HAWAII

Waikele Golf Club sold for $23M

The Waikele Golf Club was sold for $23 million on Nov. 12 and renamed the Waikele Country Club.

The 18-hole course, which opened in 1993 at 94-200 Paioa Place in Waipahu, was sold by Chicago-based KLC Land Co., previously known as Kaanapali Land LLC.

The new owner, Waikele Country Club Inc., plans some improvements to the golf course and clubhouse, though no major changes are expected, said Gordon Tsujimura, head professional at the par-72 course designed by Ted Robinson.

Foot doctors rebook convention

The American Podiatric Medical Association recently said it will hold its annual meeting at the Hawaii Convention Center in 2014 and again in 2021.

They most recently held their event in Hawaii in July, which drew nearly 3,500 podiatrists and related professionals. Statewide spending for the conference was more than $16.5 million generating more than $1.6 million in statewide tax revenue.

Hotels benefited with more than 28,000 rooms booked.

Volunteers needed for tax help

The AARP, Hawaii Asset Building Coalition and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance groups are seeking volunteers to provide free tax assistance this coming filing season in Hawaii.

Volunteers will prepare federal and state individual tax returns for elderly, disabled, non-English speaking, and limited-income individuals.

Volunteers will be provided with free training materials on how to prepare basic individual income tax returns and, in most cases, how to file them electronically. Training classes are held in December and January and, in return, volunteers are asked to donate their time to help at volunteer sites around the state between January and April.

For additional information, please contact AARP at 955-5776 and state you are calling for AARP Tax-Aide volunteer information, Hawaii Asset Building Coalition at 677-6939, ext. 25, or Aloha United Way at www.hawaiitaxhelp.org.

Keiki Kokua receives $5,000 grant

Keiki Kokua on Maui has been given a grant of $5,000 by the First Hawaiian Bank Foundation, the charitable arm of First Hawaiian Bank, according to an announcement by Don Horner, president and chief executive officer.

The grant will support Keiki Kokua's “;Foster Parent Exchange”; program. The program is part of a larger endeavor, the Keiki Kokua Thrift Store, where foster and adoptive parents will be able to purchase everyday items, the bank said in a statement.

For more information about Keiki Kokua, visit www.keikikokua.org or call 573-4972.

Outrigger Reef makes additions

A new pool deck and a 22-foot canoe paddle are among the latest changes at Waikiki's Outrigger Reef on the Beach as it approaches completion of $110 million in improvements to its guestrooms and public areas.

The beachfront hotel is also adding shops including Prime Jewelry, Moonbow Tropics and Little Glass Shack.

Coming in early 2009 will be the poolside Kani Ka Pila Grille, which will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Moana Surfrider opens new hall

The Moana Surfrider said yesterday it has completed construction of its newest function space, the Lani Kai Room. The 10,782 square-foot banquet hall has a beachfront view and can accommodate more than 150 guests. It also has a 500 square-foot open lanai area.

In addition, high-speed Internet installation is planned for early 2009.