News

Building Contractor saves Molokai Oahu canoe race

Despite the huge benefits to Hawaii’s tourist industry, Hawaii’s best known canoe races from Molokai to Oahu finishing at Waikiki was struggling after its previous sponsor decided not to renew their contract. The two races, one for men and one for women, are known worldwide and considered the World Championships of Canoe Racing, a sport invented in Hawaii.

The new savior is Hawaii Modular Space (HMS), a licensed general contractor and a business-to-business provider of custom modular buildings, mobile offices and storage containers.

Hawaii Modular Space stepped in at the last minute to save the women's race
last year, and decided to up the bar this year by embracing the Na Wahine O Ke Kai, the Men's Molokai Hoe and the OCHRA Summer Regatta Series. The race organizers Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) and Na Wahine O Ke Kai have been producing the Molokai Hoe for 52 years and the Na Wahine for 25 years.

"Sponsorship funds go entirely towards the production of the races, and we
are excited to work with Hawaii Modular Space again." says Hannie Anderson, Director for both OHCRA and Na Wahine O Ke Kai.

President of Hawaii Modular Space, Mike Fox's goal is to create a new structure for sponsorship of the canoe races, making it a tremendous value for other potential sponsors. In previous years, each race was responsible for securing funding for their particular event. By combining the OHCRA regatta season consisting of 7 races, and the two inter-island races under one umbrella series, it facilitates media buying and marketing from June through October, summer's busiest months.

"By tying paddling all together, sponsors can have the benefits of supporting the sport while creating strong branding throughout the summer months." explains Fox. "It's also a nice mix of marketing for those involved. The OCHRA Regatta caters to mainly a local market and yet the Molokai Hoe and Na Wahine gain national and international exposure."

Currently Hawaii Modular Space is the title sponsor, with Hinano/Ocean Club,
and Hawaiian 105 KINE Radio committed as associate sponsors. Paddlers can tune into 105.1 F.M the official radio station, for official paddling news and updates through out the season.

"To make this successful, we can't do it alone. We need the support of 3 more associate sponsors to defray the costs and hopefully build a prize pool," Fox goes on to say. "This new format will allow canoe racing to grow and flourish, bridging the transition for a bigger sponsor underwriting the entire sport and getting more companies involved at a smaller investment.

“Hawaii Modular Space is committed to being involved and giving back to our communities and although I don't see us being the title sponsor forever, I couldn't just sit back and watch this sport which, has given so much to me and the people of Hawaii, struggle financially."

For information on sponsorships, please contact Mike Fox at 682-5559, ext. 18.

Hawaii Modular Space OHCRA Summer Regatta Series

Men's and Women's Long-Distance World Championships

Ohana goes local cuisine route

Waikiki residents and visitors can now enjoy one of Hawaii's favorite local dining options with the opening in July of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue the 251-room OHANA Surf Hotel at 2280 Kuhio Avenue.

The 2,000 square foot eatery is L&L's 68th restaurant and its first operation in Waikiki. It is also the first restaurant operating in Hawaii under the name L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, which is the name under which its mainland restaurants operate.

All other Hawaii-based restaurants operate under the name L&L Drive In. The Kuhio Avenue restaurant, which opens under a five -lease, also features catering services and store merchandise.

In addition to the same ono food served at its L&L Drive-In counterparts, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue features a more modern, Hawaiian-themed décor. Known for its huge servings and affordable prices, a typical L&L meal includes two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a main entree.

Best sellers include its famous chicken katsu, beef stew, mahi mahi, and Hawaiian BBQ shortribs.

"We are very excited about what this means for our guests at the OHANA Surf," said Barbara Campbell, vice president of retail development & leasing for Outrigger Enterprises, parent-company of OHANA Hotels.

"L&L delivers a quality product at an affordable price, which is exactly the same philosophy of OHANA Hotels. We know that our guests and Waikiki residents will enjoy the menu, value and convenience that has made L&L so popular in Hawaii and the mainland."

The Hawaii-based restaurant chain has been voted as having the "Best Plate Lunch", a dish that blends together Asian, Hawaiian, and American cuisine. Last year, L&L was voted one of the nation's top 50 Regional Powerhouse Chains.

Currently, L&L has more than 70 locations in Hawaii, California, Connecticut, Nevada and Washington. By the end of this year, L&L expects to open 20 new restaurants spreading a taste of the islands throughout the continental U.S. For more information, visit www.hawaiianbarbecue.com or call 808-951-9888.

Island cuisine featured with Sheryl Crow

One of the state’s most enticing temptations, Hawaii’s unparalleled cuisine, will be used to promote a niche market attraction of the islands at the 23rd Annual Taste of Chicago, July 3-5.

“The uniquely delicious and ever-expanding cuisine produced by Hawaii’s world-renowned chefs is allowing the state to attract a greater range of audiences, especially higher-spending visitors, who want to maximize the visitor experience of their travel destination,” said Tony Vericella, President and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Taste of Chicago is a 10-day festival, June 27-July 6, celebrating food, fun and entertainment in the Windy City. This year, for the first time, the festival is offering a “Taste of the States” pavilion, offering cuisine from several other states.

HVCB secured for Hawaii arguably the three most popular days of the festival. Event organizers are projecting that with good weather, Thursday, July 3, alone will draw one million people many of whom will come to see the “Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular” planned for that evening.

The following day, Friday, July 4, is expected to draw a huge throng of visitors celebrating the Independence Day holiday, especially with headline entertainment provided by the hit alternative band, the Wallflowers.

Hawaii’s third and final day, Saturday, July 5, will be topped off with a concert by Grammy Award-winning superstar Sheryl Crow.

Executive Chef and Partner Fred DeAngelo, with assistance from Sous Chef Matthew Stevenson, of Tiki’s Grill & Bar at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel will prepare the following Hawaii-inspired delicacies for “Taste” attendees.

• Lilikoi Togarashi Glaze Kauai Shrimp Summer Roll with Asian Slaw, Rice Noodles, Greens, and Sweet Chili Sauce

• Kalua Pig Quesadilla with Taro Tortilla, Corn Relish, and Maui Onion Sour Cream

HVCB will complement the pavilion’s “island-style” atmosphere with contemporary Hawaiian music, fresh tropical floral arrangements, and “Taste of Chicago” food servers dressed in Aloha attire.

Heart of Hawaii Tour

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Steve Lent • Publisher | Alvin Koo • Editor | Alden Ng • Production