Las Vegas Bound - Christmas In Vegas

CHRISTMAS IN VEGAS

Crystal Lee's Year of Service $5.00 NOV 2013 – JAN 2014

+

FOR LIVING HEALTHY

HALEAMANO // PARK ON FREMONT // RAINBOW WAHINE VOLLEYBALL

PRIMETIME: Bank Smarter.

Live Better.

BaZing3 which provides protection and savings rolled into one! From cell phone and identity theft protection to shopping, dining & travel discounts, going on trips has never been easier!

Want more than just banking discounts? The PrimeTime program also offers statewide merchant discounts to its members too!

Each year, members can visit their local First Hawaiian Bank branch to pick up their value book filled with dozens of moneysaving merchant discounts. Plus, with the PrimeTime SaversGuide® that’s included with each book, members can register online to get an even larger selection of discounts on dining, shopping, events and attractions across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

PrimeTime also invites its members to special events designed to offer practical information as well as provide a network of support services to enhance its members’ quality of life. At our annual PrimeTime Wellness Fairs held on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island, vendors range from health care providers to travel agencies and everything in between.

Attendees can participate in hands-on activities, and receive free flu immunizations, and glucose and cholesterol screenings while enjoying live entertainment. “The emphasis of these events is to teach healthy living, while living a productive lifestyle,” according to Cindy Ing, the First Hawaiian Bank PrimeTime Program Manager.

W

hether you’re happily retired, enjoying your annual trip to Vegas, or taking a well-deserved vacation away from your 9 to 5 job, First Hawaiian Bank wants to help you bank smarter and live better so you can enjoy these trips year after year.

Need travelers cheques for your trip? Want to secure your valuables in a safe deposit box so those will be safe while you’re away? With First Hawaiian Bank’s PrimeTimeSM program, you’ll be sure to find the benefit that is right for you!

The program is designed for those aged 50 or better who maintain a personal checking account with First Hawaiian Bank; and since there is no minimum balance requirement to become a PrimeTime Plus member, qualifying is a snap. To take advantage of additional savings and value as a Gold member, all it takes is $25,000 in combined deposit balances at First Hawaiian or $50,000 to be a Platinum member and receive the greatest value1! Best of all, once enrolled, your PrimeTime membership automatically renews in the highest level you qualify for at the time of the renewal.

Don’t have a checking account with First Hawaiian Bank to qualify?

With our new Secure Checking2, you get all the banking features you want in your checking account plus the fantastic benefits of

“So as you can see PrimeTime is a banking program to help you bank smarter and live better,” Ing said. “If you’re not already a member, stop by any conveniently located First Hawaiian Bank branch today or visit fhb. com and learn how easy it is to sign up. We’d love to have you as a customer and welcome you as a member of our PrimeTime ohana.”

1 PrimeTime banking services and special benefits depend upon the PrimeTime

level you apply for and maintain. These benefits may be lost and membership cancelled if the checking account is closed. Please refer to the PrimeTime Rules & Regulations for details. Discounts cannot be combined with Priority BankingSM benefits, any other special promotions, or discounted services.

2 The minimum deposit to open a Secure Checking account is $100 (or just $5 with direct deposit). Account not available to business or corporate customers.

3 The Bazing Protection Package is provided

by StrategyCorps, LLC and its affiliates and contractors, and is not provided or endorsed

by First Hawaiian Bank. The package is subject to terms and conditions that are available on BaZing.com. Certain benefits require you to register at Bazing.com. If, within 90 days after you open your Secure Checking account or sign up for the package, you notify us that you no longer want the package, you may close or convert your Secure Checking account or cancel the package.

If you have paid any monthly fees for the package, they will be refunded.

Insurance products are: NOT INSURED BY FDIC OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT AN OBLIGATION

ADVERTISEMENT

OF OR GUARANTEED BY FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK

Member FDIC

fill up for less

with PrimeTime Join First Hawaiian Bank’s PrimeTimeSM* program and save 5 cents per gallon on gasoline at any participating 76® gas station when you use your Kama‘aina Rewards® card. All you need to qualify is to be age 50+ and maintain a First Hawaiian Bank personal checking account.

Your membership also includes valuable offers from a wide range of merchants, discounted banking services and invitations to special events.

SIGN UP TODAY. Visit any branch, call 844-4444 (Oahu) or

1-888-844-4444 (neighbor islands), or visit fhb.com.

Yes, We Care.

*PrimeTime banking services and special benefits depend on the PrimeTime level you apply for and maintain. These benefits may be lost and membership cancelled if the checking account is closed. Please see the PrimeTime Rules and Regulations for specific terms and conditions. As a PrimeTime member, you will receive a discount of 5 cents per gallon on gasoline at any participating 76® gas station when you use your Kama‘aina Rewards® card now through September 30, 2014, when this offer expires.

For more information and a list of participating 76® gas stations, visit KamaainaRewards.com. PrimeTime is only available in Hawaii.

76® and its respective logos are federally registered trademarks of Phillips 66 Company or one of its subsidiaries. Kama‘aina Rewards® is a federally registered trademark of Mid Pac Petroleum, LLC.

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CONTENTS

Volume 6 | Issue 1 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014

2

06

ENTERTAINMENT Showcase and Cheap Eats

10

EVENTS Las Vegas Calendar

14

DOWNTOWN DIARY Park on Fremont

16

CHRISTMAS IN VEGAS Sin City’s holiday festivities and activities

Living 34

Aloha

KAMA‘AINA SPOTLIGHT EcoCab around Town

36

LOCAL SPORTS Rainbow Wahine Volleyball’s Coach Shoji

40

HEALTH & WELLNESS Aging gracefully: 7 tips for healthy living

20

AND THE WINNER IS...

Miss Hawaii Crystal Lee’s year of service

26

HELEAMANO Jamming Island-style reggae in the desert

30

BOYD CASINO WINNERS Lucky you

46

LasVegasBOUND

VACATIONS HAWAII ‘What to know before you travel

48

TRANSPLANTS ‘Living in Las Vegas

“It’s time to ask AlohaCare about your Medicare options!”

Al Harrington

Educator, Healer & Entertainer

This is a paid endorsement.

You get more benefits beyond Original Medicare Our benefits include: » » »

Drug Coverage Vision Coverage Hearing Coverage

» »

Preventive Services Tests, X-rays & Lab Services

» » »

Acupuncture 24-hour Nurse Advice Line Local Customer Service

Call: 973-6395 • Toll-free: 1-866-973-6395 • TTY: 1-877-447-5990 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week • www.AlohaCare.org

AlohaCare Advantage (HMO) is a HMO plan with a Medicare contract. AlohaCare Advantage Plus (HMO SNP) is a HMO plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Hawaii Medicaid program. Enrollment in AlohaCare Advantage or AlohaCare Advantage Plus depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change on January 1 of each year. AlohaCare Advantage Plus is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare.

H5969_400250_1 CMS Accepted 101313

Welcome Volume 6 | Issue 1 | NOV/DEC 2013/JAN 2014

Bill Smith

P UBLIS HE RS

Vice President / General Manager Vacations Hawaii

Jamie & Naomi Giambrone Element Media, Inc.

E DITOR

Kevin Whitton

DE SIGN

Keith Usher

Customers often ask how they can be assured that they are receiving our best deals on the packages that we sell at Vacations Hawaii. Undoubtedly, the best way is by regularly inserting your Bconnected card when playing on the gaming machines or showing your Bconnected card when wagering on table games in our casinos. If you don’t have a Bconnected card, sign up for one. It’s absolutely free and regular use of the card is the first step toward qualifying for special discounts and offers, based on your casino play.

Other ways of searching for Vacations Hawaii’s best offers include making frequent visits to our BoydVacationsHawaii.com website and viewing the banner ads that promote charter and non-charter specials. Our Sunday ads in the Travel section of the Star Advertiser showcase what we consider to be our best values in charter and charter alternative pricing. Television and radio also provide Vacations Hawaii with reliable vehicles for promoting specials, quickly and effectively.

In this day and age of social media, there are also two exciting ways to connect with Vacations Hawaii. The first is to Follow us on Twitter and the second is to Like us on Facebook. Both Twitter and Facebook provide Vacations Hawaii with the ability to post and promote previously unadvertised specials that are often seen exclusively on social media and only for a limited time. Follow us on Twitter under the handle @VacationsHawaii or Like us on Facebook under VacationsHawaii. A great deal may pop up when you least expect it. Follow us and find out!

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LasVegasBOUND

A DV E RTISING Brian Lewis

A DMINIS T RATION Patrick Garrett

CONT RIBUTING W RIT E R S Kim Baxter Malia Mercedes Myra Rabanal

S TA F F W RIT E R

Alyssa Fukumoto

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

©2013 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.

ON T HE COVE R :

Las Vegas Bound

What started as a penchant for dancing has led Crystal Lee, Miss Hawaii 2013, to the Miss America pageant and a year of service for the organization.

@vegasboundmag

Photo: Bruce V. Boyajian/The Miss America Organization

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Entertainment

SHOWCASE Your guide to fun on the Ninth Island 2013 Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl l The 22nd Annual Las Vegas Bowl returns to pit the top football team from the Mountain West against the fifth pick from the Pac-12 Conference in an exciting weekend matchup.

Last year’s bowl attracted over 33,000 fans and earned the third highest ratings in the game’s history. Las Vegas Bowl Executive Director Dan Hanneke anticipates that this year’s game will garner the same reception. ‘’We had a tremendously positive response to playing a weekend day game last year so we are very pleased that the calendar works out this year that we can offer that again.” The game will once again be televised nationally on ABC. WHERE: Sam Boyd Stadium WHEN: December 21 › $25-$100 › lvbowl.com › 702.732.3912

14th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards l The nominations are in and this year’s Latin GRAMMY Awards promises to heat up Las Vegas as they roll out the red carpet for the diverse range of the most talented established stars and newcomers in Latin music. Among the nominees with the highest number of nods are, at five nominations each: Colombian singer Carlos Vives, Argentinean duo Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas, and Florida-based sound engineer and mixer Javier Garza. Since its debut entirely in Spanish in 2005, the show has garnered a large following and positive ratings in the United States and around the world.

WHERE: Mandalay Bay WHEN: November 21 › $50-$600 › mandalaybay.com › 702.632.7777

6

LasVegasBound

Entertainment

New Year’s Eve with Bruno Mars

Photos: City of Henderson

l Bruno Mars is set to hit Vegas several times throughout 2014, but fans get the chance to ring in the New Year with the Roosevelt High School grad at The Cosmopolitan’s new club The Chelsea.

The Grammy winner and his eight-piece band, The Hooligans, will rock the house with a slew of Mars’ 22 Billboard Hot 100 hits including songs off of his latest album, Unorthodox Jukebox. Combined sales of Jukebox and his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans have gone platinum a whopping 60 times worldwide, showcasing Mars’s energetic, soulful blend of rock, soul and hip-hop and certifying him as one of today’s most prominent entertainers.

WHERE: The Cosmopolitan WHEN: December 30 › $150 › ticketmaster.com › 800.745.3000

Photo: Courtesy Denver Nuggets

National Finals Rodeo l Giddy-up to the National Finals Rodeo for more than a week’s worth of entertainment and activities guaranteed to satisfy your inner cowboy. Festivities include the Cowboy Christmas gift show, the original, official gift show for NFR that features custom jewelry, furniture, original art and western wear; the Legendary Buck N’ Ball with drink specials and live country music nightly; the third annual mechanical bull riding competition; the National Finals Tonight show with rodeo highlights, interviews with the most recognizable names in professional rodeo wrangling; viewing parties at various casinos; and the official National Rodeos Final performances at the Thomas and Mack Center. Spurs not included.

WHERE: Various Locations WHEN: December 5-14 › Prices vary by event › nfr.boydgaming.com › 800.591.9198 LasVegasBound

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CHEAP EATS: The Vegas Mixed Plate

The soup, the whole soup and nothing but the soup Reviews and photos by Myra Rabanal The truth about soup is that it is an art. I admire talented cooks with hypersensitive taste buds that can marry a variety of distinct ingredients and spices to create a synergistic soup or stew that is a show of balance and harmony—not too salty, not too starchy, but just right.

Here are a few establishments across the valley that do justice to the art of making good soup. *Menu items and prices may be subject to change

Linger over a bowl of rich French onion soup.

KAUAI CAFÉ

This cozy, family-run diner in Southwest Las Vegas makes all the local plate lunch favorites. Ask for a robust bowl of Portuguese bean soup as a meal ($8.95 with rice and mac salad) for a taste of Hawai‘i. Not overcooked and chock full of vegetables, ham hock, sausage and beans, this soup is soul satisfying and filling.

Or get a side of soup ($2.50) with the Heineken beer-battered Kauai chicken ($8.50) or the lau lau feast ($15.50 on Friday and Saturday), enough for two. If beans aren’t your style, dive into a bowl of local-style saimin or oxtail soup.

10140 Tropicana Ave. 702.754.3559 facebook.com/KauaiCafe

Chilly temperatures call for a green chile stew that packs a punch.

PATISSERIE MANON

CARLITO’S BURRITOS

8751 W. Charleston Blvd. #110 702.586.2666 patisseriemanon.com

3345 E. Patrick Ln., Ste. 105 702.547.3592 carlitosburritos.com

If you can muster the courage to walk past the luscious French pastries and cakes in this Summerlin bakery, you’ll find a no-frills café that serves casual French fare all day long.

An ample bowl of French onion soup ($3.65) on an autumn day is, as the French say, c’est magnifique! The Gruyere melting on two thick slices of French bread drenched in rich beef broth with caramelized onions is meant to be savored slowly. You’ll also find escargot ($8.25), paté, foie gras and classic entrees like beef bourguignon and pork cassoulet to accompany the soup. Delicious morsels without haute price.

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Don’t forget the Portuguese bean soup with your lau lau.

LasVegasBOUND

Taste authentic New Mexican flavors at this popular eastsider.

Carlito’s dishes are inexpensive and full of flavor, so don’t let the green chile stew’s ($4.50 for 12 oz./$6.25 for 16 oz.) mild exterior fool you. The truth is, this thick concoction of green chiles, potatoes and pork is a mouth burner if you like it hot.

Faint of heart? Try the pork posole stew ($6.05) or the special carne adovada nachos ($8.50). Pick up a side of pillowy sopapillas ($1.50), Indian fry bread, with honey to fully enjoy the cuisine of New Mexico.

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Vegas

Calendar

Events

November / DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014

November 9

Selena Gomez l Pop princess Selena Gomez embarks on her Stars Dance Tour with special guests Emblem3 and Christina Grimmie. The former Disney darling fronted Billboardtopping group Selena Gomez and the Scene before launching her hit solo album Stars Dance.

Photo by Mark Tucker

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino $30.50–$66.50 mandalaybay.com 702.632.7777

NOVEMBER

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November 1–2

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Swan Lake Act II & Sleeping Beauty Act III

November 1–3

l In a tribute to Russian composer Tchaikovsky, two of ballet’s classic romances take the stage. Swan Lake Act II follows Odette, a beautiful princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer, and Sleeping Beauty Act III celebrates Aurora’s royal wedding.

l Sixties teen heartthrob, singer and actor Frankie Avalon continues to enchant audiences with his signature smile and croon as he takes to the stage to perform his classic pop hits including “Venus,” “Why” and “Bobby Socks to Stockings.”

The Smith Center $35–$128 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000

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Frankie Avalon

South Point Casino Hotel & Spa $40–$50 southpointcasino.com 702.797.8055

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November 22–28 Celtic Woman

l Global music sensation Celtic Woman rings in the holidays with Home for Christmas - The Symphony Tour. The all-female Irish ensemble shares their take on holiday classics accompanied by a full symphony orchestra.

The Venetian $75.50–$155.50 venetian.com 702.414.9000

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Events

November 23 Michael Bublé

l Grammy Award-winning Canadian pop/jazz sensation Michael Bublé sings some of his popular swing hits including “It’s a Beautiful Day” and “Haven’t Met You Yet” while promoting his new number-one single “To Be Loved.”

MGM Grand Garden Arena $62.50 - $131.45 mgmgrand.com 877.880.0880

November 22 Drake

November 26– December 1 Evita

l Former Degrassi: The Next Generation star turned platinum recording artist and rapper Drake performs hits like “Best I Ever Had” and “Started from the Bottom” for his Vegas Would You Like A Tour performance.

l Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical returns.

Featuring theater classics including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” audiences relive the inspiring and tragic life of Argentinean First Lady Eva Perón.

MGM Grand Garden Arena $68.85–$123.20 mgmgrand.com 877.880.0880

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The Smith Center $26–$129 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000

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November 29–30

November 30

l Boy band frontman turned celebrated singer-songwriter and Grammy-Award winner Justin Timberlake takes audiences on his The 20/20 Experience World Tour to celebrate the release of his latest album.

l Neo-soul artist and pianist John Legend imbues both slow and pianopounding numbers with his soulful sound as he celebrates the release of his fourth studio album, Love in the Future.

John Legend

Justin Timberlake

MGM Grand Garden Arena $61.60–$219.70 ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000

November 30

Thirty Seconds to Mars with Pepper & Parade of Lights

Palms Casino Resort: The Pearl $61.60–$112.65 ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000

l Radio station X107.5 celebrates its annual Holiday Havoc with Billboard and MTV Award-winning rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, along with special guests Hawaiibased reggae rock band Pepper and alt-electro group Parade of Lights.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Starting at $39.50 ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000 LasVegasBound

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Events

December 12–13 Merle Haggard

December 6 Beyoncé

l Queen B rocks the arena with “The Mrs. Carter Show,” her fifth concert tour. For this round, she recalls Louis XVI-era fashions of oversized wigs, bustiers and white-powder makeup to her usual fare of powerful vocals and eye-catching choreography.

MGM Grand Garden Arena $62.10–$277.15 ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000

December 6–7

An Evening with Wynonna and The Big Noise l Wynonna Judd presents commanding vocals along with a lifetime of country music hits and songs off of an upcoming album as she performs with her band, The Big Noise.

l Country music outlaw Merle Haggard first performed in Vegas in 1962, where he heard what would become his first hit, “Sing a Sad Song.” Haggard returns to the Vegas stage with “Sad Song” and more of his 40 number one chart-toppers.

Golden Nugget $86.90–$295.90 goldennugget.com 866.946.5336

Orleans Showroom $82.50–$110.00 orleanscasino.com 702.284.7777

DECEMBER

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

December 7

December 13

l Iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli enchants concertgoers with his take on classical and crossover tunes off of his various studio albums, opera recordings and other unforgettable live performances.

l Record producer and rapper Jay Z brings his tour to Mandalay to support his latest album Magna Carta Holy Grail. The album has already gone double platinum after an unconventional release—the first one million copies were given to Samsung phone users for free.

Andrea Bocelli

MGM Grand Garden Arena $89.15–$427.15 ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000

Jay Z

December 7–8 All-4-One

l Nineties pop music sensation All-4-One puts on a holiday show for fans that includes their chart-topping hits “I Swear” and “I Can Love You Like That” alongside holiday music favorites.

Suncoast Hotel and Casino $17.50–$44 suncoastcasino.com 702.636.7075 12 LasVegasBound

Mandalay Bay $46.05–$163.45 ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000

December 27 Britney Spears

l Pop diva Britney cements her comeback with the debut of her two-year residency at the MGM Grand. “Piece of Me” is a high energy experience with songs off of all of Spears’s eight studio albums.

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino $66.50–$194 December 30 877.333.9474

January 25 Nitro Circus Live

December 30 Fleetwood Mac

l British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac formed in 1967 and continues to draw audiences with their unique blend of blues, rock and pop. Don’t miss this performance with Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and original Fleetwood members Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. MGM Grand Garden Arena $110.65–$241.20 ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000

JANUARY

l This high octane, 2-hour spectacle created in part by NASCAR driver and X Games gold medalist Travis Pastrana features 40 of the world’s greatest action sports stars in freestyle motocross, BMX and skate in a variety of outrageous stunts.

MGM Grand Garden Arena $48.55–$81.10 ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000

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December 27, 2013– January 4, 2014 Las Vegas Wranglers

l Check out ice hockey in the desert as the Wranglers, who have seen 11 of their players move on to the National Hockey League, take on other U.S. teams from the ECHL premier AA hockey league.

Orleans Arena $18.75–$40 orleansarena.com 702.284.7777

January 7–12 Mamma Mia!

l The hit stage musical based on the songs of ABBA returns to Vegas in all its colorful, high-energy splendor. The show follows bride-to-be Sophie on her quest to find her father in time to walk her down the aisle.

Photo: Fred Morledge

The Smith Center $26–$129 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000

January 28–February 2 Flashdance: The Musical

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this musical based on the 1983 hit film of the same name is a show full of fun musical numbers, including 16 new tracks and several of the movie’s biggest hit songs.

The Smith Center $26–$129 thesmithcenter.com 702.749.2000 LasVegasBound

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Around Town

Downtown Diary: Park on Fremont

Photos: Park on Fremont

Beers, cocktails and culinary creations at this Downtown gastropub

Trophy Wife

fried chicken and waffle sandwich

Review by Myra Rabanal Kitschy. Edgy. Eclectic. Call it what you like, but this energetic gastropub in the middle of Downtown Las Vegas is not your ordinary watering hole. From the bar wall of hunting trophies to the conversation-worthy art gracing the French country walls, Park on Fremont doesn’t take itself too seriously. The restaurant’s motto, “Time is precious, waste it wisely,” hangs over the bar as a reminder that some of the best times are spent idly having a drink with good friends.

Even more inviting is the adjoining 2,500-square foot patio that is like a neighbor’s garden plucked out of the bucolic suburbs and dropped into the chaotic city. Recycled and antique flourishes mingle with the plants and flowers in this downtown backyard that is a breath of fresh air.

On a midsummer’s day, my friend and I walked into a pau hana crowd looking to unwind after work. Despite the heat inching into the restaurant, guests were hardly bothered as they sipped their iced Mason jar cocktails. Even though the interior may be playful, Park on Fremont takes its cocktail menu seriously with more than 100 beers from around the world, plus specialty Bloody Marys and Mason jar cocktails. The Pillow Talk ($8) is a soothing mix of cucumber, mint and apple vodka. The mythical Unicorn ($8) is a concoction of ginger beer and a hint of lemon. I could’ve sipped cocktails all night, but a girl has got to eat.

The simple bar menu was a sobering welcome, featuring stuffed burgers, sandwiches and salads. My friend was immediately attracted to the salty-sweet goodness of the boneless fried chicken and waffle sandwich ($10) with Bourbon maple syrup, a simple reminder that in a gastropub, beer, breakfast and dinner have no boundaries. In a “diet be damned” moment, I ordered the Philly mac and cheese steak ($11), a big hoagie roll stuffed with thinly sliced steak and peppers and crowned with a heap of mac and cheese. Served with addictive sweet “teeter tots,” this entrée put me in carbo heaven.

Feeling a little guilty, we ordered the all-season worthy Strawberry Summer Salad ($12), a mound of field greens with sweet berries and creamy gorgonzola that hit the spot in the sweltering heat.

Not able to take another bite, we finished sipping our cocktails and people-watched for dessert, which was just as satisfying, amusing and surprising, like the restaurant.

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LasVegasBound

Park on Fremont exterior garden

Philly mac and cheese steak

Park on Fremont 506 E. Fremont St. 702.834.3160 parkonfremont.com Hours: 11–3am daily

Chef Johnathan S. Mosley

Looking for “home-made” food on your way to Vegas?

Create your own “In-Flight” Bento.

• CATERING AVAILABLE • • MADE FRESH DAILY • • 35 YEARS IN BUSINESS •

1351 Nuuanu Avenue Honolulu Hawaii 96817 (across from Hosoi Mortuary) 808-533-6169 COMPLETE MENU AT: nuuanuokazuya.com HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday – Friday 5 AM – 1 PM Saturday 5:30 AM – 2 PM Sunday 7 AM – 1 PM

MANAGER'S COUPON SPECIAL Nishime, Cone Sushi, Kobu Maki or Kimpira Gobo, Choice of Chicken

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HOLIDAY festivities and

activities hit

Sin City

By Alyssa Fukumoto

F

lying over Nevada, the brilliance of the Strip is easily visible, a field of fairy lights against the backdrop of a dark winter’s nights. Come the holiday season, the neon signs and hotel uplights that make the Strip visible from all around combine with the dÊcor of the holidays as each hotel vies to outshine the others with towering spectacles of pine, gingerbread and candy cane all set to sparkle. Among the added marvels are special holiday activities, places on and around the Strip that cater to everyone, from the thrill-seeker to the theatergoer in an impressive and diverse array of wintertime entertainment.

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LasVegasBound

Photo: Virginia Trudeau

With snowflakes and a little magic, nothing says Christmas like a showing of the ballet The Nutcracker: The Magic Continues.

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Photo: Fashion Show Mall Photo: Opportunity Village

Those looking to lose themselves in a land of holiday enchantment can do so in Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest. The “forest,” located at the charity organization’s space on West Oakley Boulevard, is intended to be a dazzling holiday-themed walkthrough and play area for the entire family. Step foot through the bauble-decked archway and find yourself in the midst of hundreds of trees set aglow by millions of lights. Walk among gingerbread houses, check out The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D Experience, play a mini golf track, take a turn on the Magical Forest Express and even snap photos with Santa in his workshop.

Opportunity Village, in true Vegas style, also takes its holiday charity activities to great heights with The Las Vegas Great Santa Run, held on December 7 at the Fremont Street Experience. Not only does Santa come to town, he brings over 8,000 lookalikes along with him.

Thousands of participants don Santa suits in support of Opportunity Village’s programs for individuals with disabilities, which raised $300,000 last year.

The more theater-inclined holiday vacationer can look to performing arts hub The Smith Center, which is set to host Christmas shows both classic and comedic. The Nevada Ballet takes to the stage at TSC’s Reynolds Hall for The Nutcracker: The Magic Continues. This version promises to have all the traditional charm of the Christmas staple while adding in a few new elements. The play boasts colorful costuming, grand sets and choreography by acclaimed Nevada Ballet Artistic Director James Canfield. This holiday experience will run December 14–22.

An interactive, humorous option at TSC is the return of the holiday comedy-mystery Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s 18 LasVegasBound

Gold. The play follows a no-nonsense nun who seeks to solve history’s greatest mysteries of what happened to the Magi’s gold. Described as “CSI: Bethlehem” by the performing arts center, hilarity ensues as Sister and her helpers, comprised of a local choir and audience members, recreate an unforgettable nativity scene in TSC’s Troesh Studio Theater in order to catch the culprit. Sister’s unique scientific tools and funny, Sunday school teacher reprimands make this a fun, interactive performance.

Among the many not-to-be-missed hotel displays is the Mystic Fall’s Winter Wonderland seen at Sam’s Town casino. The pioneer-themed Mystic Falls is transformed into a walkthrough fit for Santa’s North Pole with lights galore and often a Christmas show or two. Confirmed to be in attendance this year are Cowboy Santa and his Missus, who will be more than happy to take pictures and gift requests from visitors. Sam’s Town pushes to make the experience as traditionally winter-like as can be, so guests

Deck the Halls, Vegas Style

should also prepare themselves for the possibility of snowfall. The annual display historically premiers the day before Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s Day. Last-minute Christmas shopping can be made all the more fun in a place like Fashion Show Mall, as the upscale shopping, eating and entertainment center offers a series of fun holiday features for families. Children ten years old and younger can participate in a pajama night with Old Saint Nick in November, and Fashion Show’s signature 80-foot runway that typically showcases the designs of the mall’s various stores and boutiques will host a new holiday show, Believe in Magic. The mall will also host its fifth annual Holiday Mingle & Jingle, a holiday shopping event, fashion show, raffle and cocktail hour to benefit After-School All-Stars Las Vegas, Aid for AIDS of Nevada, and Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada.

The adventurous traveler can take time off of the strip and head to Mt. Charleston’s Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort (LVSSR). Early October saw preseason snow at the resort and LVSSR is hoping for a long, snowy winter to powder up the slopes. Several programs for beginners are available this season, like free lessons for those with a valid lift ticket or season pass, ski and snowboard how-tos for kids seven or younger and a six-week beginner’s skiing program with two-hour sessions and buffet lunches for seniors to enjoy. Whether you’re just developing your snow savvy on one of LVSSR’s 30 trails or zooming down the intermediate and advanced runs, the ski resort is a perfect wintry, limited-time alternative to on-strip activities.

Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest West Oakley Boulevard Nov. 22–Jan. 6 The Las Vegas Great Santa Run Fremont Street Experience Dec. 7 The Nutcracker: The Magic Continues The Smith Center Dec. 14–22 Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold The Smith Center Nov. 29–Dec. 1 Mystic Fall’s Winter Wonderland Sam’s Town Nov. 27–Jan. 1

Nearly 10,000 Santa-clad runners take part in the annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run at the Fremont Street Experience.

Skiing and Snowboarding Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort Nov. 29–Apr. 1 Photo: Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort

Photo: Stephen Joseph Photography

Believe In Magic Fashion Show Mall November–December

While many pageantry contestants are trained into the sub-culture from an early age, O‘ahu-native Crystal Lee ran from it for most of her life, opting to focus on dancing. Lucky for her, dancing kept her very close to the world of pageantry. When she noticed the poise and confidence that the contestants delivered on stage, she decided that she wanted a piece of the action and dove into the world of pageantry. More than just bright lights, good looks and new outfits, she was drawn in by the community service component of the Miss America title and set out to don the crown. Crystal holds the Miss Chinatown name for 2013 and was also crowned Miss Hawaii in June. After recently returning from the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Miss Hawaii sets her sights on her year of service.

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How did you get into the world of pageantry? Did your parents start you down the path or was it on your own accord?

My mom has always been trying to get me into beauty pageants and modeling, but I’ve always fought her on it, turned her down. She’s always been sad. I’ve been dancing my whole life since I was six, and I was part of 247 Danceforce, where they dance every year at the Miss Hawaii pageant. After dancing for the pageant for two or three years I got into it. I saw the girls and what they did on stage, the confidence, and I really like that the organization promoted that each girl had a platform, a purpose for being there. That really inspired me and I saw myself there. I had a drive and I wanted to do it. When I was 18 I decided I was going to run. My mom was so shocked.

I got fourth runner-up out of 30 girls that year. I was really happy, but I knew it’s an actual job and that I needed to grow up a little bit. So I took four years off. I stepped out of the pageant world and got my degree from U.H. Manoa in communications and French and studied abroad in France, right next to the French Alps. I was there for two months and it was probably the best experience of my life. I funded my schooling to study abroad. I worked really hard, did the Black Fridays and holiday shifts to raise money and funded myself for my last semester.

A bigger view on life. A lot of people say they want to get off of this tiny rock, but I beg to differ. My parents were flight attendants and I’ve been very fortunate to travel the world.

I’ve been to 10 different countries. My dad speaks Chinese, my mom and brother speak Japanese. We’re really a multicultural family and I’ve been fortunate to see how special Hawai‘i is. I’ve backtracked to my family roots in China and seen where my family is from. My dad is from Hong Kong, so I appreciate where I live even more.

Photo: Travis Okimoto

What were you doing for work after your initial run for Miss Hawaii?

Photo: Travis Okimoto

What did you gain from that experience?

Crystal Lee donned the Miss Hawaii crown in 2013. With eight months left in her year of service as Miss Hawaii, her calendar is perpetually full.

After I graduated college in 2012 I had an internship at Hawaii Pacific Entertainment and got hired right after as their sales and promotions coordinator. Going back to pageantry, I knew I wanted to try for Miss Hawaii one more time. So I decided to do the Miss Chinatown pageant in September, so I could represent my culture and my state at the same time. I ran for Miss Chinatown 2013 and I won. At first I was running in the pageant to qualify for Miss Hawaii, but I actually learned a lot about my culture, a little more about the language and where my family came from and just how much pride the Chinese have for just being Chinese. It was even more of a purpose to represent my culture when I went to Miss Hawaii and after winning it was like bringing honor to the Lee family.

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Photo: Crystal Lee

As a dancer, staying fit is a part of Crystal's everyday routine. Whether it's time spent in the gym or playing outdoors, she understands the ethics of hard work and dedication.

Photo: Robert Tolentino

So there's a fundraising component?

The Miss Chinatown pageant was in September 2012 and Miss Hawaii was in June 2013. What did you do in that time to prepare for Miss Hawaii?

As a dancer, I was very comfortable walking already and I just had to put a number together. I needed to work on my body, getting it down to being as fit as I could be. Since this was going to be my last year, I was going to work as hard as I could with it and be happy no matter what happened.

And if I did win, I wanted people to know that I put my all into it. I was very blessed with a sponsored trainer and I worked really hard three days a week grueling in the gym and at home on the other days. I was on a strict diet. Also, we had interview practices. The Miss Chinatown committee was helpful. They set aside time for me and we would fire questions back and forth—getting your mind going because your mind doesn’t usually do that on a day-to-day basis. It’s also picking out all the outfits. To be a participant you want to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

The Miss America organization is the onlypageant that doesn’t have a fee for a contestant to join.

As Miss Hawaii you are the ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network of Hawaii. Fundraising for this, you really get a sense of what you’re fighting for. Right before Miss Hawaii you have an orientation, you get to visit the hospital and see the children. It really sets the tone.

What am I going to do for these kids as Miss Hawaii? That’s what people don’t quite get. It really is a job. And you really have to care about what you’re doing and there are people you can really help if you’re proactive at this job.

Is that something you realized while you were fundraising, that the purpose was more than the title?

I realized it during the process. I knew I wanted to run, but I didn’t know what for. I wanted to run even more when I found out I had more of a purpose for being there. The Children’s Miracle Network allowed me to see that I could be useful in my life. You’re not made to be egotistical; you’re made to live for others. With my platform, I work with the Blood Bank of Hawaii, I’m their ambassador this year and it was trying to get people to understand why giving blood is so important. For me, that’s what Miss Hawaii is, she’s a woman of service and her year is supposed to be a rewarding year through the service.

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As Miss Hawaii, do you work Monday through Friday nine to five, or is it seven days a week, always on call?

Basically, I have a calendar and my life is the calendar. They book me and I like to be proactive and book myself for things. If I need down time I can put “Crystal’s downtime” in the calendar. For me, you have one year to be as productive as you can. You’re only the reigning Miss Hawaii for one year, so why not work as hard as you can? I’m busy, but I want to be busier.

Do you have an agenda, a platform, a focus you’ve come into on your own?

Photo: Michael Montrone

My focus is the Blood Bank. It was because my grandfather survived off of blood donations. I contacted the Blood Bank and they were so stoked to have Miss Hawaii want to be one of their ambassadors.

I’ve been able to schedule lots of appointments where I can go with the blood bank to the outer islands and a lot of the blood drives here to show that I support blood donations and that a pageant girl isn’t afraid to give blood or address the fact that it’s needed. It ties in really naturally with the Children’s Miracle Network because the children there need the blood. So it comes around full circle.

The Miss America pageant has been held in Las Vegas in recent years. Why did it move to Atlantic City, New Jersey?

After Hurricane Sandy, Governor Chris Christie wanted to increase the economy and brought the Miss American pageant home because that’s where it started. When we got there, there was a huge buzz in Atlantic City. It was like a homecoming. Everyone was saying, “Welcome home.”

Photo: Travis Okimoto

How did it feel to be a part of that?

I was so happy it was in Atlantic City. I was there for two weeks and treated like a queen. We had bomb squads sniffing out everything before we went. I felt like the President, except there were 52 of us.

We stayed at nine different hotels. We were shuttled everywhere with security all around us. They welcomed us back with so many gifts, from the shops to events to seeing a show. It felt like people sharing the aloha spirit. I’m very blessed to be the first class back.

While you were there during the pageant, were you working non-stop?

"I never thought that in a million years that I could do the things I’ve done this year or push myself as much as I have, but it’s possible. You have to put your mind to it."

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It’s really difficult to stay focused. You get up everyday. You have maybe five to six hours of sleep. You have to get up early to do your hair and makeup, be camera ready. Because it was in Atlantic City, there were so many events to do every night. We would go to rehearsals for seven hours and then we would go to events after. We went to a Phillies game. We went to the shops and had a shopping spree. It was crazy. When I hit the final stage it was like, let’s do it already. It wasn’t a bunch of nerves. After every night of preliminaries, after interviews, wow, that was what I was working for. I knew I was there to represent Hawai‘i and the things that are valuable to me—just to be me.

What was the take away?

In all it was a great experience. I want to savor it. I made a lot of life long friends and I don’t think a lot of girls do. They go in there and they think competition and they don’t go away with more than just what the competition is. Of course, I was a little upset with not placing.

I knew I gave it my all, but not having the judges see me as much as I hoped they would, I was down at first to be honest, but I realized that I’m here to be Miss Hawaii and I’m not going to let a panel of judges tell me if I’m qualified or not to be Miss America. I know that I could do the job with a pure heart, but I can come back and hit the ground running as Miss Hawaii and really promote my year of service.

It’s been four months and you have eight months left as Miss Hawaii. Is your calendar full?

It’s so funny. Ask me tomorrow what I’m doing because it just fills up as the days go. The more people I see contact me I get excited to see that people want to use me for work. It’s nice that people still appreciate Miss Hawaii and what she does. I want people to know that it’s not just a beauty pageant, it’s about women that are strong and know what they want to do—they’re go-getters. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Miss Hawaii waste a year.

What would you impart to young ladies getting into pageantry?

What I’ve learned, and I feel like I should have learned this earlier, but the best thing is selflessness. When you do things for others it really is a rewarding feeling that money can’t pay you. I wish girls would not get into pageantry just for selfish reasons, but to see that it’s to promote community service, something better than themselves. Also, never give up on your dreams. I never thought that in a million years that I could do the things I’ve done this year or push myself as much as I have, but it’s possible.

You have to put your mind to it. You have a goal and you’ll get there. For me it wasn’t all by myself, I give my family and friends the credit. If you have a good group of people that will support you, you can do anything.

What’s coming up that you’re really looking forward to?

I’m excited to get going with the Blood Bank and the Children’s Miracle Network because I’m the ambassador for these two organizations and that’s what my job is. It’s a year of service. We’re having two more Miss Hawaii blood drives before I give my crown up. It’s where I can make it public that Miss Hawaii cares about blood donations. I get to talk to their donor appreciation luncheons so I get to go to the outer islands and spread the word and share that I care about these people and appreciate what they’re doing because without donors like them, my grandfather wouldn’t have survived as long as he did.

What are your plans after your year of service?

Photo: Travis Okimoto

I think it was perfect getting into this pageantry because I want to get into advertising. I was in promotions and learned about how to promote yourself and a brand and I can say as Miss Hawaii I’ve managed my own brand. I’ve got Miss Hawaii on Instagram and in just a couple months have over 1,000 Likes. People identify with the brand. Because of Miss Hawaii and the doors it has opened I’ve been able to talk to a couple of advertising companies. Hopefully, by the end of the year I can be in an agency. I like branding, but I also think I’m going to get more into the client services side where I can mesh what the client wants with what the creative team can do. I think that’s a good balance for me.

Crystal Lee receives the crown of Miss Hawaii from Miss Hawaii 2012 Skyler Kamaka.

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By Malia Mercedes

Jamming Island-style reggae in the desert

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T

he Nevada desert is probably the last place Hawai‘i residents would look to find a top Jawaiian band cranking out hit songs about love, ladies and Rastafari. But Haleamano, translated from Hawaiian to house of sharks, is no fish out of water. Holding true to their island and reggae roots, the boys are educating Las Vegas Valley locals about island-style reggae. A testament to their success, Haleamano is habitually packing venues and attracting swarms of followers with their rhythmic dancing beats like a tribal ritual, playing across Las Vegas, Arizona, California, Utah, Texas, and even a few Hawai‘i hot spots and festivals.

Like most emerging talent, the band started from humble beginnings. Ryan Fleming moved to Las Vegas in 2003 when his family sought a solution for the high cost of living on O‘ahu.

Attending Palo Verde High School, Fleming started a garage band during his senior year in 2006, just to have a little fun and to express himself. Now known as Pochomon, singer and guitar player Fleming lucked out when he was introduced to Israel Waahila, who had relocated to Vegas from Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island. Israel joined the group in 2007, playing ukulele and singing. The band was nearly complete when O‘ahu-native Justin Centeno came on board to play drums and sing. A talented

musician, Justin also played guitar and was persuaded by Ryan and Israel to play lead guitar so they could add a third vocalist to their front line. Known as the Professor, Centeno not only added a technical musical dimension to the sound, but he is also a master of the electronic music technologies woven into their sound.

Working through their growing pains, adding and subtracting band members to improve the quality of their performances, Haleamano completed their lineup with bass player Juan Lopez, from Calexico, California, who joined in 2009 and Las Vegasnative and drummer Burton Kelly, who became a fixture on the riser, working hard to nail the powerful one-drop beat. In the meantime, Fleming, who also acted as the band’s manager,

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and Israel had been recording original tracks and posting them online. Influenced by legendary reggae and Jawaiian artists such as Bob Marley, Alpha Blondy, Kapena, Fiji and Ho‘aikane, the band executed their original style with heavy drum, bass and a keyboard sections. With a dash of a grungy lead guitar, a pinch of a live hyphy ragamuffin (reggae rap) and a taste of the three-part harmonies, Fleming discovered that more and more people were enjoying their original tunes. By 2009, every Haleamano original track listed on Myspace was racking up more than 1,000 hits each per day.

Haleamano caught their first big break as serious musicians when they played for the popular Las Vegas Hawaiian bi-annual festival, Pure Aloha in 2007. It was the same year that vocalist and ukulele player Israel Waahila joined the group. When the group released their single “Love Me For Me,” radio stations around the world began spinning their song, which earned the group major listenership and faithful followers. In 2010,

the group released their first full-length album, the self-titled debut Haleamano, which opened the doors to long-term contracts with Las Vegas hotel casinos like the Mirage and Green Valley Ranch. Come 2011, Haleamano was recognized with the “Las Vegas’ Best Live Band” award from the Las Vegas Weekly and just one month later won a Hawaii Music Award for Best Dancehall album. Today, the group actively tours the Western states and has delivered their second album called, Desert Shores.

This house of sharks is a spirited bunch, creative, fun-loving, entertaining and always on the move, picking up momentum with each performance. Whether they are the main attraction or just helping out another band by playing back up, this humble group takes advantage of every on-stage opportunity, playing with and for a constellation of stars traveling through the Las Vegas music scene.

HALEAMANO DISCOGRAPHY • HALEAMANO (2010) • DESERT SHORES (2012)

HaleaMaNO.cOM

The DVD Station Hallyu from Vegas to Hawaii A year ago, 200 people converged upon Waikiki in celebration of hallyu, the Korean drama craze. Those devotees who travel to Las Vegas can still get their Lee Min Ho fix at DVD

Station, located just two blocks behind Treasure Island Hotel & Casino and Three miles from downtown Las Vegas.

Established in 2007, DVD Station is a one-stop-shop for Korean drama as well

ADVERTISEMENT 28 LasVegasBound

as live concert and music video DVDs, CDs, posters and calendars featuring favorite K-drama and K-pop stars. The shop also offers a number of Chinese and Japanese films. DVD Station gets frequent island customers and because Hawai‘i residents not only love Asian film and music, but because they love singing in general. The shop carries a selection of karaoke equipment, including microphones, songbooks and song chips in English, Korean, Filipino and several other languages.

No time to make a trip down to DVD Station during a busy Vegas stay? Call the store at (702) 248-1243 to let them know that you would like to bring some “Boys Over Flowers” back home and one of their staff will personally deliver your purchase to your Vegas hotel.

DVD Station’s online order service, with its 24-hour shipping promise, is another fast, convenient way to get your favorite Asian entertainment products from Vegas to home. dvdstationlv.com

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Kama‘aina Spotlight hen a local W television reporter asked

EcoCab CEO David Jung about the novelty of operating a fleet of Hyundai Sonata hybrid taxis, Jung had to break the news that eco-friendly public transport was not a new idea. In Jung’s mind, the local transportation industry is merely playing catch-up to a wave of consciousness in transportation that is currently making its way across the country.

Jung’s movement to spearhead a local, energy-efficient mobility service was inspired by the likes of San Francisco’s eco-conscious transportation community, where 82 percent of cabs are now hybrid vehicles. While EcoCab is currently Hawai‘i’s only fully hybrid taxi service, the company has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from passengers and businesses alike. The Modern, Hilton and Pacific Beach hotels partner with EcoCab as a component of a larger movement toward clean energy. Another standout feature for companies and busy travelers is the cab’s exclusive electronic capabilities. Each vehicle is equipped with a mobile hotspot and an iPad to check emails and surf the web, an ideal service for the tech-savvy, on-the-go individual.

EcoCab has accomplished much in the way of convenient, conscious transportation. For Jung, however, the next hurdle is getting the state to recognize the taxi industry in its Clean Energy Initiative. “A typical taxi uses six times more carbon than a typical passenger vehicle,” Jung says. “Ironically, they haven’t included the taxi transportation industry in any plans yet. We really should be included.”

In the meantime, EcoCab is focusing on providing good service while supporting other means of transportation.

“Hybrids are our main contribution to sustainability, but we’re also involve with the Bike Share program,” Jung says. “Instead of driving vehicles, why not ride a bicycle?

If that’s not sufficient, we’d like to be the next choice of transportation.” —Alyssa Fukumoto

Photo: EcoCab

ecocabhawaii.com

34 LasVegasBound

Managing Possessions

Establishing a trust to safeguard your belongings A trust is the legal relationship that arises when a person transfers “stuff” to a trustee with the understanding that the trustee will manage it for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. Stuff includes any kind of property you can own: real property, such as land and buildings, as well as personal property like bank accounts, stocks, bonds and personal effects.

A person who transfers stuff to a trustee is called a trustmaker. The trustmaker can be the trustee and the initial beneficiary of the trust.

A trust is controlled by a document called the trust agreement. The trust agreement sets out the rules about how the trust will be run. If the trust agreement says that the trustmaker can revoke it or change it, the trust is what we call a revocable trust. Revocable trusts are well suited to avoiding probate and keeping your loved ones from having to go to court if you become incapacitated.

If the trust agreement does not allow the trustmaker to change or revoke the trust, it is called an irrevocable trust. Irrevocable trusts play an important role in many estate plans. They can help provide tax savings, creditor protection and expert management of assets.

Your estate plan can include as many varieties of trusts as may be required to accomplish your directives.

The different kinds of trusts are like the different tools in your toolbox or the different utensils in your kitchen drawer. Using the right one at the right time can make a huge difference in how easily and how well you finish a job or serve a meal.

Scott A. Makuakane, Esq. is a lawyer whose practice emphasizes estate planning, elder care and trust law.

He is a graduate of Duke University (cum laude 1979) and the University of Hawai‘i School of Law (1983), where he served as Articles Editor of the University of Hawai‘i Law Review. He has been rated AV by MartindaleHubbell since 1993.

Local Sports

L E G A CY

of Shoji

An all-time winner looks for another Rainbow Wahine winning season

BY KIM BAXTER

Photos: Hawaii Athletics

Dave Shoji is a Hall of Fame coach.

He has been the head coach of the Rainbow Wahine for 39 seasons, nearly twice as long as senior Ali Longo has been alive, and has won four national championships during his tenure. When Longo listened to the long list of her coach’s nearly four decades of supreme success, she couldn’t help her response, “This is going to sound bad, but it seems like forever. That’s an incredible feat and it’s so cool to be a part of it.”

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It’s easy to forgive Longo’s impertinence; Shoji’s numbers—so large and unprecedented that they are hard to fully grasp—have made him one of the greatest this game has ever seen.

On September 6, 2013 he entered an even more elite class, one of his own. He is now the winningest women’s volleyball coach in Division I history. With a victory over Santa Clara, he earned his 1,107th career win, pushing him past longtime UCLA coach Andy Banachowski and into uncharted territory.

“It’s a little scary when you actually try to remember that far back and all the players that have come through the program and all the teams that we’ve had,” Coach Shoji says. “It’s pretty mind boggling, actually.”

Yes it is. Under Shoji’s tutelage, the Rainbow Wahine have transformed from a small, regional team into a perennial national powerhouse with unparalleled exposure and success.

The University of Hawai‘i has won four national championships (1979, 1982, 1983 and 1987). The Rainbow Wahine has reached nine Final Fours and 31 NCAA tournaments. They have never had a losing season under Shoji’s guidance. He has produced 45 All-Americans on the Manoa campus, and five former players have gone on to star on U.S. Olympic teams. Shoji was the national Coach of the Year in 1982 and 2009, the same year he was inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame.

Since the Stan Sheriff Center opened in 1994, the U.H. volleyball program has led the nation in attendance, averaging 6,675 fans last season (and that doesn’t take into account the fact that every home match is televised). The success can be double-edged, however. With all those wins come heightened media and fan attention, but Shoji, who is often a bit reticent in public and can appear rather stoic, has learned to deal with the rabid fan base he helped create.

“It’s always the most praised and most criticized program in the country, and for him to weather that storm many times for 40 years,

four decades, it’s remarkable,” says Associate Coach and Pearl Citynative Scott Wong. “It’s amazing that he’s not only coached and recruited, but just been able to run a program for that long, and successfully for that long.”

Shoji first started at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in 1975, when he was hired (for what he says was about a $500 salary) to coach a women’s volleyball program in its infancy. It was starting just its second season and he cobbled together mostly local players to form what he says was essentially a “club” team. Five seasons later, the Rainbow Wahine won their first national championship, this time in

in front of a near-sellout crowd of 9,806 at the Stan Sheriff Center. A week later, they knocked off 10thranked UCLA in front of a sold-out arena.

Led by All-American Emily Hartong, Longo, senior setter Mita Uiato, Moloka‘i-native Kalei Adolpho, Honolulu freshman Nikki Taylor and Big Island-native Tai Manu-Olevao, Shoji has publicly asserted—without reservation—that he believes this team has the talent to win the national championship. “We want to win,” he says. “We’re not satisfied winning the conference or advance one or two rounds. We want to win the whole thing and we think we can.”

the AIAW. They joined the NCAA two years later and won back-toback titles in 1982 and 1983, losing just three matches in that stretch. The fourth and final title came in 1987.

Since then, the Rainbow Wahine has reached six Final Fours, the last coming in 2009.

The Rainbow Wahine kicked off this season by knocking off topranked and defending national champions Texas in a four-set thriller

Now that Shoji, who will turn 67 years old in December, owns the alltime wins record, he will inevitably deal with questions about how much longer he’ll coach. He admits he has no plan or deadline for leaving, but don’t expect to see him on the bench for another 1,000 wins. “It’s definitely winding down,” Shoji says, speaking of his impending retirement. “I think I’ll know when it’s time, and it’ll come pretty soon.”

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The Smart Investor

Don’t Stall

Changing interest rates may affect your investments

There has never been a better time to go solar

The rise and fall of interest rates is one of the biggest factors influencing global economies, financial markets and our daily lives. That’s why it’s important to have a basic understanding of how interest rate changes could affect your investment portfolio.

Simply put, interest rates help control the flow of money in the economy. Lower interest rates mean consumers may be willing to spend more money as the cost to finance a purchase is relatively inexpensive. This stimulates the economy in a variety of ways, including increased revenues from products sold to the consumers and taxes generated from those sales.

Investors, on the other hand, have a different perspective.

Stocks offer long-term growth potential, but may fluctuate more and provide less current income than other investments. Bonds offer a fixed rate of return and investment principal if held to maturity.

Heard that before? Well, it’s never been more true than it is today. Yet, misinformation in the news media is keeping some homeowners from making the important decision to go solar now and start saving thousands of dollars with clean, affordable solar power.

Despite any negative reports you may have heard about solar saturation, the fact is that the majority of residents across Hawai‘i can still sign up for solar and have it up and running within a matter of months, including permitting, design, installation, �inal inspections and utility sign-off. Those who live in neighborhoods with grids that are deemed “saturated” by the local electric companies may experience a longer installation period, as the utilities may require more study before PV systems can interconnect. Additional costs for grid upgrades may or may not apply. However, it’s important to know that you can still go solar in these areas. If you are a homeowner in Hawai‘i thinking about going solar, then you should sign up now rather than later, before saturation increases, and get in line before everyone else does.

Solar electricity can save most people tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the system. Hawai‘i residents pay three times the national average for electricity and because we use imported foreign oil, our electricity costs can �luctuate greatly. By going solar you can lock in your electricity rate for years to come.

BOND INVESTORS As interest rates fall, the prices of previously issued bonds tend to rise. The new issues are offered at lower, less appealing rates. That makes bonds with higher interest rates much more desirable and that much more in demand. On the other hand, those who plan to hold their bonds to maturity aren’t really affected by falling rates, with the exception of reinvestment risk. In a rising interest rate scenario, the demand for bonds with lower interest rates declines. New bond issues are offered at higher, more appealing rates, driving the price of existing bonds lower.

STOCK INVESTORS Falling interest rates tend to have a positive impact on the stock market, especially stocks of growth companies. Companies that tend to borrow money to finance expansions tend to benefit from declining rates. Paying lower rates of interest decreases the cost of the debt, which may positively affect a company’s bottom line. The stock prices of those companies may rise as a result, driving the market in such a way that prices of other stocks may follow suit. Rising interest rates can have a positive or negative impact on the stock market. In some cases, rising rates can send jitters through the market, resulting in falling stock prices.

Al Sadanaga is veteran of the United States Navy and a licensed financial advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors in Honolulu with a focus on helping retirees navigate the complexities of today’s investment environment.

Al.Sadanaga@wfadvisors.com

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Jeremy Pearl is Islandwide Solar’s O‘ahu Sales Manager and has been working in the solar industry since 2006. He can be reached at jpearl@ islandwidesolar.net

Health & Wellness

AGING

GRACEFULLY

M

ark Twain once said, “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” Aging is much the same. Like the climate, seniors can expect certain changes to take place, but like the weather, there are a host of unexpected health issues that can also rise to the surface. Amidst the sunny days there are bound to be some gloomy, stormy days. To keep the sun shining bright and the clouds at bay, a healthy, balanced lifestyle is key. Check out these seven tips for staying healthy in the sun.

—Kevin Whitton

1

Water

Drink plenty of water—eight or more glasses of water a day, in fact. Water is involved in almost every bodily process.

It assists in the loading and storage of glycogen in your muscles promoting energy, carries nutrients throughout the body, helps in digestion, circulation and joint lubrication.

Water also flushes toxins from your system.

Drink water often throughout the day, especially after periods of exercise or activity, which can deplete your electrolyte and fluid reserves. Remember, hot or humid weather means that your body will sweat to stay cool, and you’ll need an additional intake of water to stay hydrated.

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Staying hydrated is easy. Simply carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout your day, no matter where you go. If you’re feeling tired, try drinking a glass of water.

Even mild dehydration can drain your energy.

2

Diet

Changes in eating habits are common in senior living.

As your body changes, so does your relationship to food.

You might find you have a decreased metabolism and

aren’t very hungry, food tastes and smells different or your body has a harder time processing certain types of food.

But now more than ever, a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for maintaining energy and staying healthy.

Fiber is of the utmost importance, so load up on highfiber fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Remember, fruit juice won’t give you the necessary fiber that eating whole fruits will. These types of foods will also give you energy.

Stay away from salty, processed foods high in sodium and sugar. Make sure to eat regularly, even if it is in smaller amounts, to ensure you keep your energy up.

To combat the food doldrums if your appetite isn’t what it used to be, try preparing new foods with new flavors.

Strike out and buy a new cookbook or two and prepare meals new and inviting to your taste buds. Use fresh ingredients for best taste and added nutritional value.

rituals to help you wind down, like a cup of tea before bed, a soothing bath or reading a good book.

5

Positivity

As you age, it goes without saying that there will be periods of ill health and stress along with the good times.

To counter these trying times, it’s critical to find healthy ways to stay positive and cope with the challenges you face. If you can harness a positive outlook and shift your perspective toward solutions rather than anger or depression in challenging situations, then you’ll be on the track to recovery.

3

Exercise

As people age, exercise tends to be the first thing that gets put up on a shelf and forgotten about.

It’s unfortunate because there are so many health benefits from regular exercise. It helps maintain strength and agility, can diminish chronic pain and gives your brain a boost. Regular exercise not only promotes physical and mental health, it can improve confidence and an overall outlook on life.

Walking is the easiest way to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine. It’s a great, low impact way to stay fit and doesn’t require any equipment, save for a good pair of shoes.

Walking also gets you outside into the fresh air.

Whatever activity you choose, make sure it’s one that will motivate you to stay with it day after day.

Some people prefer group exercise regimes, like a yoga class or tai chi in the park, while others prefer solo activities like swimming. If you are new to an exercise, start slow and then slowly increase the time invested and intensity as you get comfortable.

4

Sleep

Often overlooked for its health benefits, a good night’s sleep is the cornerstone to healthy living. Many seniors suffer sleep problems, like insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and frequent waking during the night. Many sleep problems are the cause of poor sleep habits, which yield low-quality sleep.

To combat sleep issues, try naturally boosting your melatonin levels, the hormone responsible for making you sleepy at night, by reducing artificial light at least an hour before you plan to go to sleep. Turn off the computer or television at least one hour before bed and use lowwattage bulbs while you’re reading before bed. When you turn in, make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and cool.

A comfortable mattress and pillow are also keys to restful sleep. If it’s too light in your room, try an eye mask to help you sleep more sound. You can also develop bedtime LasVegasBound

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&

Lift the Fog

Clear the Blur

Try focusing on the things you’re grateful for, like the friends and family in your life. Positivity also comes with accepting the things that you can’t change. To do this, acknowledge and express your feelings with loved ones or people that you can confide in. You can also write things down in a journal. Burying feelings only leads to frustration and resentment. Also, look for the silver lining in the situation and employ humor to help you through tough times. If you can take small steps day after day and stay positive, facing tough challenges is easier.

Staying connected through an active social life also brings a positive perspective. Connect regularly with friends and family. Make an effort to make new friends through volunteer organizations or social clubs, but most importantly, make sure to spend time with at least one person a day. Contact is so important for a healthy, positive mental outlook.

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Continuously Voted One of Hawaii’s Best Doctors.

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6

Doctors

To make the best use of your time with your doctor, it’s best to be prepared before you arrive at the office.

Make a list of questions you would like to ask the doctor and take it with you. If possible, have a loved one or friend accompany you to the appointment. This way, if you forget something, just confer with your partner about what the doctor said. And if you don’t understand something the doctor said, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for clarification while you have the doctor’s attention. Make sure you fully understand all diagnosis and instructions for care before you leave the appointment. You can also ask the doctor for additional

A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP Sleep Center Hawaii 98-1238 Kaahumanu St. #300 Pearl City, HI 96782 (808) 456-REST (7378) sleepcenterhawaii.com

Dr. Slattery performing an EMG (muscle test)

Sleep Center Hawaii promotes restful sleep and neurological wellness A traditional trip to the doctor may not seem conducive to relaxation, but an appointment with Sleep Center Hawaii could result in better sleep and neurological well-being for years to come.

Operating the largest medical sleep center in the state with locations in Pearl City, Honolulu, Hilo and Kona, Sleep Center’s resident physicians Dr. Gabriele M. Barthlen specializing in the detection and treatment of sleep disorders and Dr. Michael Slattery specialize in the detection and treatment of both sleep and neurological disorders.

Dr. Slattery recognizes that many of the ailments Sleep Center observes, including dementia, peripheral neuropathy and stroke, are particularly concerning for the elderly population.

“You accrue a lot of wear and tear on the nerves over the years,” Dr. Slattery says. “Most neurological problems become more prominent in people aging, and our population is aging. It’s something baby boomers would want to be paying attention to.”

To provide the best possible care for the aging local community, Sleep Center Hawaii offers an ideal focus on the health of the entire nervous system through a combination of neurology and sleep medicine. The center’s services include performing sleep studies to diagnose various sleeping disorders.

Through overnight sleep monitoring, the center is able to detect signs of sleep apnea, periodic limb movement and parasomnias, like tooth grinding and sleepwalking.

In addition to the sleep medicine center founded in 2007, Sleep Center Hawaii is opening neurology clinics with a wide range of services. Neurological consultations and a variety of

Dr. Gabriele M. Barthlen and Dr. Michael Slattery tests are available to confirm diagnosis of ailments from carpal tunnel to epilepsy and seizures. Among the services offered, Sleep Center Hawaii performs outpatient consultations, EMG testing for damaged muscle and nerves, standard and ambulatory EEG for disorders including narcolepsy and dementia, and nerve conduction studies.

“There is no vitamin or magic bullet that will prevent any of these things like a stroke or epilepsy,” Slattery says. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best thing.” As one of only 2,500 centers worldwide accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the center is a qualified ally in helping patients lead more healthy, balanced lives by discovering and getting the necessary treatment for their sleep disorders. Patients referred to the clinic by their primary care physician do not need recommendations for specific nerve study tests; Sleep Center Hawaii will conduct a detailed interview and physical exam to determine the best regimen for their needs. If anyone feels that they are experiencing symptoms of what could potentially be a serious sleep or neurological problems, Dr. Slattery recommends asking their doctor if they would benefit from a visit, and perhaps an overnight stay, at Sleep Center Hawaii.

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literature on a specific topic or other places you can research and learn about the issue.

If you’re getting a prescription, inquire if the doctor’s staff can fax or email your prescription to the pharmacist of your choice. This will save you time when you arrive to pick up your prescription.

7

Medicine

Two-thirds of adults age 65 and older use at least one medicine per day, and many in that group take a cocktail of medication. Safe medicine use is critical to health, as combining certain medications can have harmful, severe health risks. The goal is to communicate with your doctor and know as much as you can about the medicine you are taking, even how it interacts with other drugs you might be taking as well.

Your health professional and your pharmacist can educate you on the medicine you’ve been prescribed. It is imperative that you inform your doctor of all the medicine you take, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins or herbal supplements, to avoid any ill side effects.

Also, alert your doctor to any allergies you have. If you experience side effects, keep track of the symptoms and alert your doctor immediately.

Keeping a record of your medication is a smart way to stay organized. Not only will it help you use the medicine safely and properly, you can also take it with you to doctor appointments to help communicate with any health professional. For proper usage of medicine, use a memory aid, like a calendar or pill box, to help you remember what to take, how much to take and when.

Al Sadanaga Financial Advisor 1001 Bishop St., Suite 1900 Honolulu, HI 96813 Tel: 808-547-5281 al.sadanaga@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Are you prepared for rising interest rates?

Call today.

Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2010, 2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 1013-00914

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Get more for your money with

Vacations Hawaii!

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• Non-stop round trip flights to Las Vegas

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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 tamperresistant 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 LasVegasBound

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.

Thank You For Choosing Vacations Hawaii!

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 >>>

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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

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LasVegasBound

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Transplants

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME Meet Hawai‘i transplants now living and working in Las Vegas Stories by Myra Rabanal

Photo: New

gas

Hope Las Ve

ociate d Senior Ass nior Pastor an Se , hi ip os iy sh M Fellow Kent and Lisa gas Christian Hope Las Ve Pastor of New

Photo

: Shannon Str ingert Shannon Strin gert, Director of Spa, Salon The Cosmop an olitan of Las d Fitness at Vegas

Transplants: Kent and Lisa Miyoshi

Transplant: Shannon Stringert

In 2003, Kent and Lisa Miyoshi and their two young sons embarked into unfamiliar territory when they left the comfort of their island home for uncertainty in the desert. With not much more than faith in their back pocket, this couple followed their vision to the Ninth Island. “We felt a connection to come here and plant a church that would grow with the community,” Kent says.

New Hope Las Vegas had a humble beginning as Pastor Kent and Pastor Lisa set up church in someone’s living room ten years ago. Despite the odds, the Miyoshis continued helping others grow in faith and fellowship in a city that is in constant overdrive to out-do itself. As NHLV celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, the Miyoshis’ steely persistence and faith are yielding the fruit of their labor. “We’re 600 members strong and growing as a church ‘ohana, but still flexible enough to provide the personal connection,” explains Kent. “Our redeeming quality is that the aloha spirit is cultivated here. We are a down-to-earth church and we have fun.”

The Miyoshis also discovered a gentler side to Las Vegas.

“Vegas is a great place to raise a family,” says Pastor Lisa. “The suburbs are beautiful with nice homes, parks and landscaped communities.” In rare moments of free time, Kent goes fishing at his secret spot, while Lisa heads to the gym or outlet malls.

Shannon Stringert loves to share his passion for fitness and well being with Las Vegas visitors at The Sahra Spa & Hamman and the Violet Hour Salon in The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. “My job is not just about luxury and pampering, but more importantly, about wellness and education,” Shannon emphasizes.

As a college student, Shannon’s sights were set on Vegas, the Mecca of the hospitality industry as he calls it, to learn from the worlds’ most talented and respected industry leaders in the city. His move has paid off with a position in one of The Strip’s hottest luxury resorts.

When Shannon first moved to the city, he found Las Vegas to be a unique city where things never seem to stop, where the lights are always on and there is no such thing as a typical 9 to 5 job. Shannon enjoys all that the city has to offer beyond the neon.

“There are great neighborhoods here, a thriving arts community and a downtown resurgence,” he says. “It’s an exciting time to live here.” He also takes advantage of 300 days of sunshine by hiking Red Rock Canyon, jogging his neighborhood or roaming the redeveloped Fremont East District in Downtown.

As any Hawai‘i transplant discovers, visitors constantly trickle in when you live in Vegas. Shannon is looking forward to having family visit during the holidays and showing them The Cosmopolitan, but there’s one condition. “My family always makes a stop at Trader Joe’s as soon as they land.”

Hometown: Pearl City Years in Las Vegas: 10

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Hometown: Honolulu Years in Las Vegas: 7

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8.66%

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centralpacificbank.com *APR is accurate as of 10/1/13. APR is based on a 0.25% discounted interest rate when payments are automatically made from a CPB checking account. If automatic loan payment is selected and later canceled, the interest rate will be increased by 0.25% and the monthly payment would increase. The loan amount cannot exceed the contract amount for the photovoltaic system (materials and labor, sales tax, extended manufacturer’s warranty) with a Central Pacific Bank participating photovoltaic contractor or company.

Maximum loan amount: $50,000. Offer limited to Hawaii residents and Hawaii residential property (1-4 units). This loan program is subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Credit application required and subject to credit approval. Certain restrictions apply.