In The Wood
THE stars came out on a windy afternoon at Ko Olina on Nov. 4 to take part in Konishiki's golf tournament, which makes it possible for youngsters from the former sumo star's Waianae area to visit Japan each year. Thirty-five kids with chaperones will make the upcoming trip. Konishiki’s golf tournament
raises $40,000The smoothly run event, with the help of 75 volunteers, raised more than $40,000.
"I feel good about the tournament," Konishiki said as 140 players were streaming in to participate.
"I'll hit a few balls. I hope I don't make too many holes in the course (otherwise) it'll be a 36-hole course instead of 18."
KSSK's Larry Price said, "This is a brilliant idea, taking kids to Japan to learn the culture. I proposed something like this to the Legislature: Take every school kid to each (Hawaiian) island before high school graduation to learn about each island's songs, flowers, birds ..." Larry said his mom was 50 years old before she took an airplane flight. He does not want isle youngsters to have to wait that long to take a trip. He is right.
Sam Choy praised the tourney. "I think it's a great idea," the successful chef said. He stressed that we must keep driving ahead despite the Sept. 11 attacks. "We have to pick up the momentum. Don't feel bad about what's happening. Be positive, be happy and buy Hawaii (goods and services)," Sam said.
New York Mets slugger Benny Agbayani looked like he was wearing a caftan just before the start of the tourney, but it was just one of the gigantic Konishiki's T-shirts. Benny also played football for St. Louis School and said, "I'm happy for coach Cal (Lee's success)."
Former Mets pitcher Sid Fernandez called the tourney a good thing. Big Sid, a Mid-Pac golfer, has a 4 handicap.
Other celebrities playing included actor Cary Tagawa, chefs Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi, show biz personalities Emme Tomimbang, Kimo Kahoano and Danny Kaleikini and TV guys Dave Vinton, Howard Dashefsky and Guy Hagi, and Council member John DeSoto. Samoa lawmaker Eni Faleomavaega was a late entry.
First place in the tournament went to the Hawaii Athletic Club team of Ray Sagum, Bobby Zablan, Henry Ahloo and Sol Lee with 22.8 under on the par 72 layout.
Second place went to the Ko Olina Community Association foursome of Ken Williams, chef Wong, Mike Oakland and DeSoto with 19.8 under par.
The tourney, sponsored by the Ko Olina Resort Association, was the closing event of the annual French Festival. This was the first time the event has been part of the fest. Mercedes Benz and Chanel were other tourney underwriters.
The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Trust kicked in 10 grand to the Konishiki Kids Foundation.
Ben Wood, who played his first round of golf at Ala Wai
50 years ago, vows to learn how to play the game well even if
it takes another 50 years. E-mail him at bwood@starbulletin.com.