Newsmaker
Monday, April 28, 1997
Name: Charlie King
Age: 51
Position: president, King Auto Center in Lihue; 1996 state Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year
Education: Hawaii Preparatory Academy; college
Pastimes: Golf
Early in his career, Charlie King learned community service and business go hand in hand in Hawaii. Partnering service with life
"I learned it was kind of the dues you pay back to society for being a part of society," said the 51-year-old Lihue resident.
King, president of King Auto Center, Kauai's largest used-car operation, recently received Gov. Ben Cayetano's 1996 Kilohana Award for outstanding volunteer service in the adult category. The annual program honors volunteers -- in five categories from each island -- who improve the lives of others.
King, who was nominated by two organizations, is a volunteer for the Kauai Hospice; treasurer of Island School; chairman of the Wilcox Hospital Foundation; and a board member of the Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Wilcox Health System, Kauai Medical Clinic and Kauai Junior Golf. He is also a committee member of the U.S. Golf Association.
In the business arena, King serves as co-chairman of the legislative committee of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce; president of the Kauai Business Council; and member of the Governor's Blue Ribbon task force on small business and of Alexander & Baldwin.
Last year, King's dealership raised $4,320 for the Kauai Visitor Industry Walk as part of a promotion. The auto center donated $40 for every vehicle sold in March 1996.
King, an Illinois native who has lived in Hawaii since statehood, was surprised and honored by the accolades.
"When you're on an outer island, you're able to become more active in these other things that help. Somehow it seems like you're more exposed to them."
King met his wife, LPGA professional Bea Porter-King, while serving as her caddy during the 1987 LPGA tournament on Kauai.
"It was another volunteer thing. I was the head of the Chamber of Commerce that year and the Kemper Open was being played out in Princeville and they needed volunteers. I felt it was something the chamber should get behind so I volunteered, and lo and behold," he said.
The couple has two children -- daughter Sherry, 24, who lives in San Francisco, and son Joseph, 14.
Pat Omandam, Star-Bulletin
