Kona Coast, HI June 2023

A Few Good Men: Honoring Men

Investing In Our Community

ARTS + CULTURE

KONA’S OWN: ALEX GUPTON

FOOD + BEVERAGE

Q&A: SMOKING BRISKET WITH DAVID DUKEVARES

THE i4

UNLEASH YOUR ELECTRIC SIDE.

The All-Electric BMW i4 Gran Coupe models offer class-defining style and unbridled performance, with up to 536 hp (i4 M50), 301 miles of range (i4 eDrive40), precision handling, and a chassis made from innovative materials, such as high-tensile steel and aluminum. The standard Rear Air Suspension delivers consistent ride height and comfort.

The i4 is 100% electric and 100% BMW. This is the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine.

Contact a Client Advisor at BMW of Hawaii to learn more and to ask about how you can receive a $7,500 Credit* on select 2023 BMW i4 models.

BMW of Hawaii

74-5533 Loloku Street

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

(808) 930-3400

bmwbigisland.com | @bmwbigisland

The

Good Men, Real Impact, and a Chance to Pay Tribute

As we celebrate Father's Day this month, we want to take a moment to recognize the good men in our community who are making a positive impact. From entrepreneurs and philanthropists to educators and artists, these individuals are leading by example and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

There’s a little quote that’s had a profound impact on my life. Often attributed to Edmund Burke though its actual authorship is contested, it goes as follows:

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

As a man who seeks to be good, I often ponder this proverb. My thoughts wander to the good men I know who have taken action. I've learned from them.

One of the good men in my life is my father. Through the years, I’ve watched him love my mom and raise my siblings and me. When I was a kid, he was present, even as he worked to support our family. He was tender-hearted but firm when necessary. He said sorry when he got it wrong. My dad taught me many things about what it is to be a good man.

Since I've become an adult, I’ve noticed in him a deep inner strength that pushes him to do the right thing, even when it is hard. I admire my dad, and I owe him so much.

In this issue, we've taken time to highlight good men doing good things in our community. As we interviewed these men, we were filled with hope. There are many good men in our community, so many more than we could highlight in these brief pages. These remarkable men are hard at work raising families, leading great businesses, serving others with their gifts, and making a difference.

Take a moment to ponder. Do you know a good man doing something remarkable? Think about it, and if you know one, tell them. Tell them what they’re doing that you think is great. Chances are, they would appreciate hearing it and your words will bring courage to a good man.

Lastly, if you're a good man doing your best, thank you. Don't stop.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed making it for you.

Aloha,

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Johnny Gillespie | Johnny.gillespie@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER

Taylor Stutts | taylor.stutts@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

John-Mark Dyer | johnmark.dyer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Margaret Kearns | margaretekearns@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fletch Photography, Rebekah Moyer, Taylor Veisauyadra, Michael Lasquero

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

MEET ILEANA C. SANCHEZANDERSON, MD

FOUNDER & AESTHETIC SPECIALIST

Ileana Sanchez-Anderson, MD, is a family practice physician and a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and a fellow in Aesthetic Medicine. She has practiced medicine in Hawai’i for over 20 years.

Dr. Sanchez-Anderson has a passion for aesthetics and has received extensive training from world-renowned experts in aesthetic medicine. She attends multiple conferences around the world to bring the best and most innovative technology to Hawai’i.

“With Beautiful You, my emphasis is on anti-aging and medical aesthetics – to help provide the highest standard of care in a convenient, state-ofthe-art setting to patients of all ages.” 808.322.2544

CrossFit Kona

Our mission is to create a stronger and more fit community. We work with all ages and levels of fitness. With classes in the morning, afternoon and evening, we have options for everyone. We even have a room for the keiki, so bring them on by! Want

Scan to read more.

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/KonaCoast

Photography Crossfit Kona

Beautiful You MD

The foundation of Beautiful You was designed to help our patients both feel and look their best. Dr. Sanchez utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to anti-aging and noninvasive body sculpting. We will work one-on-one with you to create an individualized plan to fit your goals and budget. Our aesthetic treatment options will also be personalized to address your areas of concern.

Scan to read more.

Ili Kūpono Gardens Nursery & Farm

Our local plant nursery & mango orchard has a wide variety of beautiful palms, flowering shrubs, succulents and more. We make it our goal to be the experts - Hawaii islands premier plant and palm supplier. Come visit us with all the family Monday through Saturday from 8am–2pm.

Scan to read more.

A FEW GOOD MEN

HONORING MEN SERVING OUR COMMUNITY AND INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION.

We want to recognize the good men in our community. The men who are making a positive impact by investing in the next generation by instilling values and good character. Each man has overcome adversity and deliberately chosen to live with an outward focus, choosing to serve those around him. While these men honor those who have shaped their lives, we celebrate the impact they have everyday as they use their skills and passions to make our island a better home.

ARTICLE BY JOHN-MARK DYER AND MARGARET KEARNS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLOR VEISAUYADRA, REBEKAH MOYER, MICHAEL LASQUERO

Photo by Taylor Veisauyadra

SHELTON GRACE

KEALAKEHE HIGH SCHOOL

TEACHER AND COACH

“I really enjoy being around our youth and seeing them grow and accomplish new things. My biggest goal is to teach them how to love each other.” This vision started several years ago when Shelton attended Ed Silvoso’s, Transform Our World conference. “It talked about the Aloha spirit and it stuck with me because it’s our culture and I wanted to be an ambassador for that.”

Shelton grew up in Kona, attended Konawaena and studied to become a teacher at university. “The goal was to come back and have an impact in my community.”

Shelton teaches math at Kealakehe High School along with a construction class and a program for special needs students. He took a group of 15 students and 10 staff to Mexico to build homes for the poor with Homes of Hope. “We take our construction based knowledge and use it as a gift.”

When asked how he balances teaching, coaching and being a father of two he points to Star. “If it wasn’t for my wife being the rock of my family, I couldn’t do it. She makes it all possible.” He went on to share a list of men who made a significant impact on his life: Pastor Allen Cardenes, his father-in-law, Paul Chinen, Tiger Hill, his grandfather, Phillip Fijihara and his father, Preston Grace.

Photo by Taylor Veisauyadra

TAD NOTTAGE

PRESIDENT, ALOHA INSURANCE SERVICES, INC

A fourth generation kama‘aina (son of the land) Tad Nottage is a native of Oahu who moved to Hawaii Island in 1987 following studies at University of the Puget Sound in Washington state and some years working on Maui. He joined his Uncle David Nottage’s First Insurance firm in Kona and years later formed Aloha Insurance Services, Inc., in 2000 with just three employees. Today he as a team of 25 employees at his Kailua-Kona based business and which serves more 6500 clients.

“There’s no doubt that my father Peter Nottage was the biggest influence on my business ethics. He instilled three key things: Number one: There is no free lunch; number 2: When you work, work hard; number 3: When you play, play hard but never mix the two,” Tad says. And today, when he plays hard it is almost always centered on water sports. Fishing, diving and surfing with his father, uncle and extended family through the years fueled his love for the Ocean.

Growing up and living in Hawaii, he says, has taught him the importance of kina‘ole —doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, in the right place, to the right person, for the right reasons, with the right feeling the first time. He carries that with him always in both his professional and personal life.

Photo by Rebekah Moyer

BRAD UEMOTO

KONAWAENA HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

“We always use the word perseverance. We know there will always be struggles, in the household or the school, but football is the best sport to exercise perseverance.” This is one of the primary valuest Brad instilled in his players. And it was perseverance that led his Konawaena football team to defeat Waipahu High School and receive the firstever state title in football for the Wildcats.

Brad grew up at Konawaena elementary and high school. He went to the University of Hawaii to get a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. “My college experience put perseverance in me. I challenged myself with a pretty tough degree. My first semester I got a 1.8 GPA, this wasn’t high school, I was on my own and there were no excuses, I had to figure it out.” He went on to make the dean’s list twice and graduated with a  3.2 GPA. “That example can be passed onto my students to build mental toughness. I hated studying, I hated reading, but I figured out what I had to do to succeed.”

Brad honors previous head coach Cliff Walters with the significant role he played building a championship program. “My first year as an offensive coordinator, our program was at an all time low…we had a two win season. The following year, Cliff was head coach and we won three consecutive league titles. I took over a system that was running and had momentum.”

“We want to give every kid the best experience in high school football we can. The more we can impact these kids the better.” Brad’s father coached him in baseball when he was a boy. And he remembers his high school sports coaches with great fondness. He attributes his academic success and good sportsmanship to his mother’s influence. “All those values I still carry today,” Brad said.

Photo by Michael Lasquero

KEALOHA KAOPUA

ISLAND BREEZE PRODUCTIONS

People see me as a kahu, a pastor and a steward of the history of Kona. “I want to keep that alive so generations from now will not forget. I want to bring those things from the past to the present and give it as a gift to future generations.”

“My dad, Charles, was a fisherman and a mechanic. He was my greatest inspiration because he validated me. He thought about what I was going to do in my life and he had that picture in his mind. He has always been my greatest encourager.”

After he graduated from high school, Kealoha was unsure about his path until someone suggested Youth With A Mission in Hilo. “That school became the incubator for Island Breeze.”

“My heart’s desire is to build something that can keep our kids around. Entertainment is just one portion of that. Many move away after university and don’t think of coming back and contributing to their home.” Kealoha dreams about ways to strengthen Hawaiian culture and create job opportunities for young people. He recently became a member of the Kailua Village Design Commission to advance that dream. After this year’s Merrie Monarch festival he was inspired with fresh vision, that we are in a special season to champion the Hawaiian identity.

Photo by Rebekah Moyer

Kona’s Own: Alex Gupton

An irresistible, charismatic, kilt-wearing artist

ARTICLE BY MARGARET KEARNS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY

Alex Gupton is a truly rarified creature in the world of art. A charming extrovert who possesses incredible creativity and extraordinary skill in numerous mediums, he also has keen business sensibilities and marketing savvy – a combination of qualities not often found. And, not often found in Kona – kilt-wearing men!

“My family is part of the Clan Stewart who made their way to Australia from Scotland – who knows, they may have been offered a one way ticket there a century or two ago,” he says laughing. “I just know that a kilt is much cooler to wear than pants in this this warm climate.”

Having made Kailua-Kona home for most of his 54 years, Alex also has a deep-seeded commitment to giving back to his community and always making time for ohana (family) friends and those in need. A native of Southern California, his family vacationed in Kona regularly until his parents decided to make the move here in 1978 with the thought that “what a lovely place this would be to raise our kids”.

Alex was nine at the time; seven years later, at the age of 16, a move back to the mainland was necessitated by his now late father’s cancer diagnosis. Alex remained there for a stint at higher education in Georgia while discovering his talent as a muralist.

While painting large scale murals for primarily residential clients consumed much of his early years, today he is a master of intricate pen and ink drawings, wood carving to create three-dimensional art, mosaics and bronze sculpture. Much of his work is commissioned by clients worldwide (currently he is booked out for a year!) however, his work may be found in galleries throughout Hawaii and Las Vegas, including a colorful, inviting space he opened together with his wife Jacqueline and partners Victor and Stephan Pilolla in 2021. His work is featured in the attractive Gupton Gallery along with 23 additional artists, representing a total of 17 Hawaiibased artists and a handful from Oregon, Washington and Ohio.

“I never could do this on my own, Jacque and the Pilolla are absolutely essential to running the gallery and are vital to its success,” he says.

The gallery features both originals and prints from the painters and photographers represented, while native wood work — fine furniture and wood sculptures — ceramics, and bronze also are on offer. Penny Gupton, Alex’s mother, a painter specializing in oils and watercolors, is among the amazing artists whose pieces are shown in the gallery.

“She never pushed, but rather was always encouraging of my art. She told me, ‘Go out in the world and find something you love’,” he says. “Of course, it didn’t

hurt that she always had an art studio in our house and I was always welcome!”

Taking that advice to heart, who would have thought Alex would elect to study business at University of Georgia in Athens?

“What that experience taught me is: I will always hire an accountant and I will always hire a lawyer so I can focus on being a professional artist,” he says. “I quit school and painted murals in locations throughout the U.S. mainland for several years before returning to Hawaii Island in 1997.

Hawaii’s tropical landscapes, undersea life and rich traditions are vividly apparent in all of his work, reflecting his appreciation and love of his home. Much of it created in Trompe l’Oeil (trick the eye) style. Hidden within Alex’s creations, and sometimes forming the images as a whole, are a myriad of tiny details and scenes waiting to be discovered – from honu (green sea turtles) and florals to petroglyphs and fish. One of his most endearing creatures is Bob, the three-eyed fish who discreetly makes an appearance in each of his pieces. His signature character was inspired by “Blinkie” the fish on the 1970s hit sitcom, The Simpsons. During his mural making days, a college friend encouraged him to hide “Blinkie” in his work. He wasn’t about to use another artist’s work, so he created Bob. “Finding Bob”, Alex says, quickly became popular and continues to lure viewers into the details of his intricate pen and ink art.

“I literally have been doing this my entire life. At 22-months-old, I created my first sketch – a car inspired by my father’s passion as a race car driver. It’s who I am, what I was born to do.”

“I live my dream every day. Being allowed to create artwork while residing in paradise with my amazing wife and three great kids, surrounded by friends. I am unbelievably lucky and honored to live this life,” he says.

Equally rewarding, he says, is the opportunity to give back. During select months, the gallery donates a portion of its proceeds to help fund supplies for local art teachers. Artwork is also donated regularly to charitable auctions. Monetary donations are made to local charities supporting women, children, cancer research, hospice and more. Alex also gives of his time and talent, participating as an invited guest at the week-long Hawaii Artist Collaboration held each October in Holualoa. The work created during that event is auctioned with all proceeds also funding art supplies for local K-12 art teachers. Guptongallery.com

“I started painting murals in college to make some money … and it did! I thought, let’s give this mural thing a shot, maybe a year. Now, here I am 33 years later with pen and brush still in hand.”

Q&A: Smoking Brisket

David Dukevares of BMW of Hawaii Kona talks us through his BBQ journey

HOW DID YOU START YOUR BBQ JOURNEY?

It started when I traveled to Texas, the BBQ Mecca and ate at Terry Blacks and Franklin Barbecue in Austin. I never had that level of BBQ before and because we don’t have anything close to that here in Hawaii, I needed to recreate it or get close.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO MASTER THE ART OF SMOKING?

It took me a good year of smoking at least a few briskets per month to get somewhat decent at it, which can be a commitment considering it can take between 10 and 20 hours to smoke a brisket. There were definitely some undercooked and overcooked briskets during that first year of trial and error especially, since the margin for error on a brisket is rather small. Just a few degrees over or under will result in an undesirable end-product.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WOOD FOR THE SMOKER?

I always prefer to use wood found locally and Kiawe is my go-to wood for smoking. Kiawe Is very similar to Mesquite found in west USA but produces a sweeter smoke. It has an easily identifiable smell and imparts an authentic taste to the food you smoke. It’s also easily found up and down the Kona coast, you just need a 4X4 and a chainsaw.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIGNATURE TECHNIQUES WHEN YOU SMOKE MEAT?

The thing I love about central-Texas style BBQ is the simplicity. For most meats it’s just salt, pepper, smoke, and a lot of patience.

WHAT MAKES ALL THE EXTRA WORK WORTHWHILE?

This is kind of cheesy to say, but bringing people together over some good BBQ and seeing the joy on their faces makes the work worthwhile.

ARTICLE BY JOHN-MARK DYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 3RD

Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival

MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL | 5:00 PM

The 10th Annual Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival

from 5-9PM with Grammy Award Winners, Grammy Nominated Artists, Music Hall of Fame Members and Jazz and Blues Legends. The main Festival Concert will take place on Saturday June 3, 2023, with events taking place all weekend as well. Get tickets at Bigislandjazzandbluesfestival.com

JUNE 3RD

IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaiʻi

FAIRMONT ORCHID, HAWAIʻI –HONU POINTE | 6:00 AM

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaiʻi looks forward to welcoming the IRONMAN 70.3 athletes. The success of every IRONMAN race would not be possible without the support of our amazing volunteers. If you want to join the gold standard tradition of supporting IRONMAN 70.3 athletes visit  ironman. volunteerlocal.com.

JUNE 9TH–11TH

Hawaiʻi Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival

KING KAMEHAMEHA KONA BEACH RESORT

Join us for a celebration of Hawaiʻi Island and its beauty as a cultural melting pot. This 3-day event will be packed with fashion, food, cultural expressions, a hula hō’ike, a fireknife competition, a culinary event and so much more! Purchase tickets at Hikuauli.com

FINE ART | SCULPTURE | GLASS

JUNE 10TH

King Kamehameha Day

Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa

HISTORIC KAILUA VILLAGE |

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Held each year in Kailua-Kona, the King Kamehameha Day Celebration honors the life of the great ali‘i who united the Hawaiian Islands. The parade begins at 9AM at the Kuakini Highway near the Palani intersection. After the parade, a ho‘olaule‘a will take place at Hulihe‘e Palace. The festival will feature food, hula, Hawaiian crafts, live music, and silent auction.

JUNE 11TH

Kamehameha Day

Kamehameha Day is an official holiday in Hawaii because the king, born in 1758, played an important historical role in unifying Hawaii. Before Kamehameha, the islands were ruled as separate states, and wars between the rulers were a common occurrence. Due to his diplomatic skills, wisdom, and military power, Kamehameha the Great managed to unite the islands as one state.

JUNE 18TH

Nihilo Artisan Market

74-5599 PAWAI PL, KAILUA-KONA, HI 96740 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The Nihilo Community Artisan Market gathers every other month in the parking lot for Umekes Fish Market. Nihilo strives to have lasting impacts on the local communities by naturally revitalizing local economies. We aim to forge the relationship between independent artists and their future customers.” Learn more at Nihiloartmarket.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/KonaCoast

Inside CrossFit Kona

Meet owner, Kirk Henry

ARTICLE BY JOHN-MARK DYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBEKAH MOYER

Kirk Henry

1 | Attainable Goals

In 2017, Kirk Henry was life-flighted to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. “CrossFit saved my life…my heart was strong enough to push blood through arteries that were 80 percent blocked.” The doctors explained that Kirk had a genetic disorder that caused plaque build-up in his arteries. If it wasn’t for his excellent fitness, the outcome that day might have been much different.

Eleven years ago, Kirk joined a CrossFit class to improve his surfing. “Did it help?” I asked. “Yes, but it started taking me away from surfing because I loved CrossFit more! I took over the kid’s class and that’s what got me into coaching.” Today Kirk owns and operates CrossFit Kona.

“I was always investing in the box, painting and buying new equipment for the kids.” When the previous owner put the business up for sale, Kirk knew he wanted to buy it. “It’s a good place for people to go. My daughter is a senior in high school and comes to the box at night to work out with friends. There’s not many places like that for young people in Kona.” To Kirk, CrossFit Kona is more than a business, it is a place to gather. “I love the community in CrossFit. Being around people of all levels of fitness, not worrying about who is better, we’re all in it together.”

When I asked him about the future, Kirk said, “I would love to see CrossFit Kona as a one stop shop for health and wellness. Massage, Chiropractic Care, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Nutrition Guidance and Athlete Recovery.”

Many people are intimidated by CrossFit. Kirk wants to break that barrier. “We’re a supportive community, everyone is a big family.” CrossFit Kona can challenge advanced athletes and help beginners scale their workouts to reach their fitness goals. And they still run the kid’s classes three days a week. crossfitkona.com

I would advise people looking to improve their health to start off with small attainable goals. Try not to change too many things at once.

2 | Make It Fun

Find something that you enjoy. Bike riding, walking, surfing, whatever movements you like. Motion is lotion. If you are not enjoying the activity, you will stop doing it. The key is to start getting active.

3 | Find a Friend

Partnering with a friend helps make you accountable. On the days you don’t feel like getting active, your friend will push you to move. Community is the key to success.

4 | Join Us

If you need a place to start, CrossFit Kona would love to partner with you to reach your fitness goals.