Off the Fringe
alevaa Atisanoe has done a lot to help youngsters on the Leeward Coast. Atisanoe’s dream almost a reality
Through the Konishiki Kids Foundation -- an organization he formed five years ago -- the retired yokozuna known as Konishiki has sent 35 deserving kids to Japan to experience a different culture for the last three years.
But he wants to do more.
"My ultimate goal," he told me at his third annual golf tournament at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club in June, "is to build a community center on the Leeward coast to give them (youngsters on the Leeward Coast) more opportunities to learn."
Atisanoe is getting a jump-start on his plans today.
Proceeds from Bon Ami, Konishiki, a celebrity golf tournament at the Ko Olina Golf Club golf course this morning, will benefit his foundation and not only help send 35 more youngsters to Japan next year but help make his dream of a community center on the Leeward Coast a reality.
"It's not about trophies or anything like that," Konishiki told me in June.
"It's all about what you can do for your community."
Ben wins again
Congratulations to Star-Bulletin copy editor and columnist Ben Wood for winning his own golf tournament at the Navy-Marine course called, what else, the Mini-Benny Tournament.It is the second time in five times he has won it.
Giving himself a "legitimate" 29 handicap, Wood shot a 92 for a 63 net. Rick Wight, with a 33 handicap, was a distant second with a net 66. Dan Sullivan was third two shots back while Star-Bulletin cartoonist Corky Trinidad (22 handicap) finished fourth at 69.
The defending champ was singing sensation Jimmy Borges.
Kudos to Isobe
And speaking of congratulations, a belated one goes out to Gerald Isobe.Isobe, of Honolulu, was selected to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Sports Hall of Fame and will be inducted Saturday at the Brook-Lea Country Club in Rochester, N.Y.
A 1976 RIT graduate, Isobe was a member of its golf team from 1972-76 and is the first RITdeaf golfer to earn NCAA All-America honors when he was named to the third team in 1975.
Isobe will be one of six inducted Saturday. Joining him are David D. Egan (wrestling and soccer), Bob Klos (basketball), Jeannie Khaw (volleyball), Jay Murphy (hockey) and Tom Peeples (track).
Ko Olina tabs Ashworth
Scott Ashworth has been named head golf pro at the Ko Olina Golf Club.Ashworth, who will be responsible for golf shop operations, staffing and guest services, comes to Ko Olina from Washington, where he was the golf pro at the McCormick Woods Golf Course in Port Orchard.
Star-Bulletin assistant sports editor Randy Cadiente is a once-a-week hacker who carries a 15-handicap. He can be reached at 529-4785 or: rcadiente@starbulletin.com