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September, 2018
EXECUTIVE ORGANIZATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Toby Kravet – 808-224-1065
Jonathan Carr
Geoff Chu
Paul Ferguson
Bill Hodges
Anita Hodges
Alan
Teramura
Linda Giers
Caroline Sluyter
Mike
Tsutsui
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Newsletter Editor
Toby Kravet
(Click on Contacts for e mail addresses)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Additional events, such as concerts, hikes, excursions, may be added. Watch your email for possible updates.
Every Monday evening (except on holidays and, of course, during Hawaii Ski Week): 4:30 P.M. A group of ski club members and their friends play tennis at Keehi Lagoon courts, off Lagoon Drive. Stay in shape and share refreshments afterwards!
September 6 (Thursday) 5:00 P.M. General Membership Meeting at Ruby Tuesday, Moanalua Shopping Center.
September 20 (Thursday) 5:30 P.M. Board Meeting at Henry Loui's.
September 21 (Friday) 4:00 P.M. Pau Hana at Nico's Pier 38 Kailua.
September 23 (Sunday) 9:00 A.M. "Biki Urban Biking Outing" from Geoff's condo, 430 Lewers St. in Waikiki (See below).
October 4 (Thursday) 5:00 P.M. Annual Membership Year Kick-Off Meeting at Rainbow Bay Marina, Pearl Harbor
October 6 (Saturday) Morning time TBA, Volunteering to help pack meals and, perhaps some delivery for Lanakila Meals on Wheels.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
As I sit down to write the President's Message for this coming month, it is a week early and the lull before the storm: I'm trying to beat any power outage we might have and for who knows how long. Earlier this morning, and I'm sorry for the lateness, I cancelled tomorrow evening's Pau Hana at Nico's Kailua. It might not even be open not to mention the state of the weather at that point and how many of us could safely get there. Not to fret however, we will try again, next month, on Friday the 21st.
Congratulations to Anita and Bill Hodges for the very nice picture of them on Page5 of the lastest issue of Kilo i'a, the news magazine of the Friends of the Waikiki Aquarium. It identifies and lauds them as having served nine years as volunteers at the annual Hawaiian music series, Ke Kani O Ke Kai. My picture is also on that page, but it is much smaller and, as usual, not as complimentary: One of these days, I'll admit that it's not the photographer's fault. Volunteering for Ke Kani O Ke Kai started as a Ski Club project instigated, as I recall, by past member Wandi Sagum: The Hodges and myself are the "Last of the Mohicans."
Talking about the Hodges and volunteering, don't forget to contact Anita to volunteer for the October 6 community service project at Lanakila Meals on Wheels (see article below).
After many months of only volunteer activities and Pau Hanas, I am pleased to see Geoff having "grabbed the bull by the horns" to sponsor a "bike tour" of Waikiki and adjacent areas on Sunday morning, September 23. I hope a number of you take advantage of the opportunity. Sounds like a "fun time."
Some of you may have read the article in the August 21 Star Advertiser regarding
the University of Hawaii's proposed new rules for the management of the Mauna
Kea summit. This, of course, has been prompted by the concerns of some
Native Hawaiians concerning alleged mismanagement of the summit to date and
their desire to dial back current scientific uses of the area, including
blocking the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Regarding
skiing or boarding, which, in the proposal, is labeled "Snow Play," it may be
entirely restricted or, if allowed, would be limited to individuals. Trips
to the summits by organized groups and events would be entirely prohibited
Although this has gone by the wayside, our club was initially founded to promote
recreational and competitive skiing in the State of Hawaii and to work towards
actual development of a ski area on Mauna Kea. In fact, according to
what I have read, the legislature actually appropriated $300,000 in 1975 for
what appears to have been a feasibility study. I have not been able
to find any information about this online as the available legislative
information only goes back to 1999. Skiing on Mauna Kea started as
early as 1936 and, in 1975, they held the "Ninth Annual Mauna Kea Ski Meet."
Although the Club "gave up" on Mauna Kea some years before I joined in the early
1980s, probably due to logistics, lower annual snow levels, and health concerns
(altitude), I, personally, would hate to see the option removed.
There will be a hearing at the U.H. Cancer Center on September 24, 5:00 - 7:00
P.M. and email testimony can be submitted up until September 28. The
proposed rules can be found at
http://hawaii.edu/offices/bor/
See you at the meetings and activities.
A hui hou kakou,
TOBY
UPCOMING SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
RUBY TUESDAY
Moanalua Shopping Center
930 Valkenburgh St.
September 6 (Thursday) 5:00 P.M.
Come to Ruby Tuesday for our
September General Membership Meeting. For those who have not been to Ruby Tuesday, it is at the Ewa end of the Moanalua Shopping Center
off Valkenburgh St. We
will be in the covered lanai at the Ewa end of the restaurant. While the actual meeting will probably
not start until sometime between 5:30 and 6:00, come at 5:00 to start with the
grinds and the stories.
TOBY
PAU HANA AT NICOS PIER 38-KAILUA
970 N. Kalaheo
Avenue, Kailua
September
21 (Friday) 4:00 P.M.
Rescheduled from August due to Hurricane Lane, we are going to down the lane (yuk, yuk, ugh) to the old Pinky's Broiler which was in our normal rotation of Pau Hana spots for several years, got increasingly seedier, ultimately closed down, was taken over by Nico's, and resuscitated. We decided to give it a try last September, but only about six of us showed up. The food and atmosphere deserved more of us so we are trying it again. For those who are unfamiliar with the venue, it is located at 970 Kalaheo Drive at the intersection of Kalaheo Drive and Mokapu Blvd. If you are coming from Honolulu/Pearl City side via the H3 or Likelike and continuing down Mokapu Blvd. it will be on your right (Aikahi Park Shopping Center will be on the far side of the intersection on your left). You will have to take a right onto Kalaheo Drive and then a very quick left (if there is no traffic) or keep going down Kalaheo a bit towards Kailua town, turn around where you see a side street opportunity, and drive back to get into the parking lot. Of course, coming down Kalaheo from Kailua town, the turn into Pinky's is "mo easy." By the way, in case you are unaware of this, H3 has drawn a lot of Windward direction traffic away from Likelike Highway so getting over to the Windward side via Likelike is now relatively "painless."
TOBY
BIKI URBAN BIKING OUTING
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Meet @ 430 Lewers Street - 9:00 AM
After one year in business, there are
mixed reviews on this bike sharing venture and the jury is still out. I am sure
everyone has seen the light blue 3 speed bikes on sidewalks and bike paths in
town. Unlike the Super Ferry, I believe BIKI is here to stay once they iron out
all of the bugs. Join us on Sunday when the streets are vacant for a leisurely
trip through Kaka'ako, Downtown, Chinatown and back along the waterfront ending
with a potluck BBQ on one of recreation deck of the Aloha Towers Condominium.
There should be 6-7 guest parking
stalls available on a first come - first serve basis in the two parking
structure off of Lewers Street so car pooling is encouraged.
Cost is $3.50 per half hour for those
who want to experience BIKI for the first time. For the veterans, you know the
drill. There are 15 docks right in front of 430 Lewers St. and another 31 docks
half a block Makai on Lewers so the chance of lack of bicycles being available
is really slim and none.
Visit gobiki.org for more info or simply bring your own
bicycle. Helmets and vest are OPTIONAL.
GEOFF
ANNUAL KICKOFF MEETING
RAINBOW BAY
MARINA
(next to Schooner's)
PEARL HARBOR
October 4 (Thursday) 5:00 PM
Come to our annual Kickoff Meeting at the Rainbow Bay Marina, Pearl Harbor. This is the outdoor picnic area with cabanas on the right hand side (facing towards the ocean) of the restaurant formerly known as Schooner's where we held our General Membership Meetings while Seven Palms at the Navy-Marine Golf Course was being renovated and becoming Irons. For those of you who unfamiliar with the area, take the exit off the H1 in Aiea or the airport viaduct, traveling west, to Kamehameha Highway. The signs on Kamehameha Highway should indicate that you are going towards Aloha Stadium. If you are coming from the airport viaduct, look for Radford Drive on your right, and the second left hand turn after Radford Drive will be preceded by a sign on the right reading "Pearl Harbor Historic Sights:" That's where your turn across Kamehameha Highway and into Pearl Harbor on the left. For those of you coming from the Aiea/H1 side, pass the stadium to your left and take the first right after the exit to the Ford Island bridge. Once you turn into Pearl Harbor, towards the water, as if you were going to visit the Arizona Memorial, take a right on the inner road, and drive under the Ford Island overpass (approximately 1/4 mile from where you turned onto the inner road). Park in the lot at Restaurant 604. This is the one General Membership Meeting of the year when we pay for the food. We also reward many of you with door prizes. All you need to bring is yourselves; hopefully, a friend or two who might want to join; your beverage of choice; and your membership form and check for the new membership year. Actually, it is better if you mail in your form and check to Hawaii Ski Club-Membership, P.O. Box P.O Box 3004, Aiea, Hi. 96701-8504. The Membership/Renewal form can be found on our website www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com under "Sign Up."
You may also want to bring some extra cash as Fergie will have Club tee shirts for sale. Please email me pres@hawaiisnowskiclub.com , with the number in your party, no later than Monday evening, October 1, so we know how much food to supply. Also, no beach chairs or glass containers are allowed: If your beverage of choice comes in a glass bottle, be sure to bring some cups for consumption.
See you
at the Kick-Off.
TOBY
COMMUNITY SERVICE
LANAKILA MEALS ON WHEELS
1809 Bachelot St., Honolulu
October 6 (Saturday Morning), Time TBA
Our ski club
will volunteer for the Lanakila Meals-on-Wheels (LMOW) on Saturday, October 6 to
pack and/or deliver meals to recipients of the program. Numerous club
members have volunteered at Meals-on-Wheels in the past several years so
this is a well-attended community service activity. If you wish to
volunteer to join us, please respond to Anita Hodges,
anita@hawaiisnowskiclub.com , who
will email you the online application which is necessary
if you have not volunteered for Meals on Wheels within the past two to three
years. Because the Lanakila Meals-on-Wheels
program works with the elderly of our community, all volunteers must be screened
at the behest of the City and County of Honolulu. Looking forward to a
great turnout for our community service activity,
ANITA AND BILL HODGES
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HAWAII SKI WEEK 2019
WHISTLER-BLACKCOMB
JANUARY 25, 2019 -
FEBRUARY 2, 2019
The
Airline
WESTJET AIRLINES: $599.00. Air Fare per person
from Honolulu to Vancouver, Canada, for up to 50 people. Additional people will
be priced at the air fare in existence at the time of booking. First check bag
is free; additional checked bags are $35.00. One small carryon and one personal
item taken on board are free. Block group seating is included. Individuals may
change seats without charge at airport check in or may purchase PLUS SEAT
upgrades. Friday, Jan.25 WestJet 1865 Depart HNL 11:50 pm – Arrive YVR 7:30 am
Jan.26; Saturday, Feb.02 WestJet 1864 Depart YVR 6:15 pm – Arrive HNL 10:48 pm
Hotel/Condo
Lodging
TANTALUS LODGE: $795.00 per person based on 4
people sharing a 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite with full kitchen and living room.
Bedding: Queen in first bedroom, 2 twin beds or bunk bed in second bedroom, sofa
sleeper in living room. Baggage handling is optional for groups at $6.00 per
person in/out. Free WIFI, shuttle van to lift, secure ski and snowboard storage,
overnight ski tuning & repair, in-room safe, telephone with free local and 800
calls, hairdryers, iron and ironing board. Located just outside the main
Whistler Village area and around the corner from Westin Hotel & Spa.
Approximately 5-6 minute walk to Whistler Gondola.
LISTEL WHISTLER HOTEL:
$869.00 per person based on 1 person or 2 people sharing a hotel room with 2
queen beds with coffee maker, small fridge, in-room safe, TV. $30.00 extra
person fee (max 4 per room, per night plus tax. Upgraded rooms may be available
upon request. Baggage handling optional for groups at $8.00 per person in & out.
Hotel offers free WIFI throughout, après Ski Champagne Bar, award-winning
Bearfoot Bistro Restaurant, Ketel One Ice Room serving over 50 vodkas, coin
operated laundry, computers/printers in lobby, elevators, shared Jacuzzi.
Approximately 2-3 minute walk to the Whistler Gondola.
Lift Ticket
Choices
# of Days. 6 out of 7; 5 out of 6; 4 out of 5; 3 out of 4
Adults 19-64 $597
$526 $426. $331
Seniors 65+. $557. $476. $392 $302
Youth 13-18 $528. $452.
$369. $239
Child 6-12. $299. $272. $226. $177
Shuttle bus
Transfers Round
Trip– airport/Whistler/airport: $60.00 per person includes tax and gratuity to
driver. One 46 seat motor coach for 43 people or two 25 seat motor coaches for
24 people in each coach. Vehicle size will to be determined by final number of
people signed up 30 days prior to departure.
Travel Protection Plans: Travel
protection coverage is recommended and available to cover most cancellation
situations. Coverage to cancel for any reason or for pre-existing medical
conditions must be purchased within 14 days of tour member’s deposit. Otherwise,
coverage must be purchased prior to final payment. Call for additional
information.
Terms and
Conditions for Group Packages:
All features outlined above will be confirmed
upon receipt of initial deposit. A 4% service fee will be applied to individuals
wishing to pay with individual credit cards. Prices listed will not be assessed
any fees for payment by cash or check. Per person deposit of $300.00 to confirm
booking is due on/before August 1, 2018. Per person final payment is due
on/before November 1, 2018.
Please contact Alan Teramura,
alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com
ALAN
RUSUTSU SKI TRIP
HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
February 16-24, 2019
Rusutsu
is the largest ski resort in Hokkaido, Japan and only a 90 minute shuttle bus
ride from Sapporo Airport (CTS). It is known by skiers worldwide for its
plentiful powder, long and wide well groomed runs, and access to fabulous tree
skiing. The resort receives over 45 feet of snow annually, with 37 runs serviced
by 4 gondolas and 15 chair lifts. Approximately a third of the runs are
beginner, a third intermediate, and a third advanced to expert.
The trip
includes non-stop round trip airfare on Hawaiian Airlines leaving Honolulu on
Saturday February 16, 2019 and returning on Sunday February 24, 2019. From
Chitose (CTS) Airport, a chartered bus will take us directly to our hotel for 7
nights. All rooms at the Rusutsu Hotel have two twin beds for double occupancy
and include breakfast and dinner vouchers. Senior 5 of 6 day lift tickets (for
people 60+ years old) are included in the land package with a $35 supplement for
those under 60 years of age. The total trip cost is $2,800 per person
twin/double occupancy which includes $843 for airfare and $1,957 for the land
package. Single supplement is $1,000. You can book the land package separately
from air If you wish to arrange your own air travel.
As with the trip to
Whistler, we are using Schewe Travel Associates which is experienced in booking
ski trips for hundreds of skiers and boarders annually. Their address is 1481 S.
King Street #312A, Honolulu HI 96814. Telephone (808) 947-8811. Email is
schewetravel@hawaii.rr.com. The booking process is quite simple – just complete
the Reservation Form and mail it to Schewe Travel Associates with your $300 per
person deposit on or before July 13, 2018. After this date, reservations will be
accepted on a space available basis.
Reservation forms have already been emailed to all Club members If,
for some reason, you did not receive it, please contact Alan Teramura,
alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com Complete and mail the form, with your
deposit, to Schewe Travel Associates.
Airline
Hawaiian Airlines fare is $843 per
person for the round trip non-stop flights to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport. We have
only 40 airline seats at this price. Additional airline seats will be at the
published price on day of booking. First two checked bags are free and a third
checked bag is allowed for a fee of $150. One small carry on and one personal
item taken on board are free. Block group seating is included. Individuals may
change seats without charge at airport check in. HawaiianMiles credit is
permitted if your account number is on the Reservation Form. HawaiianMiles First
Class Upgrades are permitted in accordance with the HawaiianMiles policy.
Lodging
We will be staying at the
Rusutsu Resort and Convention Center, a four star ski in ski out hotel with its
own onsen, 6 restaurants, game room, 4-D movie theater, swimming pool and wave
pool. Rooms are all non-smoking run-of-house with twin beds, free WIFI, safety
deposit box, free bathroom toiletries & slippers, electric kettle, small
refrigerator, satellite TV, telephone, private bathroom with shower/tub.
Breakfast and dinner vouchers valid at all hotel restaurants are included
daily. Check in 3:00 pm - check out 11:00 am.
Lift Tickets
Included in the package is a 5
out of 6 day senior lift ticket for the 60+ age group. For people under 60, add
$35. If you would like fewer ski days or none at all, please contact Schewe
Travel Associates.
Shuttle Bus
Our transfers from the airport
to the hotel and back are included in the package. It will be a non-stop
chartered motor coach for our group. We’ll be met on arrival after clearing
immigration and collecting our luggage. No waiting at the airport for the
regular shuttle bus to Rusutsu. Those making their own air travel plans, must
meet the group when they arrive at 5 pm in order to ride the shuttle bus or must
make their own shuttle reservations.
Travel Protection Plans
Travel insurance is
recommended and available to cover most cancellation situations. Coverage to
cancel “for any reason” or for “pre-existing medical conditions must be
purchased within 14 days of paying your deposit. Otherwise, coverage must be
purchased prior to final payment. Call for additional information.
Terms and Conditions
All features outlined above
will be confirmed upon receipt of the Reservation Form and deposit. A 4% service
charge will be applied for individuals wishing to pay with individual credit
cards. Prices listed will not be assessed any fees for payment by cash or check.
Deposit of $300 per person is due on or before July 13, 2018. Final payment is
due on or before November 1, 2018. Prices are based on a minimum of 30 people
traveling together. If the group falls below 30, the price may have to be
adjusted according to the final count.
All cancellations must be made in
writing. Cancellations received after July 13, 2018 will be assessed a $50
administration fee. Cancellations received after full payment will be subject to
the refund policy of the airline and hotel. Cancellations received within 30
days of departure and after airline tickets have been issued will be
non-refundable. While the ticket will be valid for one year from issuance, a
$200 service fee to change dates or routing will be assessed.
ALAN
HAWAII SKI CLUB IS ON FACEBOOK
If you are on Facebook, add the HSC as a “friend.” You will be up-to-date with recent HSC activities that members upload. The HSC Facebook page has photos from members on ski trips and at Club activities. You can also include your personal photos and announcements relating to the club for all HSC members to view.
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Contributions from the membership to future newsletters are encouraged and will be greatly appreciated: Please e mail them to Toby (see Contacts) no later than 9 calendar days from the end of the month. Thanx much.
Updated club info available at http://www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com/