$5.00 FEB-APR 2017
4 Great Ways to Buffet!
Party at the
Pull Up to the
Getaway to the
Warm Up at the
FRENCH MARKET… PORTS O’ CALL…
ST. TROPEZ… SM
IT’S GOOD TO
FIRELIGHT…
SATISFIED
®
ı
BoydGaming.com
X PA N D R E A LT Y
14
32 22
36
CONTENTS VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 1 | FEBRUARY/MARCH/APRIL 2017
10 Ricky Martin shakes his bonbon at the allnew Park Theater
LAS VEGAS
LIVING ALOHA
6 SHOWCASE
26 HANAFUDA, HAWAII STYLE
Can’t-miss Las Vegas attractions
10 CALENDAR
A three-month guide to events in Sin City
14 LIVING THE HIGH LIFE
Thrills at high altitudes
18 BOYD CASINO WINNERS
Lucky you!
20 VEGAS VR
Virtual reality app takes you to Sin City anytime, anywhere
22 LUCKY DRAGON
Asian-themed resort debuts on the Strip
32 PAPAHĀNAUMOKUĀKEA
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands now home to world’s largest marine reserve
36 UH SPORTS
Rookie catcher Kekai Rios steps up on both sides of the plate
40 REAL ESTATE
Should you buy a home on the ninth island?
41 CURIOUS CREAMERY
DIY ice cream hits the shelves in Hawai‘i
42 COOL STUFF
2 LAS VEGAS BOUND
A table game for the islands
Shop beachy Kailua boutique Global Village
Shoyu Chicken
Chow Fun
Looking for “homemade” food on your way to Vegas? Kabocha Pumpkin Slice
Create your own “In-Flight” Bento. • CATERING AVAILABLE • • MADE FRESH DAILY • • 35 YEARS IN BUSINESS • Chef Johnathan S. Mosley
Furikake Chicken Katsu, Nishime & Kimpira Gobo pictured below
...just like home! 1351 Nuuanu Avenue Honolulu Hawaii 96817
COMPLETE MENU AT: nuuanuokazuya.com
(across from Hosoi Mortuary)
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday – Saturday: 5:00am – 1:30pm Sunday: Closed
808-533-6169
CHEF’S SPECIAL 2 Shoyu Chicken 2 Nori Musubi Buttered Corn
$5 LIMIT 3 PER COUPON EXP. MAY 15, 2017
Aloha This year marks the 65th anniversary of Vacations Hawaii. Founded in 1952 to accommodate the travel needs of kama‘aina, Vacations Hawaii remains committed to the same goal. Taking care of local folks is what we do best, and we do that by giving you great value and superior customer service. This year also marks the 14th anniversary of our relationship with Omni Air International. Those of you who have been traveling with us since the start of that relationship have experienced significant changes over the years, starting with our first DC-10 flight in February of 2003, transitioning to a 767 and now offering flights on a 767-200 aircraft. And Omni has done its best to continue providing passengers with free meals and a top-grade entertainment system, which offers a variety of choices and options to help pass the time. You’ve seen improvements made to the entire service product along the way. The porter service that transports customers needing wheelchair assistance provides consistent and efficient service to those in need. The motor coach company continues to provide us with an efficient fleet of buses and drivers. And if you haven’t been to the Cal lately, you’ll soon be seeing and experiencing upgrades at the hotel. If you haven’t had a chance to do so, stop by the Redwood Steakhouse or the California Noodle House. I know you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their character, delicious meals and outstanding service. Sit back, relax and enjoy the fun experience ahead of you. The cockpit and cabin crews will do their best to make it a positive one. Book your trip and Vacations Hawaii will take care of the rest.
Volume 9 | Issue 1 | FEB/MAR/APR 2017
PUBLISHERS
Jamie & Naomi Giambrone Element Media, Inc.
MANAGING EDITOR Kevin Whitton
ART DIRECTOR Keith Usher
EDITOR
Lauren McNally
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Baxter
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dave Miyamoto Darryl Watanabe
VP OF SALES & MARKETING Nicholas Riopelle
SALES
Jennifer Dorman Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone
ADMINISTRATION Crystal Rogers Sally Shaner
PUBLISHERS’ ASSISTANT Thomas Goodwin
Thank you for flying with us.
Bill Smith Vice President / General Manager Vacations Hawaii
ELEMENT MEDIA INC.
1088 Bishop St. #1130 Honolulu, HI 96813 808.737.8711 info@elementmediahi.com
VACATIONS HAWAII
1585 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 900 Honolulu, HI 96814 808.591.4777 boydvacationshawaii.com
©2016 by Element Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in Las Vegas Bound do not reflect the opinions of Element Media or Vacations Hawaii.
Thank you for choosing
vacations Hawaii! 4 LAS VEGAS BOUND
Las Vegas Bound @vegasboundmag
Serving Quality Food and the
Spirit of Aloha since 1974!
100% Local Grass-Fed Big Island Beef All our steakss and beef patties aatties are made from grass-fed big island local beef. Served with our signature rub, Kona coffee rub, or with just salt and pepper. saratoga flag ship
Ala Moana
Waikiki beach eggspress
343 saratoga road
451 Piikoi St. (next to payless shoesource)
2464 Kalakaua Ave.
We serve Breakfast, Lunch, Happy Hour and Dinner www.eggsnthings.com
(808)-538-3347 (EGGS)
Photo: Sam Morris /Las Vegas News Bureau
MORIMOTO LAS VEGAS Renowned chef and Iron Chef America star Masaharu Morimoto opened his contemporary Japanese restaurant Morimoto Las Vegas at the MGM Grand this fall. The restaurant features exquisite cocktail offerings along with Morimoto’s signature sushi creations, including selections exclusive to Vegas.
6 LAS VEGAS BOUND
Photo: Mark Damon/Las Vegas News Bureau
RTC BIKE SHARE The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada launched the valley’s first public bike share system this past October to enhance transportation options for residents and visitors traveling in Downtown Las Vegas. RTC Bike Share’s 180 bikes are available 24 hours a day at 21 solar-powered stations located throughout the neighborhood.
Tour the Nevada desert at Mesquite’s newly launched Camel Safari, a 176-acre camel ranch accessible via complimentary shuttle service from the Las Vegas Strip. Hop on one of the 14 resident camels or opt for a scenic off-road Segway tour at this licensed U.S. Department of Agriculture animal attraction for an unforgettable safari experience overlooking the Virgin Mountains.
8 LAS VEGAS BOUND
Photo: Bizauyehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas News Bureau
CAMEL SAFARI
HAVE YOU VISITED THE CAL LATELY? From the stunning new valet to the dazzling hotel lobby, including the renovated west hotel tower, and all across the casino floor, you’ll be amazed to see The Cal’s brand new look. You’ll also enjoy top-notch dining experiences, from the recently opened Redwood Steakhouse to the new menu at California Noodle House. Catch a game at the Cal Sport Lounge located on the casino floor. And while you experience everything The Cal has to offer, you’ll find that same great service– Aloha is spoken here!
thecal.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH/APRIL 2017
Februar y FEBRUARY 25–26
Engelbert Humperdinck: 50th Anniversary Tour Exploding onto the music scene in the ’60s alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Engelbert Humperdinck has generated sales in excess of 140 million records, earning 64 gold and 35 platinum albums, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Las Vegas Walk of Fame and Leicester Walk of Fame. Orleans Hotel & Casino From $54.95 orleanscasino.com 702.365.7111
FEBRUARY 8–MAY 20 Cher
A pop culture icon with more than 100 million record sales worldwide, the Goddess of Pop brings her 60 years’ worth of hits to the new Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. Her upcoming residency includes performances throughout February and May. Monte Carlo Resort and Casino From $55 montecarlo.com 844.646.6847
FEBRUARY 17 Bonnie Raitt
Singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt hits the Pearl Concert Theater during her Dig in Deep winter 2017 tour. The 10-time Grammy Award winner made Rolling Stone magazine’s list of 100 greatest singers and 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Palms Casino Resort $47–$88 palms.com 702.944.3200
10 LAS VEGAS BOUND
March
MARCH 30–DECEMBER 31 Magic Mike Live
Magic Mike Live makes its highly anticipated debut at the all-new Magic Mike Theater at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Based on the hit Magic Mike film franchise and conceived by Magic Mike star Channing Tatum himself, this sizzling male revue features a variety of unconventional performances that are all about what women want. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino $49–$139 magicmikelivelasvegas.com 702.693.5222
MARCH 4
Blake Shelton Platinum-selling recording artist and The Voice coach Blake Shelton stops in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for one night in March during his Doing it to Country Songs tour. Joining Shelton will be season 12 champion Sundance Head and season two contestant RaeLynn, making this Shelton’s most Voice-packed endeavor yet. MGM Grand Garden Arena $49.50–$90 mgmgrand.com 866.740.7711
MARCH 4
Boneyard Ball
MARCH 3
One Night for One Drop One Night for One Drop is an annual philanthropic event in which Cirque du Soleil cast and crew donate their time and talent to create a breathtaking production in support of One Drop, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to safe water.
The Neon Museum will host its inaugural Boneyard Ball fundraising gala at Paris Las Vegas’ Champagne Ballroom in March. Guests will be treated to an exclusive exhibition of salvaged Las Vegas signs from the museum’s collection while mingling in grand Vegas style and enjoying silent and live auctions, dining and entertainment. Paris Las Vegas $500 neonmuseum.org 702.387.6366 ext. 109
New York-New York Hotel & Casino $100–$325 onedrop.org/onenight 844.339.2837 LAS VEGAS BOUND 11
LAS VEGAS
MARCH 10–12
2017 NASCAR Weekend See all of your favorite drivers during Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s annual NASCAR Weekend. Visit the speedway’s one-of-a-kind neon garage all weekend long for live music and entertainment between racing events, which include the Kobalt 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, the Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race and Stratosphere Pole Day. Las Vegas Motor Speedway $25–$245 lvms.com 800.644.4444
MARCH 11–12 Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars returns to the Park Theater in March following his two-night engagement at the venue on New Year’s Eve. The 17-time Grammy Award nominee has sold more than 100 million singles and albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.
MARCH 17–18 Neil Sedaka
Singer, composer and record producer Neil Sedaka enjoyed two distinct periods of commercial success, first as a teen pop star in the late ’50s and early ’60s and then as a more mature pop-rock singer in the 1970s. The classically trained pianist has produced numerous hits as both a performer and a songwriter for other artists. Orleans Hotel & Casino From $69.95 orleanscasino.com 702.365.7111
Monte Carlo Resort and Casino $90–$459 montecarlo.com 844.646.6847
MARCH 14–19
MARCH 24
Based on the beloved novel by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory author Roald Dahl, Matilda the Musical makes its debut at The Smith Center after thrilling sold-out audiences on Broadway, in London’s West End and in Sydney, Australia. The production has earned 50 international accolades to date, including four Tony Awards.
Known for their charismatic concerts packed with hit songs and quick wit, country singer-songwriter legends Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett reunite for an evening of intimate solo and duo performances punctuated with plenty of adlibbing.
The Smith Center $29–$127 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000
The Smith Center $30–$99 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000
Matilda the Musical
12 LAS VEGAS BOUND
An Evening with Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett
MARCH 25 Kodo
Japan-based taiko drumming troupe Kodo brings its 35th anniversary production, Dadan 2017, to The Smith Center in March. The group’s powerful, rhythmic performances feature taiko drums of all shapes and sizes, as well as a variety of other percussion instruments. The Smith Center $29–$99 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000
APRIL 14–17
Pure Aloha Festival
April APRIL 5–SEPTEMBER 23 Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin kicks off his headlining residency at the new Park Theater at Monte Carlo this April. The show will be helmed by legendary creative director and choreographer Jamie King, whose work includes more than two dozen tours for superstars like Madonna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Rihanna as well as Cirque du Soleil’s critically acclaimed Michael Jackson: ONE production at Mandalay Bay. Monte Carlo Resort and Casino From $55 montecarlo.com 844.646.6847
The Pure Aloha Festival returns to the Silverton Casino conveniently located off of Blue Diamond Road and the I-15. Founded and run by a Hawai‘i transplant, the event is in its 16th year of hosting local-style food and retail vendors, reggae acts and other live entertainment. Silverton Casino Hotel $6–$8 vizzun.com 702.664.6468
May MAY 3–20 Journey
APRIL 27–30
Vegas Uncork’d Bon Appétit magazine presents Vegas Uncork’d, a four-day food and wine experience taking place at upscale venues on the Las Vegas Strip. Guests can enjoy tastings of more than 100 wines, sample fare from 60 participating restaurants, try their luck in a blackjack tournament and attend wine seminars to hone their sommelier skills. Multiple venues vegasuncorked.com Price TBA Location TBD
After a wildly successful run in 2015, Journey returns to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for a second, nine-show residency in May. For the first time stateside, the band will perform their seventh and eighth studio albums in their entirety on select dates. Founders Neal Schon and Ross Valory will be joined by longtime member Jonathan Cain, Filipino YouTube sensation Arnel Pineda and drummer Steve Smith, who rejoined Journey in 2016 nearly 17 years after leaving the band. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino $59.50–$300 hardrockhotel.com 702.693.5222 LAS VEGAS BOUND 13
Whether it’s a big win at the casinos, a spontaneous trip down the aisle or a night of partying like a rock star, Sin City has no shortage of thrills. But hitting the slot machines and going out on the town aren’t the only ways to get your adrenaline pumping. Reach new heights with these high-flying Vegas attractions. BY LAUREN MCNALLY
14 LAS VEGAS BOUND
LAS VEGAS
SkyJump Las Vegas
Declared the highest commercial decelerator descent by the Guinness World Records, SkyJump Las Vegas is an exhilarating controlled free fall from the tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States. Jumpers are given a short safety lesson before suiting up and braving the 100-story drop from the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower to a landing pad below. Guide wires keep jumpers from straying off course while a patented highspeed descender machine slows them down in time for a safe and controlled landing. “Ideally situated high above the show-stopping Vegas Strip, SkyJump is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush,” says Frank Riolo, CEO of American Casino & Entertainment Properties. “Between screams of excitement and the rush of wind in their hair, riders will experience an unmatched view of the city, day or night, and a thrill that will last a lifetime.” For the relentless adrenaline junkie, the Stratosphere is home to three other gut-wrenching thrill rides. X-Scream, the world’s thirdhighest amusement ride, is an 866-foot roller coaster that totters like a see-saw before propelling you headfirst over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower. Big Shot catapults riders 1,081 feet in the air, and Insanity hurls you at high speeds from a massive mechanical arm extending 64 feet over the tower’s edge.
Mesquite Balloon Festival
You don’t have to leave solid ground to get a taste of the action. Instead, you can watch more than 30 hot air balloons fill the southern Nevada skies during the annual Mesquite Balloon Festival in January. Held over the last weekend of the month, this twoday event concludes each evening with a “balloon night glow,” when dozens of hot air balloons are fired up in the parking lot of the CasaBlanca resort to give spectators
an up-close look at the balloons illuminated by their burners. The weekend of live entertainment and activities includes nightly concerts, a free champagne tasting and performances by the long-running Popovich Comedy Pet Theater. Be sure to check the weather before making the trip out to Mesquite— the festival has been called off in previous years due to high winds and rain.
casablancaresort.com 702.346.7529
skyjumplasvegas.com 702.380.7777 LAS VEGAS BOUND 15
Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters operates the world’s largest and youngest fleet of Airbus EC130 ECO-Star aircraft—the safest and most comfortable tourism-based helicopters in the industry—and flies more than 200,000 guests out of its locations in Maui, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon South Rim and the Grand Canyon West Rim each year. Pilots aboard the Vegas Nights tour interact with passengers through voice-activated headsets while you kick back in climate-controlled cabins with wraparound windows
16 LAS VEGAS BOUND
full of stunning views of the Strip and historic Downtown Vegas. And you won’t have to wait for takeoff to feel like a high roller. Maverick Helicopters’ Las Vegas terminal is one of the most elaborate in the world thanks to its $5 million makeover in 2015. The 6,000-square-foot space features a café and private VIP lounge, a large courtyard for group and corporate events, artwork from world-renowned photographer Peter Lik, an expanded gift shop with branded items and handmade
Native American artifacts and floorto-ceiling windows overlooking the runways at McCarran International Airport. The company offers private charters, group outings and custom tour experiences as well as roundtrip ground transportation from the Las Vegas Strip and downtown corridor.
maverickhelicopter.com 702.261.0007
Lee Canyon Located about an hour from Downtown Las Vegas in Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Lee Canyon is home to 195 acres of lift-served terrain, 24 trails accessible via chairlift and an additional 250 acres of hike-to backcountry terrain. Professional instructors stationed out on the slopes provide free coaching to beginners, and the resort’s terrain parks are fit for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The resort kicked off its 54th
winter season this past December, adding snowshoeing to its offerings for 2016–17. Come summertime, you can take scenic chairlift rides, play disc golf, hike one of Lee Canyon’s numerous trails or get in on a variety of off-slope activities back at the ski lodge. With temperatures roughly 20 degrees cooler than in the valley, it’s as great a day trip during the sweltering months after Labor Day as it is from December to April. It’s all part of the resort’s $35 million master development plan that, to date, includes new chairlifts,
a snow tubing area, new trails and upgraded facilities designed to make Lee Canyon a year-round destination for Las Vegas visitors and Southern Nevada residents. When complete, there will be 50 trails, 10 chairlifts, expanded parking areas and a LEED-certified base lodge joining the first-class recreational facilities at this stunning mountain getaway.
leecanyonlv.com 702.385.2754
High Roller No list of Sin City attractions would be complete without mention of the world’s tallest observation wheel. Measuring 520 feet in diameter, the High Roller at the LINQ Promenade eclipses the London Eye, the Star of Nanchang and the previous record holder, the Singapore Flyer. Its 28 spherical glass cabins hold up to 40 people each and afford 360-degree views of the Strip and the surrounding Las Vegas Valley. Go for the traditional half-hour ride or book one of the High Roller’s unique in-cabin experiences, which range from yoga classes and chocolate tastings to a happy hour open bar.
caesars.com/linq/high-roller 702.322.0593 LAS VEGAS BOUND 17
GARY
RICHARD
$10,000
$10,000
WAILUKU
PUKALANI
ANGELA
CHARITO
ROXAS
$12,000
$27,610
$20,000
THELMA
YUTAKA
$20,000
$19,670
KANE‘OHE
HILO
HILO
HONOLULU
GAIL
ALFRED
$7,631
$9,714
KANE‘OHE
18 LAS VEGAS BOUND
MILILANI
KANE‘OHE
STACY
HONOLULU
$12,500
Island residents win big at the California, Fremont and Main Street Station Casinos. We hope to see your picture here soon!
STERLING
KARY
$7,974
$7,288
GEORGE
APRIL
AULANI
$5,000
$4,601
$4,000
WAIMANALO
‘AIEA
KAHULUI
HA‘IKU
KAMUELA
THE ONLY TRIBAL SMOKE SHOP IN TOWN
OVER 68+ BRANDS
CARTONS UNDER $40 PREMIUM BRANDS SMOKELESS & PIPE TOBACCO 1,200+ CIGARS
KAMAʻAINA AINA DISCOUNT
LAS VEGAS PAIUTE OR SNOW MOUNTAIN SMOKE SHOP
$4 OFF
LAS VEGAS PAIUTE OR SNOW MOUNTAIN SMOKE SHOP
ANY CARTON OF CIGARETTES - NO LIMIT
*Excludes filtered cigars. Must be 18 years of age or older. NO LIMIT on any brand of cigarette cartons purchased. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Limit one discount given per customer per day. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Must present this coupon for redemption. No photocopies or digtal copies accepted. COUPON EXPIRES 5/15/2017 LVBOUND
ANY CARTON OF CIGARETTES - NO LIMIT
$4 OFF
*Excludes filtered cigars. Must be 18 years of age or older. NO LIMIT on any brand of cigarette cartons purchased. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Limit one discount given per customer per day. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Must present this coupon for redemption. No photocopies or digtal copies accepted. COUPON EXPIRES 5/15/2017 LVBOUND
ONLY MINUTES FROM YOUR HOTEL & ENJOY NO ADDITIONAL TAX (702) 366-1101
1225 N Main Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 645-2957
11525 Nu-Wav Kaiv Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89124
LAS VEGAS BOUND 19
LIVING ALOHA
VIRTUAL VEGAS Hit Sin City anywhere, anytime with virtual reality app Vegas VR BY LAUREN MCNALLY
Imagine taking a sunset helicopter tour of the Strip, careening 12 stories above Fremont Street on the Slotzilla zipline and riding a gondola through The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian from anywhere in the world. Vegas VR is an app that takes you to Sin City no matter where you are, bringing some of Vegas’ most iconic experiences to life in virtual reality—all you need is the app, a smartphone and a cardboard viewer. Users are directed to a series of interactive 360-degree videos that become immersive virtual reality experiences when paired with smartphone-compatible VR viewers such as Google Cardboard. “Vegas VR gives our visitors a new way to connect with Las Vegas,” says Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “The VR app allows us to showcase the destination to first-time visitors and remind Vegas enthusiasts about all of its unique offerings.”
20 LAS VEGAS BOUND
Even without a cardboard viewer, users are able to watch and interact with all of the 360-degree videos on the app using their smartphone’s gyroscope, swipe and zoom functions. View cocktail demonstrations by some of the Strip’s resident mixologists, take a scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon, sit in on a NASCAR driving experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and go wild with the crowd at the Life is Beautiful Festival in Downtown Vegas. What happens in Vegas definitely doesn’t stay in Vegas any more. If you still can’t get enough while you’re away from Sin City, check out GeoVegas, an online platform featuring curated itineraries, photos and interactive 360-degree videos of famous Las Vegas attractions, restaurants and nightlife. And for when you’re in town, there’s WhereToVegas, a mobile app that maps popular events and trending Las Vegas hot spots in real time so you know exactly where to go during your stay.
LAS VEGAS BOUND 21
22 LAS VEGAS BOUND
Lucky Dragon ASIAN-THEMED HOTEL AND CASINO DEBUTS ON THE STRIP
THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED LUCKY DRAGON HOTEL & CASINO, THE FIRST IN LAS VEGAS TO OFFER AN AUTHENTIC ASIAN GAMING, DINING AND LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE, IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THE PROPERTY COMMEMORATED THE MILESTONE WITH A GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION IN DECEMBER, COMPLETE WITH TAIKO DRUMMERS AND TRADITIONAL LION DANCES.
After the official ribbon cutting, an explosive Chinese firecracker display wowed the packed crowd of onlookers. Heads of lettuce, suspended by red string over the entrance to Lucky Dragon’s casino, were consumed by the dancing lions before entering the property. (A variation on the phonetic pronunciation of the word for “lettuce” in Chinese translates to “to get rich.” The tradition of lions eating the lettuce is said to bring wealth and prosperity to the property.) The dragon and lions proceeded into the casino and continued their celebration for several hours, as guests were treated to complimentary Tsing Tao beer and traditional GongFu service of Qinba Wuhao tea—one of more than 50 teas that will be offered at the resort. Guests later raised their glasses in a champagne and cognac toast, officially signaling the opening of Las Vegas’ first new hotel and casino property in six years. Lucky Dragon is situated on the Las Vegas Strip’s burgeoning northern corridor, just west of Las Vegas Boulevard at 300 West Sahara Avenue. The first ground-up construction of
a hotel and casino property in Las Vegas since 2010, Lucky Dragon will feature a unique and authentic Asian experience unlike any other in The United States. The authenticity of the property goes far beyond the style of cuisine and multilingual staff. From taxi stands to restaurants, signage will be in Chinese first and English second. VIP areas are elevated, signifying a heightened status for those who enter. Teas normally reserved for dignitaries on official Chinese state visits will be available at Lucky Dragon for the first time in the United States. Careful consideration was put into the design, from conceptualization through to its actualization. “Our design team, executives and partners aggregated a multitude of influences from around the world to create a truly world class resort,” says Lucky Dragon President and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Fonfa. “From our exclusive list of 50 Chinese teas to our authentic Cantonese and pan-Asian culinary portfolio, there is inarguably nothing else like this in Las Vegas.” The food and beverage program
is at the heart of Lucky Dragon experience. From the variety offered by the property’s five restaurant concepts to the extensive collection of Chinese teas, Lucky Dragon will be the city’s center for Asian cuisine. Willy Ng of renowned Bay Area restaurants Koi Palace and Dragon Beaux consulted with the team at Lucky Dragon on the resort’s culinary program. Ng’s Koi Palace is widely regarded as one of the best dim sum restaurants in the Bay Area, and product from Ng’s own dim sum facility in San Francisco will be shipped in daily to Lucky Dragon. “This project was such a tremendous undertaking and, from the very beginning, we wanted to be sure that every aspect of the hotel and casino was not only culturally accurate and respectful, but approachable and accessible to all,” says Dave Jacoby, chief operating officer of Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino. “Seeing it all come together, knowing that everyone involved absolutely nailed each and every detail, has been exciting. Now we look forward to operating, and growing, Las Vegas’ premier cultural epicenter.” LAS VEGAS BOUND 23
PAGODA BAR Two main bars will serve the hotel & casino. The first-floor Pagoda Bar, at the heart of Lucky Dragon’s casino gaming floor, will offer full bar service as well as a selection of teas and other non-alcoholic beverages. Video poker machines line each side of the bar’s architecturally inspired octagonal perimeter. Upstairs, the Atrium Bar will serve as the center of Lucky Dragon’s growing mixology program. A chameleonic menu of specialty cocktails will be accompanied by traditional Asian beverage options and modern libations influenced by Asian culture and recipes. Cha Garden, adjacent to the hotel lobby, blends seamlessly with the pool area to create an indoor-outdoor tea garden and lounge. Led by Las Vegas’ only tea sommelier, Cha Garden will feature an extensive list of 50 unique teas sourced directly from generationsold tea farms throughout Asia. Guests will be able to select teas knowing Cha Garden will also serve yum cha (light snacks akin to Chinese tapas) in a casual or formal service atmosphere. While tea will be the focus of the Cha Garden experience, the venue will also feature a full bar, beer, wine and cocktail program for guests seeking to engage in a more traditional Las Vegas nightlife experience. Phoenix, Lucky Dragon’s 60-seat fine dining restaurant, will boast a menu of cutting-edge culinary trends found throughout modern China. Kurobuta pork, deer tendon, abalone and countless other rare, expertly prepared delicacies will punctuate the world-class service for Las Vegas’ most discerning palates.
24 LAS VEGAS BOUND
CHA GARDEN
PHOENIX
LAS VEGAS BOUND MAGAZINE
The food, fun and lifestyle of our Aloha State
PAPAHĀNAUMOKUĀKEA EXECUTIVE ACTION CREATES LARGEST MARINE RESERVE IN THE WORLD
Photo: NOAA and Robert Whitton/Bishop Museum
HANAFUDA IN HAWAII FRESH CATCH - UH SPORTS KEKAI RIOS CURIOUS CREAMERY GLOBAL VILLAGE
HANAFUDA HAWAII STYLE Given Hawai‘i’s penchant for gambling and prevalence of Japanese culture, it’s no surprise that a game combining the two found a solid following among people from all walks of life in the islands. Could a fresh take on these colorful cards reverse their disappearing act?
BY LAUREN MCNALLY
16th-century Japan, card games were primarily the pastime of Japanese nobility. It wasn’t until Portuguese missionaries brought their Spanishstyle playing cards to Japan that card games caught on among the masses, gaining popularity particularly for their use in gambling. But in an era characterized by strict social order and isolationist foreign policy, gambling was criminalized and anything foreign was a potential threat to national security. It wasn’t long before Japan’s militant government outlawed all foreign playing cards in efforts to eradicate gambling and limit outside influence in the country. Gamblers had to get crafty to evade the ban, and they would constantly invent new games to replace the ones that got the ax. One iteration devised during this time was given the name hanafuda, meaning “flower cards,” because they were adorned with cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums and other Asian flora to disguise their intended function and foreign origins. Like the playing cards popularized in Japan by the Portuguese, hanafuda decks have 48 cards. But instead of four suits, there are 12—one for every month of the year. Each suit consists of four cards bearing pictures, not numbers, that indicate their value. The game took off when Nintendo got involved in the late 1880s. Nearly a century before the company made a name for itself producing Game Boys and Wii consoles, Nintendo made hanafuda cards that sold well among the organized crime syndicate known as the yakuza. Made up of tekiya (peddlers) and bakuto (gamblers), the yakuza were such fixtures in the local gambling parlors—often sporting tattoos inspired by the designs on
28 LAS VEGAS BOUND
the cards—that their name is verbal shorthand for the numbers eight, nine and three—a losing hand in oichokabu, a Japanese card game similar to baccarat that’s played with kabufuda cards or, in a pinch, an abridged hanafuda deck. Hanafuda eventually spread to other parts of the world, birthing regional variations of the game in Japan, Korea and Hawai‘i. Japanese immigrants brought the cards to Hawai‘i in the early 20th century, and hanafuda has since found its way into the cultural fabric of the islands. The cards lost their ties to Japanese gangsters as the game grew in popularity among non-gamblers, and the rules for playing the Hawaiian version of the game, known locally as sakura or higo-bana, were passed from one generation to the next. Unlike many of the card games that emerged during Japan’s Edo period, hanafuda is still played around the world today. But what was once a familiar sight in local households and at family gettogethers in Hawai‘i has, for many, become a distant childhood memory. People young and old are working longer hours, spending more and more time immersed in social media and increasingly turning to television or the web for entertainment. Quality time has fallen by the wayside and with it, a game that once served as a unifying force between friends and family members of all ages. For retiree Helen Nakano, it was a shame to see such a rich piece of local culture wither away from lack of use. Doing her part to keep the tradition alive, Nakano drafted a book of rules and tips for her young granddaughter to reference when she was first learning the ins and outs of Hawaiian-style hanafuda. The project
evolved into a full-fledged instructional guide to help those unfamiliar with the game navigate its many nuances and complexities. Since founding the company Hanafuda Hawai‘i in 2010, Nakano has been hard at work turning younger generations on to the game. After developing a set of updated playing cards to accompany her instructional guide, Nakano consulted local experts and teamed up with her son, artist Jason Nakano, to produce a set unique to Hawai‘i. Designed specifically to resonate with local audiences, Nakano’s newly launched Hanafuda Na Pua Hawai‘i cards swap traditional hanafuda designs with ones depicting Hawai‘i’s indigenous flora and fauna. In the Hanafuda Na Pua Hawai‘i version, clusters of breadfruit stand in
for maple leaves, ‘ohi‘a lehua burst from branches typically dotted with plum blossoms, and the full moon that traditionally looms over a darkened hillside now frames a native Hawaiian voyaging canoe on the crest of a surging wave. The differences are striking, but anyone familiar with hanafuda and in possession of some working knowledge of local culture shouldn’t have much trouble figuring out what’s what. If anything, longtime hanafuda players will relish the change. What better way to bridge the ever-widening generational divide in Hawai‘i than a fresh take on an old tradition, especially one that began at the juncture of East and West?
LAS VEGAS BOUND 29
LIVING ALOHA
WHERE TO FIND: Na Pua Hanafuda, designed by Jason Nakano, retails for $15 and can be found at the Honolulu Museum of Art gift shop, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i gift shop, Bishop Museum gift shop, Hakubundo, Na Mea/Native Books at Ward Warehouse, Kailua General Store, the Refinery at Kahala Mall and KTA Super Stores on the Big Island.
30 LAS VEGAS BOUND
CATER HAWAIIAN STYLE TH ON THE 9 ISLE Hawaii’s favorite restaurant offers a variety of catering options, for functions of all sizes, at over 14 locations in Las Vegas! To get the party started, visit LLHawaii.com!
@HAWAIIANBBQ
@LLHAWAIIANBBQ
L&L HAWAIIAN BARBECUE
Menu options, prices, and availability may vary per location. Other restrictions may apply. For a complete list of locations in Las Vegas, visit HawaiianBarbecue.com or call 1-866-951-9888.
HAWAIIANBARBECUE.COM
Photos: NOAA and Richard Pyle/Bishop Museum
LIVING ALOHA
Executive action creates largest marine reserve in the world BY LAUREN MCNALLY
Photo: David Liittschwager and Susan Middleton
LIVING ALOHA
34 LAS VEGAS BOUND
In response to more than a million letters and petition signatures and support from more than 8,000 Hawai‘i residents, Governor Ige, 1,500 scientists and hundreds of small-scale fishermen across the state, President Barack Obama announced on August 26 that he will expand the existing Papahänaumokuäkea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) by 442,781 square miles, creating the largest protected area in the world. At 582,578 square miles—nearly four times the size of California—the newly expanded monument hosts some of the planet’s most intact and extensive coral reefs, which serve as the backbone of an ecosystem that supports the world’s largest repository of seabirds and the highest density of apex predators. The vision for the monument is to protect and perpetuate ecosystem health and the diversity and Native Hawaiian cultural significance of the reserve area. Stewards of the monument carry out seamless integrated management to ensure ecological integrity and achieve strong, longterm protection and perpetuation of NWHI ecosystems, Native Hawaiian culture and heritage resources for current and future generations. The best available science indicates that expanding the PMNM strengthens an ecosystem that sustains tuna, swordfish, sharks, seabirds, sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals. This strengthening, in turn, supports more productive fisheries outside the PMNM and provides a vigorous carbon sink to combat climate change. Protecting this region more thoroughly also preserves undiscovered biodiversity for future discoveries and maintains a reservoir of genetic diversity that will allow marine species the greatest possible chance of adapting to environmental change. Strengthening the ecosystem and supporting the region’s biodiversity produces more productive fisheries and is our best hope to combat and for resilience against the effects of climate change. The expanded region also contains significant bio-cultural resources and archeological sites. First established as a bird reservation by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1909, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands were converted into a wildlife refuge, wildlife sanctuary and then a coral reef ecosystem reserve at various points during the 20th century. George W. Bush went on to designate the area a national monument under the Antiquities Act in 2006 based the area’s wealth of historical sites and scientific objects, which afforded immediate and more resilient protection than establishing it as a national marine sanctuary, a process that former President Bill Clinton initiated while he was in office. The adult corals that sustain and grow the reefs in the PMNM are concentrated within the current boundaries of the PMNM, but research taking place today strongly suggests that as juveniles, they spend much of their time beyond those boundaries but within the expansion area. Expanding the monument thus protects both the corals and the marquee species they support. Expanding the PMNM also protects biodiversity, including undiscovered species and largely undocumented ecosystems around sea mounts, ridges and the deep ocean floor. The genetic variation present in large populations of marine species holds the single best hope for adaptation and resilience against ocean warming and
Photo: Brian Skerry for National Geographic
Scientists from the Bishop Museum, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Association for Marine Exploration gave a new species of coral-reef fish the formal scientific name Tosanoides obama in honor of President Barack Obama. The fish, which lives exclusively within Papahaˉnaumokuaˉkea Marine National Monument, was discovered during a June 2016 NOAA expedition to the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
possible new species of seahorse, and a sea star not previously found in Hawai‘i. The research expedition found the highest known rates of unique marine species. Using advanced diving technology to survey reefs at depths up to 300 feet, much
Photo: David Liittschwager and Susan Middleton
acidification. Preserving this genetic diversity depends on conservation, and scientists have established that the larger the scale of a marine protected area, the greater its conservation effect. The NWHI have one of the world’s highest concentrations of unique species not found anywhere else on the globe. The prevalence of these unique species provide a further warehouse of genetic diversity that can support resilience and adaptation to climate change throughout the Pacific and, potentially, the world. The expansion directly combats climate change in the same way that intact forests sequester carbon—healthy ocean ecosystems provide a vigorous carbon sink that lowers the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Scientists returned from a 28-day research expedition last September aboard NOAA Ship Hi‘ialakai exploring the deep coral reefs within Papahänaumokuäkea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. During the trip, scientists recorded numerous species of marine life never before seen, include ing a
deeper than conventional scuba gear allows, scientists were able to observe rarely seen ecosystems. Fish surveys at these depths around the northernmost atolls revealed an extremely high abundance of species found only in the Hawaiian Islands.
“On some of the deep reefs we surveyed, 100 percent of the fishes we recorded were endemic, meaning that they are all unique to the Hawaiian archipelago,” says Randall Kosaki Ph.D., NOAA’s deputy superintendent of Papahänaumokuäkea Marine National Monument and chief scientist of the expedition. “This is the highest level of endemism recorded from any marine ecosystem on Earth.” The team was the first to dive on several open-ocean seamounts in the monument, which were first mapped using high resolution multibeam sonar in 2014 and 2015. These undersea mountains rise from the floor of the ocean in 14,000 feet of water and summit within 200 to 300 feet of the surface. Discoveries of rare and unique species of marine life remind us why Papahänaumokuäkea is so special and why we need to continue exploring, managing and protecting it,” says Athline Clark, NOAA superintendent of Papahänaumokuäkea Marine National Monument.
LAS VEGAS BOUND 35
LIVING ALOHA
ROOKIE CATCHER KEKAI RIOS STEPS UP ON BOTH SIDES OF THE PLATE
36 LAS VEGAS BOUND
Photos: Hawaii Athletics
BY KIM BAXTER
K
ekai Rios’ Twitter bio says “Dream Big Work Hard.” Yet Rios would never have dreamed that his rookie season for the University of Hawai‘i baseball program would have turned out as well as it did. The Kahalu‘u native, who attended UH games as a child and always hoped to play at Les Murakami Stadium, came to the Rainbow Warriors expecting to split time with fellow catcher Chayce Ka‘aua. But when Ka‘aua broke a finger during the third game of the season, it cleared the path for Rios to start every day behind the plate. And Rios has flourished as the team’s regular catcher while Ka‘aua heals. The freshman started 48 games, hit a whopping .331 overall and an even better .337 in the powerhouse Big West Conference, and recorded the highest batting average for an everyday UH catcher since at least 2000. He also helped lead the Rainbow Warriors to
their greatest overall wins since 2012 and their best-ever finish in the BWC. “That’s the whole reason I came here,” says Rios, who was an honorable mention BWC player last spring. “I want to be part of the change. I always wanted to be here, but I honestly never thought this would be possible. I’m living out a dream I’ve always had.” Rios is one of six Hawai‘i locals on the Rainbow Warriors baseball team with high hopes for this season. Though the first two seasons in the Big West proved challenging, they have recorded back-to-back 12-12 Big West seasons and tied for fourth place behind three NCAA tournament teams in 2016. Led by Rios, sophomore Ethan Lopez (.302) and senior Marcus Doi (.273), UH will return eight of its top 10 hitters. Though the pitching staff was gutted by graduation, 16th-year head coach Mike Trapasso is thrilled to welcome a coveted recruiting class
ranked 37th in the nation. “We return that nucleus of guys that really focused on the culture of doing things the right way,” Trapasso says of last season’s 23-30 overall, 1212 Big West team. “While it may not reflect in the record, our team turned the corner…and we were able to bring in our best recruiting class in eight or nine years. So we’re excited to get going. We’re more talented than we’ve been in the past few years.” A big part of that talent is Rios, who combines a big bat with outstanding defensive skills. Playing behind the plate is hard work; it not only involves calling the pitches and handling a pitching staff but also blocking every ball, getting dinged by hard foul balls and throwing out potential base stealers. It is a dirty, thankless job that Rios relishes. “I love it,” Rios says. “I love being in the action, in every play. It makes me feel like I’m in the game. I just like the intensity that it brings. If there’s
LAS VEGAS BOUND 37
a dirt ball and you miss it, the fans are on you about missing the ball, no matter who you are. So it just helps me want to keep getting better.” So much is required of catchers defensively that teams are often willing to put up with subpar offensive numbers from an otherwise talented catcher. But if Rios continues to hit and stay healthy, his standout offensive numbers will make him a high Major League Baseball draft pick when he’s eligible after his junior season. (The last UH catcher drafted was David Freitas, who hit .292 in 2010 before he was drafted in the 15th round by the Washington Nationals.) This was further cemented by Rios’ solid play in the summer’s wooden-bat Cape Cod League, which attracts top college prospects and the watchful eyes of MLB scouts. At 5 foot 11 and 200 pounds, Rios is an athletic player who can step out from behind the plate, and he may be asked to do so this season after Ka‘aua recovers. Though he prefers to catch, he has the skills 38 LAS VEGAS BOUND
to also field balls in the infield. He played mostly at shortstop his junior year at Kamehameha-Kapalama. “We could put Kekai on the infield for us today and he’d be one of our better infielders,” Trapasso says. “He’s just that kind of baseball player.” Now that he has established himself, the challenge for Rios as a sophomore will be to temper the high expectations. “We look at him to do more of the same,” Trapasso says. “The thing with Kekai— as with a lot of your hypercompetitive, aboveaverage-skillset players—is you don’t want them to try to do too much, to just stay within themselves. It’s important for me that he continues to have fun and not put too much pressure on himself, which a lot of kids will do. Have fun playing the game, but put your focus on the team goals and, invariably, your individual goals will be met. With Kekai, that’s easy because that’s what he does anyway. The kid loves to win.”
REAL ESTATE
SHOULD YOU BUY A HOME ON THE NINTH ISLAND? BY RANDY HATADA Randy Hatada is the owner and broker at Xpand Realty & Property Management. As a Las Vegas resident born and raised in Hilo, he especially enjoys assisting kama‘aina with their real estate needs. randy@xpandrealty.com
Photo: Courtesy of Randy Hatada
Is it a good idea to own a home in Las Vegas? This is a very common question I get when talking with Hawai‘i residents. Although there are many reasons to buy real estate in Las Vegas, the real question is whether or not homeownership in Las Vegas makes sense for you. Here are some of the positive things that have convinced many kama‘aina to take the leap to the ninth island. Nevada is the second-fastest-growing state in the country. What may surprise you is that the Las Vegas Valley, encompassing Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson, is landlocked between mountains. The majority of remaining residential land is owned by the Bureau of Land Management. This leaves a small percentage of buildable residential land available for private owners. Due to current housing demand, there have been more building permits pulled in 2016 than in the market boom of 2006. The major difference being that, on average, houses are going for about half of 2006 prices! The current median cost of a singlefamily residence is approximately $240,000. Nevada tax benefits are another crucial factor in homeownership. For starters, there’s no state income
40 LAS VEGAS BOUND
or inheritance tax, which helps with home affordability. Mortgage interest is tax deductible up to $1 million on a primary residence or second home. This savings alone can reduce the cost of borrowing by a third or more. Interest on equity lines of credit are tax deductible up to $100,000. Homeowners can deduct state and local property taxes from their federal income tax, and home purchase expenses, including origination fees, prorated interest on new loans and prorated property taxes on settlements, are also tax deductible. One of the most powerful tax advantages is capital gains tax exemption for primary residences. Homeowners who live in their home for a minimum of two years of the prior five can sell their home and avoid paying tax on the profit up to $250,000 for those filing individually and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. This exemption can be used every two years. A $17 filing fee could be the best $17 you will ever spend. If a primary homeowner records a declaration of homestead, up to $550,000 of the equity in their home can be protected by Nevada law against general creditor claims, including unpaid medical bills, bankruptcy, credit card debt, personal loans and accidents (though it doesn’t preclude a seizure or forced sale from general creditors if your equity exceeds $550,000). Some major changes that have directly affected Nevada’s economy and housing market include the opening of new locations and distribution centers for major companies such as Tesla, Amazon, Switch, The Honest Company, Bed Bath & Beyond, Fanatic and Ikea. Other important developments include the launch of Vegas’ first professional hockey team, the new T-Mobile Arena, Downtown Summerlin shopping center and Town Square, and the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana. More exciting additions on the horizon include Faraday Future’s electric car factory, new casino projects that have already broken ground and, potentially, an NFL team and football stadium.
LIVING ALOHA
CURIOUS CREAMERY Do-it-yourself ice cream hits the shelves in Hawai‘i BY LAUREN MCNALLY
One size does not fit all when it comes to ice cream. The Curious Creamery is an easy-to-use DIY dessert mix that allows you to craft your own custom ice cream flavors at home, no ice cream machine required. Start by adding your choice of ice-cold liquid to the reusable tub, add the base mix, then go in with an electric mixer until the mixture rises near the top of tub. Pop it into the freezer for an hour to thicken up, then add your chosen mix-ins and flavorings. A delicious homemade creation is yours for the tasting in just four to six hours.
Try adding warm malasadas, macadamia nuts and liliko‘i curd, or experiment with other local flavors such as fresh fruit, Kona coffee, green tea or coconut water. Boozy blends made from your favorite Hawaiian craft beer, rum or even sake are perfect for casual get-togethers and entertaining the aunties, uncles and cousins. Full-bodied red wines and buttery whites also make good additions. An alcohol by volume of six percent or less performs best. Dilute higher varieties with milk, juice or water, and keep in mind that alcohol increases the mixing time and results in a denser, softer dessert. You can even experiment with unexpected savory accents like chili peppers or avocado— the possibilities are endless. Now available at Times Supermarkets and Big Save locations in Hawai‘i, The Curious Creamery ice cream and ice cream cake mixes contain no high fructose corn syrup, added colors or flavors, lactose or preservatives and are naturally trans-fat and gluten free. At about 100 calories per scoop, it contains half the calories and fat of store brands and is easier on the wallet, too—each tub comes with two packs of mix at less than 50 cents per serving.
LAS VEGAS BOUND 41
LIVING ALOHA
ALL THAT JAZZ Beachy Kailua boutique Global Village is one of our favorite stops for homemade gifts on the windward side of O‘ahu
1
2
3
1. SIMBI HAIR TIES Colorful Simbi hair ties can be worn in the hair or on the wrist. Each hair tie sold helps bring clean water and jobs to Haiti. [$3] 4
5
2. MATR BOOMIE JEWELRY POUCHES Made in India from upcycled saris, these handmade, fair-tradecertified jewelry pouches give new life to beautiful fabrics and help artisans build sustainable livelihoods in their communities. [$4 or free with jewelry purchase]
globalvillagehawaii.com
42 LAS VEGAS BOUND
3. KUMA SUNGLASSES Kuma sunglasses come in a variety of styles, all featuring bamboo arms. Kuma has teamed up with the nonprofit Trees for the Future to plant a tree for every pair sold. [$36] 4. GIRL LOVES SEA Made with sterling silver and 14-karat gold, Girl Loves Sea’s one-of-a-kind jewelry collection is handcrafted with sea glass and shells sourced from Hawai‘i waters. [$40–$110] 5. CHAVEZ FOR CHARITY Chavez for Charity semiprecious stone bracelets are color coordinated to benefit specific nonprofits.
Reinventing Health Care St. Francis Healthcare System is taking healthcare delivery to a new, exciting level. The Liliha campus is now being completely transformed into the St. Francis Kūpuna Village, Hawaii’s first one-top health and wellness center dedicated to serving seniors, caregivers and other family members. In today’s harried world, families will find a comfortable, casual haven to relax and unwind as they enjoy breathtaking sunsets and spectacular Honolulu skyline and ocean views from the courtyard. The courtyard will be the hub for an exciting array of amenities: a senior community center, where seniors can enjoy educational, social and recreational activities together; a wellness center, bistro, beauty salon, and much more.
The St. Francis Kūpuna Village is designed to seamlessly blend health and wellness activities, all at one convenient site. The campus already features a skilled nursing facility and future plans include an adult day care program, an assisted living facility with a wing dedicated to serving the Sisters of St. Francis, and an independent living community.
Be one of the first to learn about St. Francis Healthcare System’s newest programs! Join our e-mail list by sending your name and email address to: info@stfrancishawaii.org
Live Every Moment (808) 547-6500 stfrancishawaii.org
Caring for the Whole Family Jerry Correa, Chief Executive Officer St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii In Hawaii, do people want to remain at home as they age? Yes, “living in place” is not only the preference among seniors in Hawaii, but also across the nation. In the past, this was referred to as “aging in place.” Our multi-cultural, multi-ethnic influences create strong expectations for older adult children to care for their parents as they age. However, we know that sense of duty and honor can create a tremendous burden on working family members.
What is St. Francis Healthcare System doing to address this issue? The Sisters of St. Francis always believed in finding a way to meet the needs of the community. We are creating the St. Francis Kūpuna Village to offer a spectrum of services for seniors and caregivers all in one convenient location.
We envision a campus that offers different levels of care: adult day care, independent living, assisted living, intermediate and skilled nursing care with rehabilitation services, and other services. We are now in the process of building and filling in the gaps in our overall strategic vision. This will occur over the next five to seven years. Some of this will be the result of collaboration and alliances with other healthcare providers, just as we have partnered with Ohana Pacific Management to offer skilled nursing care on our campus.
While the vision for the campus unfolds, what is St. Francis doing in the meantime to meet the immediate needs of the community? St. Francis Healthcare System has a number of existing service lines, including islandwide bathing and personal care services,
adult day care in Manoa and Ewa, islandwide home and inpatient hospice care, a social worker-based palliative care program, an affordable independent living community in Ewa, and a preschool, also in Ewa.
What is your newest service for the community? This past year, we introduced caregiver education and training sessions for caregivers. The response to these hands-on, interactive sessions has been positive and we plan to continue to offering them throughout 2017. For a list of upcoming sessions, visit the St. Francis Healthcare System website at stfrancishawaii.org.
Live Every Moment (808) 547-6500 stfrancishawaii.org
KNOW BEFORE YOU
GO
What to expect on a Vacations Hawaii experience to Las Vegas ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
You are required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide an acceptable form of identification at check-in and at the security checkpoints in Honolulu and Las Vegas. Acceptable forms of identification include photo identification issued by the US Federal or State Government or US and foreign government-issued passports. Additionally, the identification must contain a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and some tamper-resistant feature. Bus passes, library cards and fishing licenses are among the forms of identification that are NOT acceptable.
In addition to one personal item (briefcase, purse, laptop computer, backpack) each person is allowed one piece of carry-on luggage. The maximum dimensions for each piece of carry-on luggage is approximately 9 x 14 x 22 inches and the weight restriction is 25 pounds. No more than three ounces of liquids, aerosols or gels may be included in carry-on luggage. Additionally, all of the above items must be consolidated in a single quartsized zip lock bag, which must be placed separately in the security bin during the security screening process.
CHECKED LUGGAGE l In Honolulu, check in two hours prior to departure at Omni Air International’s ticket counter located in Lobby 6 of the Honolulu International Airport.
l PLEASE BE AWARE THAT : • Baggage that needs to be checked needs to pass through the agriculture checkpoint before heading to the ticket counter. • In addition to affixing the hotel tags provided by Vacations Hawaii, all checked luggage must be tagged with your own personal identification tag. • You are allowed two pieces of checked luggage with a maximum weight of 50 pounds and maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches (length+width+height). • A fee of $25 will be assessed for each of the first two pieces of checked luggage on each flight segment. Passengers who check in more than two pieces of luggage will be charged $100 per piece for each additional item of checked luggage per each flight segment. • In addition to the checked baggage fees set forth above, Vacations Hawaii may, in its sole discretion, accept oversized or overweight luggage when space is available, subject to the payment of a fee of $100 per piece on each flight segment. Checked baggage that exceeds a maximum outside linear dimension of 62 inches and/or exceeds a maximum weight of 50 pounds constitutes overweight luggage. Items heavier than 70 pounds will not be accepted for transportation. • First Class passengers and Emerald cardholders in Boyd’s B Connected program will be allowed two pieces of checked luggage at no charge, except for oversized and overweight pieces described above, which will be subject to fees. • Styrofoam coolers will not be accepted unless packed within an outside box or container. Special rules and restrictions govern the transport of dry ice.
46 LAS VEGAS BOUND
SPECIAL NEEDS (Wheelchairs, Oxygen, Oxygen Concentrators) Customers with special needs should make their reservations with Vacations Hawaii as far in advance as possible and should request the special services available to them. Arrangements can be made for special seating and handling at the same time that your charter reservations are made. Wheelchairs are available through the porter service at both Honolulu International Airport and McCarran International Airport for the convenience of passengers. Arrangements can be made in advance to rent wheelchairs for use in Las Vegas. Customers also have the option of taking their own personal wheelchairs with them as checked luggage on the chartered flights. Oxygen can be provided at a cost for any customer who provides Vacations Hawaii with a prescription that has an acceptable flow rate and meets the government’s criteria when the request for oxygen is made. Oxygen concentrators are allowed on the airplane but are subject to restrictions concerning the make and model of the concentrator and the amount of battery-charge available. Consult with a Vacations Hawaii representative for a full description of terms and restrictions.
DEPARTING HONOLULU
<
Again, once at Honolulu International Airport, please check in two hours before departure at Lobby 6. A 5 1/2-hour flight will take you from Honolulu to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport. The charter approaches Las Vegas from the south, giving passengers a clear view of the Strip and Downtown as the plane descends for its landing.
ARRIVING IN LAS VEGAS
<
The flight arrives at Terminal 1, where a Vacations Hawaii ground agent will greet you, answer any questions
NEED ASSISTANCE? l If you need any help while you are in Las Vegas, please contact the Duty Escorts at the Vacations Hawaii office in the Main Street Hotel and Casino. Escorts are at the office 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may also call 702.249.8404 for assistance.
Kikaha
and direct you to the buses that will take you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be greeted by another agent and proceed to the front desk to retrieve your meal-ticket book and room keys. Your luggage will be brought to your room shortly. During your stay, there are countless ways to stay busy with gaming, shopping, day trips, sightseeing, free shows and more. For a list of some possibilities, contact your hotel’s bell desk representatives.
On the day of your departure, your luggage will be retrieved from your room by the bell desk. You will meet in a designated room and await the buses to take you back to McCarran Airport, Terminal 1. At the terminal, you will need to retrieve your luggage (or use a SkyCap) and take it to the check-in counter. Check in with the Swissport counter agents. There, you will be issued your boarding pass and luggage claim tags and directed to the proper departing gate. Once you arrive at the Honolulu airport, your luggage is typically sent to Baggage Claim E. An announcement will be made in-flight to let you know where to pick up your baggage. <
Passenger Entrance >>>
EXIT
<
LAVATORY
2D 3D 4D
2F 3F 4F
7D 7E 7F 8D 8E 8F 9D 9E 9F 10D 10E 10F 11D 11E 11F 12D 12E 12F 14D 15D 16D
EXIT
LEAVING LAS VEGAS
LAVATORY
14E 15E 16E
14F 15F 16F
2H 3H 4H
2K 3K 4K
7H 8H 9H 10H 11H 12H 14H 15H 16H
7K 8K
First Class Rows 1 – 4
9K 10K 11K 12K 14K 15K 16K
Premium Class Rows 7 – 16
LAVATORY
LAVATORY
17H* 17K* 18D 19D 20D 21D 22D 23D 24D 25D 26D 27D 28D 29D 30D 31D 32D 33D 34D 35D 36D
| 1-877-718-8901
Omni Flight Departure & Arrival Information
18E 19E 20E 21E 22E 23E 24E 25E 26E 27E 28E 29E 30E 31E 32E 33E 34E 35E 36E
18F 19F 20F 21F 22F 23F 24F 25F 26F 27F 28F 29F 30F 31F 32F 33F 34F 35F 36F
18H 19H 20H 21H 22H 23H 24H 25H 26H 27H 28H 29H 30H 31H 32H 33H 34H 35H 36H
18K 19K 20K 21K 22K 23K 24K 25K 26K 27K 28K 29K 30K 31K 32K 33K 34K 35K 36K
Coach Class Rows 17 – 36
LAVATORY
Thank You For Choosing Vacations Hawaii! LAS VEGAS BOUND 47
PRO ADVICE
GET THE 411 FROM THE EXPERTS
RETIREMENT PLANNING Did you know the rules have changed?
ASSISTED LIVING Tips to ease the conversation BY KELIKA ISHOL
BY EDWARD MOTOSUE More than 50 percent of seniors retire without any planning. Many retire without knowing how much money they need to retire or how long their retirement money will last. More than 85 percent of Americans aged 60 and over do not have long-term care coverage, and 73 percent of Hawai‘i’s seniors need some level of long-term care. The traditional model of retirement relies on the following three resources: Social Security, regular investments (stocks, mutual funds) and retirement plans (401(k), IRA). Everything is taxable, and most people believe that when they retire they will be in a lower tax bracket, but is this true? Retirement isn’t cheap. Costs are rising and planning for it is a process. Here are some things to consider before you make the jump. Do you have long-term care insurance? What are living benefits? Do you have a Social Security strategy? What exactly is a living trust? Do you have guaranteed income for life? No one can predict how long they’ll live, so one of the biggest financial risks that seniors face is the possibility they’ll outlive their savings. Nearly 70 percent of retirees underestimate their life expectancy. Take charge of your own money. At Financial Benefits Insurance, we can introduce you to an insurance expert, long-term care consultant, financial advisor, elder law attorney or healthcare advisor to go over your needs. For more information, please call (808) 792-5194 or visit our website at fbihi.com.
Edward Y. Motosue is the coprincipal and vice president of Financial Benefits Insurance Inc., which specializes in senior products: retirement planning, long-term care plans, Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans and annuities. 808.792.5194 fbihi.com 48 LAS VEGAS BOUND
Watching our aging parents struggle with simple tasks is heartrending. But talking to them about assisted living doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to ease the conversation: 1. Assure them they will remain in control. Assistedliving residents have the freedom to make their own choices, including what they want assistance with. 2. Let them know there are many social opportunities. Moving to an assisted-living community connects them with other seniors. 3. Remind them of what they love to do. Many people fear they’ll give up their independence when they move to assisted living. In reality, getting help with daily activities will give them more time and energy to do the things they truly care about. Plus, they’ll no longer need to worry about the responsibilities of maintaining a house and yard. 4. Ask questions they might not have considered. Can they do everyday tasks easily, without assistance? Are they eating as healthily or as well as they should? Do they feel safe in their home or when running errands? 5. Identify important amenities. Do they want a full-sized kitchen to cook in or would they rather have meals prepared for them? Is transportation available? Do they want help with housekeeping or laundry? 7. Visit an assisted-living community with them. The best way to know if assisted living is a good fit is to take a look in person. At Po-hai Nani, we’d love to have you come by our campus for a tour and meet some of the people who live and work here. For more information, call (808) 236-7835 or visit our website at good-sam.com/pohainani.
Kelika Ishol is the director of sales, marketing, and resource development and has over 18 years of experience in the retirement community industry. 808.236.7807 Direct 808.227.0774 Cell good-sam.com
Get more for your money with
Fantastic Charter Packages featuring: • A wide body 767 aircraft • Non-stop round trip flights to Las Vegas • Comfortable accommodations at select Boyd Gaming hotels • Baggage handling and hotel transportation • Three meals per day and more!
Build your own Non-Charter Package featuring: • Hawaiian, American, Delta and United Airline packages • Disneyland, San Francisco, or Cruise packages with your Las Vegas trip • Visit the East Coast and stop in Las Vegas • Two through seven night packages at your favorite Boyd Gaming hotel and more!
Let our Custom Travel Department Build a Package for You! CHARTER DEPARTMENT
NON-CHARTER DEPARTMENT
808-591-4777 or 800-548-8951
808-591-4700 or 800-253-4422
On Oahu
Neighbor Islands
On Oahu
Neighbor Islands
Ala Moana Pacific Center Building · 1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 900 · Honolulu, HI 96814
facebook.com/VacationsHawaii @VacationsHawaii
SM
IT’S GOOD TO
CONNECTED
SM
ı
BoydVacationsHawaii.com
E njoy the adventure of retirement.
Lunch with friends. A 3 p.m. tee time. Dinner with the neighbors. An evening stroll. With senior living from Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani, you’ll have time to cherish every minute of your busy schedule. Because retirement doesn’t mean life’s adventures are over. It means they’re just getting started. To learn more about our community in Kane’ohe, call (808) 236-7835.
The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws. Some services may be provided by a third party. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. © 2017 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved.