki

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Yes, if you didn’t already figure it out, this queen is a bee, and that box is a hive that is expected to end up with 40,000 to 60,000 bees, and have its first harvest in July.

Honey derived from these bees will be used in spa treatments at Na Ho’ola Spa, at restaurants at Hyatt Regency Waikiki, and sold at the resort’s weekly farmers market.

The beehive is just one of the many ways Hyatt Regency Waikiki is doing its part in the company’s global campaign, “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.”

The corporate philosophy is to source and provide healthy food and beverage options for Hyatt guests and associates that are good for local communities and the planet.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki also has been hosting its farmers market every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. since last November.

Free and open to the public, the farmers market is located at Pualeilani Atrium Shops on the hotel’s ground floor. The market sells fresh local fruits and baked goods, as well as some unique treats including sugar cane juice, organic peanut butter and Spun Paradise organic cotton candy.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki also partnered with Hawaii 5210 Let’s Go! for its healthy snack contest, with the winning creations featured in its current For Kids By Kids menu at Shor American Seafood Grill.

Winning dishes include Grown-Here Green Taro Smoothie “Ice Cream” by Matilda Colvin of Mid-Pacific Institute, PALS Coconut Aina Treats by Ipo Kea and Ka’ua Cariaga of Nanakuli Intermediate and High School, and Fruit Sushi by Brittany Amano of Iolani School.

For more information, visit waikiki.hyatt.com.

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Thirty-six-year-old Caroline Justo has struggled with her weight throughout her life, and says she was always “one of the bigger girls.” But when the scale reached 200 pounds for the first time late last year, she decided it was time to get serious.

“I was like, wow, I can’t keep doing this,” she recalls. “That was my wake-up call.”

Caroline Justo before | Photos courtesy Caroline Justo

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Coincidentally, at the start of the new year, her company, Hawaii Pacific Health, hosted a weight-loss challenge for its employees. She and four co-workers entered as a team, finishing third out of 99 teams.

She also entered the Pali Momi 12-Week Wellness Challenge at Pearlridge Center, and ended with the highest total of points accumulated based on every pound lost; each inch lost from the neck, chest, waist, hip and thigh; and every BMI pinch-test number lost. She was the winner among 145 other participants, and was awarded a $500 Pearlridge shopping spree and a photo package from Expressions Portrait Design.

“During my lunch hour I would go to the gym and spend 30 minutes on the treadmill or the elliptical,” says Justo, an IT specialist.

“And then I felt comfortable with exercising more, so if I had time I would go after work, too.

“I also cut out junk food, fast food and soda. I tried to cut rice, too, and I changed to a more pescetarian diet.”

She also used the Lose It app to track her calorie intake and a Polar heart rate monitor to track how many calories she would lose during a workout session. She also exercised on weekends, and prepped her meals for the week on Sundays.

After 12 weeks, Justo dropped from 198 pounds to 166 pounds – a total of 32 pounds. She also lost 31-and-a-half inches total from her neck, waist, chest, hip and thighs, including 12 inches from her waist.

“I was kind of in shock because I’ve tried for so long to lose weight,” she says. “It was hard to imagine that, wow, I actually did it.”

In addition to the contests, Justo says seeing the transformation in old and new photos also helped motivate her, as well as being surrounded by people who were supportive.

“I’m not done yet,” says Justo, who is planning to get married next year. “I still have a long way to go. Ultimately, I think I’d like to lose another 30 pounds.

“I’ve come to realize that every little thing helps. You’ve just got to keep going.”

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