The Buzz
The Buzz
MEMBERSHIP in the Downtown Business Association is exclusive -- one member per industry. Isle business group
seeks new membersSeveral fields are already represented, such as financial advisers -- filled by Dondi Vinca of Prudential Securities. He's also membership chairman.
"We're looking for a general CPA, an attorney, an auto mechanic and someone in advertising specialties," he said.
The group would also like a general contractor, a printer, an office equipment supplier, a general repairman and someone in the wireless communications field, he said.
Membership costs $125 if paid semi-annually, or $200 for an annual membership.
"The idea is to network with other business professionals, provide warm referrals for small business owners," Vinca said.
The association, an offshoot of a national group, has a temporary Web site through one of its members, at http://www.4rrg.com/dba/dba.html.
A mixed bag of emotions
Quite the aloha party for KITV's Sharie Shima at Ala Moana Center's Mai Tai Bar Thursday night.General Manager Jamie Robinson was pleased to learn that the local luminaries chose his venue, but there was also a national star in the crowd.
KITV network affiliate ABC TV just happened to be represented at the Shima soiree by Dateline anchor Stone Phillips. He's been in town for the network's coverage of the Ehime Maru court of inquiry.
Sports Director Robert Kekaula sang a song with the Kaala Boys to serenade Shima, co-workers and other patrons, but declined the cheers of "hana hou."
For Phillips, The Buzz is told the worship by admiring local reporters was short-lived, as he took his leave before the party was over.
Phillips has been in Hawaii before, as evidenced by his photo on the wall at Yanagi Sushi on Kapiolani Boulevard.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4757, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com