NUKOLII — The Kauai Chamber of Commerce third quarter membership meeting was sold out, with over 340 people in attendance. Marynel Valenzuela said her husband Rommel told her it was like graduation all over again. The president of Inkspot Quality
NUKOLII — The Kauai Chamber of Commerce third quarter membership meeting was sold out, with over 340 people in attendance.
Marynel Valenzuela said her husband Rommel told her it was like graduation all over again. The president of Inkspot Quality Printing Corp., she was decked out in lei and flitting around the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort ballroom taking her trademark selfies.
“Look, she’s bringing her camera,” said Joyce Vidinha, who along with Vianne Tabata emceed the presentation of the Mea Ho‘omana‘o awards, one of two agenda items at the meeting.
Tabata responded to the gesture by pulling out her own cell phone to take a selfie with Vidinha.
Marynel Valenzuela, in addition to being a Mea Ho‘omana‘o recipient, was also nominated to serve a one-year term on the 2018 Kauai chamber board of directors. Also nominated were Sharon Lasker of the Regency at Puakea and Dale Keep with Layton Construction.
Tyler Rodighiero, owner of PAC Build, and Reiko Matsuyama of Grove Farm, were both approved to serve another year on the 2018 board, which will be led by president Chris Gampon of Outrigger Kiahuna Plantations.
Rodighiero is the current chair-elect for the board as well as the government affairs co-chair.
The approval of the board was the serious note of the meeting, which adjourned for the celebration of the Mea Ho‘omana‘o awardees.
“This is my first time attending a Kauai chamber event,” said Donna Olivas, the Kauai RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) director with the county’s Agency on Elderly Affairs. “Emily Medeiros is a chamber member, and I got to come and help. This is a lot of people.”
The stage was filled with dignitaries waiting to congratulate the Mea Ho‘omana‘o awardees.
Lyle Tabata was swarmed by Boy Scouts from Troop 148 who piled lei on top of the mound that threatened to bury his face. His wife, Vianne, digressed from her mistress of ceremonies duty to ensure she got a share of the accolades.
Similarly, Richard Wa‘alani Sr., more affectionately known as Uncle Ricky, was surrounded by his family and friends who filled four tables at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort ballroom.
“It is not what he gives, but how much love he puts into giving,” said Ashlee Pimental in her nominating letter. “He instills how important it is by loving tremendously, showing support, and always encouraging. Uncle Ricky reminds us how important it is to live aloha, to always help each other, to give without receiving, and to love with no boundaries.”
The event was presented by Kaiser Permanente, whose Kimberly Legawa presented an informative discussion on the rising costs of drugs.
