Iolani Alumni

Joshua Miyazawa, son of Jeff ‘87 and Jonie Miyazawa, is headed to Washington D.C. next week to play in a just-for-fun tee-ball game on the South Lawn of the White House.

He was selected for the game based on the recommendation of his coach Sarie (Okimoto) Uechi ‘86, who submitted an application on his behalf and wrote a 300-word essay describing Joshua’s incredible story.

Just six weeks ago, the energetic 5-year old underwent open-heart surgery to repair a small hole in the upper chambers of his heart. Now, proudly sporting a 5-inch scar that runs the length of his breast bone, Joshua is back on the field and more than ready to make the trip to the nation’s capital.

During his days at Iolani, Jeff Miyazawa was a standout second baseman for the Raiders during their state title run in 1986. Currently, he runs his own dental practice in Kaneohe and, in his spare time, serves as an assistant coach for the the Iolani Baseball team.

Read the entire story from the Honolulu Advertiser »

[Photo: Honolulu Advertiser]

Special Note: In the photo, Joshua and Jeff are sporting gear from Hawaiian Hardball which is owned and operated by classmate and former teammate Jason Arakaki ‘87.

A new champion was crowned on Wednesday night when Red Division Champion Team Tanaka defeated Black Division Champion Team Hirata 64-55 in the title game of the 2007 Iolani Alumni Basketball League. Kanoa Leahey ‘95 and John Stepien ‘95 led the way for Team Tanaka with 17 and 15 points respectively. Kyle Pape ‘05 and Ryan Hirata ‘04 pitched in 20 and 18 in a losing effort.

In the battle for third place, Team Pacheco defeated Team Kawahara 42-28.

2007 Iolani Alumni League Overall Champions (left to right): Josh Obrey ‘94, Doug Lange ‘94, Kanoa Leahey ‘95, John Stepien ‘95, Micah Banton ‘95, Mark Ambler ‘95, Jerry Tanaka ‘95

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A quick collection of gift ideas from Iolani-owned businesses (that I know of):

Great Harvest Bread Company - Kahala, Downtown, Kailua, Aiea - Pick up a gift basket or gift bag from one of their 4 locations throughout the state. They’re sure to please… View their 2006 Holiday Brochure »
Related Alumni: Adam Wong ‘94, Brian Ah Yat ‘94, Anson Shimabukuro ‘94, Justin Walthall ‘96

Crack Seed Center - Ala Moana Center - Pick it up at the store or make a purchase online. They have bunch of gift baskets to choose from including the option to create your own. Gift Certificates available as well. The Perfect procrastination pick… Express Mail Shipping available until the 20th!
Related Alumni: Bryan Li ‘96

Leather Soul - Downtown, Waikiki - Need a great gift for the business professional that seems to have it all?… Leather Soul is the perfect place to find high-end footwear that will never go out of style. Gift Certificates available.
Related Alumni: Tom Park ‘96

Hawaiian Hardball - Online - If you’re a baller in Hawaii, or you know one, then this maybe the perfect gift. Hawaiian Hardball has a complete line of baseball related apparel and accessories for men, women and keiki. Shipping is available, though I’m not sure if it’ll get there in time for Christmas, but I’m sure if you really need it, Jay will take care.
Related Alumni: Jason Arakaki ‘87

Iolani Store - Iolani School - Couldn’t find anything in red and black after spending hours at Ala Moana?… You’re in luck. The Iolani Store has got you covered. Shipping is available, but if you can’t afford to wait for them to ship it, drop by the Iolani Book Store for a pickup instead. (They are closed on Friday of this week for the holidays.)
Related Alumni: Kirk Uejio ‘98

That’s all I could come up with. Please post more in the comments…

If you haven’t heard them or of them then WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!… Well, the phenomenon known as Thick Tubes has been rockin the Hawaiian scene for several years now having just released their second album “Thick 2” earlier this year. (Recognize the face on the CD cover?… Any guesses?)

Photo: (clockwise from left) Dave Gonzalez, Steve Brady, Sean “Ulu” Scanlan ‘87, Pat Samsonas ‘93, Denny Ono ‘92, Darin Au and Jane Aromin

As the current head coach of the Iolani JV Baseball team and a member of the 1986 Iolani State Championship team, Jason Arakaki ‘87 surely loves baseball. So much so that in 2005 he launched his own clothing and apparel company, Hawaiian Hardball, to cater to the local baseball loving community.

Hawaiian Hardball features a full line of clothing for men, women and keiki and includes an assortment of tees, dri-fits, hats, stickers and more… They also sponsor several of Hawaii’s top professional baseball players including alumnus Keoni Derenne ‘97 who is currently in the minor leagues in the Boston Red Sox organization.

Check out the full line at HawaiianHardball.com and don’t be shy… buy!