Nike's shoe drive may top 10,000 pairs
NIKE'S shoe drive may top 10,000 pairs. Now in its second year, the "Nike Reuse-A-Shoe" drive is another example of how you can help protect the environment with little effort.
Almost amazingly, Honolulu is the only city in the United States to enter into this type of partnership with the shoe company. Used sneakers were collected at local schools and by the Honolulu Fire Department throughout the month before being dropped off on Sunday in Waikiki. The donations will be used by Nike to manufacture sport surfaces for soccer fields, basketball courts and playgrounds.
As Richard Wells and Sonz serenaded the crowd, Mayor Mufi Hannemann arrived atop an antique red firetruck with HFD Chief Ken Silva. Mainland-based Nike reps Brian Goldstein and Tony Gonzalez also made the trip to Hawaii to participate.
Approximately 8,400 pairs of shoes were piled up outside Niketown by 2 p.m. Sunday, with organizers expecting the number to surpass 10,000 pairs by yesterday's collection deadline. Island Pacific Academy, Waialae Elementary and Mililani Mauka Elementary were also honored for contributing the most shoes amongst schools of similar size.
Of course, no appearance by the mayor is complete without him serenading the crowd -- Hannemann delivered an impromptu version of "Samoan Medley" with a pair of Niketown employees jumping in to dance. For some photos, check out the next page ...
HERE'S AN interesting contest for all the aspiring rock guitarists in Honolulu.
Radio station Star 101.9 is holding a "Battle of the Guitarists" in conjunction with next month's 30 Seconds to Mars concerts at Pipeline Cafe. The competition will take place on Friday at Easy Music Center, with the winner scoring a signed guitar/amp combo identical to the one used by the band during their shows.
Wait, it gets better -- the winner will also score a private lesson from guitarist Tomo Milicevic, and will get to perform "From Yesterday" with the band onstage. Call 296-1019 to sign up ...
AFTER A bit of a rough start, promoters Flash Hansen and Matty Boy Hazelgrove are giving "The Listening Party" another try at the Hanohano Room atop the Sheraton Waikiki.
When it launched earlier this year, "The Listening Party" was a post-dinner option for acoustic-music fans. It's now a pau hana event (5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays), with live music courtesy of DeShannon Higa and his grOOve.imProV.arTiSts.
Other perks include free valet parking, half-price pupus and Grey Goose martini specials. If you need a midweek pick-me-up, don't miss this event ...
NEW LOCAL record label Siq Records launches on Thursday with "Honolulu City Blitz" at Lotus Soundbar. Expect live performances by Creed Chameleon, Staplemouth and Jonah the Whale; DJs King, Packo, Seeko, Olivertwist and Matt Ratt will also be on hand. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the 21-and-over crowd ...