Wood Craft Ben Wood

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Local businesswoman hopes to take her company global

Daynin Dashefsky is a tough business-minded beauty, originally from Nanakuli, who has formed GFI Associates. Her lofty goal is to make GFI a global company with Hawaii as its hub for national and international business. Daynin, ex-wife of KHNL anchor Howard Dashefsky, is also an inventor and is creating a division of the company called the Inventor's Network. She is known as "The Grappler" in her jiujitsu class. She took apart a car and put it back together as a Nanakuli High student. Her management team was here recently to help create a global strategic plan. They dined at Aaron's with Mayor Mufi Hannemann to discuss plans. They also dined with potential investors at Morton's in a private room. Entertainment was by singers Mihana Souza, Kimo Kahoano and Kristian Lei and hula dancers Kanoe Miller, Kanoe Cazimero and little Ana Malia Kia, 10. Aloha Airlines CEO Dave Banmiller attended. Daynin can be reached at 263-8160 ...

Polynesians were honored for their achievements Tuesday at the 2006 Stars of Oceania recognition dinner and scholarship fundraiser at Hilton's Coral Ballroom. Al Harrington was emcee. Other stars included Mayor Hannemann, Jack and Cha Thompson, Mau Piailug, Nainoa Thompson, Kalo Mataele Soukop, Malia Craver, Lubuw Falanruw, Tui Pulotu and Pulefano Galeai. The fundraiser provides tuition and financial aid for Pacific islanders at UH. Kitty Lagareta, UH Board of Regents chairwoman, and UH President David McClain spoke. Entertainment was by Jack and Cha's Tihati Productions ... There's a story on Colt Brennan and UH football in this week's Sports Illustrated ...

Ko Olina Charities helps needy for Thanksgiving

Let's hear it for Ko Olina Charities for again providing Leeward needy and single-parent families with 4,000 Thanksgiving meals today. Besides the charities, other sponsors of the Eighth Annual Ko Olina Thanksgiving Outreach event are Ko Olina Resort, Ko Olina Community Association, Marriott Ihilani Resort, Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club and United Parcel Service. The food will be delivered to churches by UPS. Marriott employees and Leeward residents provided volunteer help and deserve credit ... Jeff Bueche, pronounced "Bush," is the new GM of Morton's at Ala Moana ...