The Buzz
The Buzz
THE Building Industry Association is not giving away a free house, despite the misperception of some Channel 2 Morning News viewers who called the association following yesterday's program. New steps for
Parade of HomesParade of Homes Steering Committee Chairman Rick Hobson appeared on the program's "Big Red Couch" interview segment to highlight changes marking this year's 45th anniversary of the event, as well as to encourage early entry applications by hopeful participants.
Two early entry homes were shown, the Stargazer No. 9 by Schuler Homes in Makakilo, and a custom home by Homeworks Construction on Hawaii Loa ridge, according to association public relations representative Kimi Takazawa.
She said the images coupled with talk of an early entry deadline may have led to the misinterpretation of a home giveaway.
This year's restructured event is called "The New Parade of Homes."
More than the title sponsorship is being sold, and the May 22 golf tournament is being "integrated into the (October) Parade at the sponsorship level," according to Event Coordinator Jude Dady.
Bank of Hawaii is the title sponsor, but other banks and companies have signed on as sponsors at various levels.
No platinum sponsors are listed on the tournament flyer in the BIA Insider newsletter -- but for $20,000, company principals will receive benefits including attendance at a sponsors-only cocktail event with the governor, mayor, the association board and members of the steering committee, as well as tournament play.
Golf for a team of three costs $700, but Dady said it includes lunch, musubi and dinner.
A highlight of the tournament, she said, is the $100,000 putting challenge. To win, an entrant must make successful consecutive putts from 10, 20, 40 and 50 feet.
"It's been done -- just not in my lifetime," she said.
The team that won the tournament last year included Randy Lau, of Designer Belt Systems -- this year's association president.
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