What could only be called a miracle occurred yesterday afternoon at Mid Pacific Auto Center in Lihu’e. Just days after an unfortunate accident totaled his vehicle, Nick Kaneakua, of Anahola, won a brand new Mazda 3, compliments of MidPac Auto,
What could only be called a miracle occurred yesterday afternoon at Mid Pacific Auto Center in Lihu’e.
Just days after an unfortunate accident totaled his vehicle, Nick Kaneakua, of Anahola, won a brand new Mazda 3, compliments of MidPac Auto, during a prize give-away contest hosted by Ron Wiley of KQNG FM and Augie T of SURF FM.
Hardly a dry eye was in the audience as a surprised Kaneakua, who had just lost his father due to cancer, came forth to accept the prize.
“Certain things happen for a reason, and this is one of them,” said Kaneakua. “I wasn’t expecting anything.”
In fact, he said he was on his way over to the dealership to purchase a car yesterday morning when his friend gave him a call to let him know he was one of 20 people still with a chance to win the vehicle.
“I was actually on my way to buy a car and had an appointment,” said Kaneakua in disbelief. “When I got into Lihu’e, my friend called to tell me I was one of the finalists.”
Last February, MidPac Auto collaborated with KQNG 93.5 FM and SURF 95.9 FM to create what they called DriveOneHawaii, a drawing event in which one lucky winner would receive their choice between a brand new Ford Ranger or Mazda3.
Russell Wong, General Manager of MidPac Auto said, “We felt it was an important thing to do right now in these challenging times, and it was certainly fun for everyone involved.”
103 contestants were qualified to win, and consolation prizes were awarded throughout the morning, including a three-night stay for two in Waikiki, but only one was granted a new car.
Ron Wiley of KQNG FM said he remembers the day Kaneakua won the morning show’s contest, “Did You Know Or Do You Care,” which qualified him for final drawing.
In a stroke of luck that proved to be the first of many, Kaneakua was actually the second caller that morning, as the first caller had answered the question incorrectly.
“I was asked the three ways you could qualify to win the vehicle,” Kaneakua said. And, the answer? Listening to KQNG FM, SURF FM or by logging on to MidPac Auto Center’s Web site, www.driveonehawaii.com
Needless to say, the crowd was swept over with emotion by the time Kaneakua sat down in his chosen vehicle, valued at $17,000, and many agreed it was fate that he won.
• Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
