WAILUA – Just when things were under control, the special guest of honor got called to Koloa. This was the scenario that faced members of the Kapa‘a Rotary Club as they improvised a schedule of events to cover the delay
WAILUA – Just when things were under control, the special guest of honor got called to Koloa.
This was the scenario that faced members of the Kapa‘a Rotary Club as they improvised a schedule of events to cover the delay at their Wednesday meeting at the Aloha Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
But, as the announcements and presentations of visiting Rotarians were being done, the delayed Marty Kahn arrived – just in time to be recognized as the winner of the 2004 Rotary Club of Kapa‘a Outstanding Vocational Service Award.
Dan Spriggs, chairperson for the award committee, in making the announcement, said “Marty Kahn has employed countless people on Kaua‘i, and provided beautiful artwork to the residents and visitors of Kaua‘i. He is an inspiring and popular employer.”
Spriggs continued by saying, “For 29 years, Kahn has provided personal and financial support to Kaua‘i organizations, charities, and causes including such groups as the Boys & Girls Club, the Kaua‘i Humane Society, Kaua‘i Hospice, Friends of Youth, the Interact Club of Kapa‘a High School, the Boy Scouts Aloha Council, St. Catherine’s School, Hawai‘i Children’s Theater, Kaua‘i Performing Arts Association, the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Hindu Temple, and canoe clubs.
Kahn and his wife moved here in 1975 from St. Criox where he taught Art and Art History, and on his arrival to Kaua‘i, opened the Kaua‘i Leather Co. in the Hanamaulu Post Office building where he made and sold leather goods along with gold chains and scrimshaw.
Three years later, Kahn opened Kaua‘i Gold in the Coconut Marketplace where he specialized in gold, scrimshaw, and Ni‘ihau shell lei.
The first Kahn Art Gallery opened in the Coconut Marketplace in 1984, and today Kahn Galleries are located in Kapa‘a, the Kilohana Estates in Lihu‘e, Po‘ipu, Koloa, and the Waikoloa Beach Hotel on the Big Island.
Kahn was a founder and charter member of the Rotary Club of Kapa‘a, and served as its President, Board Member, as well as on Rotary Committees. He coordinates the entertainment schedule as the chair of the music/entertainment committee for the Taste of Hawai‘i, and is the Master of Ceremonies/Finemaster of the Kapa‘a Rotary.
Kahn is also a Rotary Exchange traveler including trips to Osaka, Japan, and India.
With the award, Kahn joins a list of honorees including Cliff Bailey who was awarded the first plaque in 2000.
Amy Awtrey was the recipient in 2001 followed by Kaipo Kealalio who was honored in 2002. Miles Lahr was the 2003 winner.
President Wade Lord announced that the Kapa‘a Rotary Club would be assisting in the special University of Hawai‘i men’s volleyball game against the University of Pacific coming up, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Kaua‘i High School Gym.
The Rotary Club has sponsored 19 hotel rooms at the Aloha Kaua‘i Beach Resort where the two teams will be housed following their game.
Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the Rotary Club of Kapa‘a’s Annual Taste of Hawai‘i were presented to four organizations by Sonia Topenio, the Club’s Community Service Chair.
Mike Kano received the contribution for the Boy Scouts of America, Aloha Council who will designate the contribution towards capital improvements at Camp Alan Fayé in Koke‘e.
Carol Kimura represented Ku Kilakila, the Kaua‘i All-Island Marching Band that will represent Kaua‘i, and the state of Hawai‘i at the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on Jan. 1, 2005.
Kimura said they will be utilizing their contribution to pay for lanyards that will be issued to each participating musician.
In addition to organizing the necessary documentation and credentials, Kimura said the lanyards will be colorful so chaperones will have an easier time keeping tabs on the approximately 300 Kaua‘i musicians that will be participating in the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Kimura was also treated to the opportunity of meeting with visiting Jack Dilbert who is in charge of creating the Rotary Club’s Centennial float that will also be in the same parade.
Laverne Bishop accepted the award to Hale Opio, and Topenio said the Rotary Club of Kapa‘a will also be purchasing trees for the Kaua‘i Hospice Trees of Remembrance program.
Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@pulitzer.net
