MEMBER NOTES
my brother and friends near Tonggs. Decades later, I taught my children, Evan and Cameron, to surf at the same spot, and watched them quickly surpass my ele- mentary surfing skills. The Club has also been a backdrop to my personal milestones. My first date with my husband took place in the ocean by the Outrigger, a simple yet magical beginning. Three years later, he proposed to me at the Club on the Koa Lanai, setting the stage for over two decades of marriage. We often celebrate Valentine’s Day or anniversaries here, too. Memorable family events, like my grandmother Violet Kau’s 80th birthday, have taken place here. That celebration, graced by a surprise visit from famed member Tom Selleck, remains a cherished memory for me and for my grandmother who recently turned 103. The Club has been instrumental in our children's development. Their first steps into the ocean were here, “My earliest memories at OCC are of surfing with my brother and friends near Tonggs. Decades later, I taught my children, Evan and Cameron, to surf at the same spot…” and through the Ko Kainalu program, they learned vital skills about water safety and ocean sports. These skills proved critical when my older son applied his training to rescue a visitor to the Islands while surfing near Dia- mond Head. Our children’s love for sports flourished here, too. They both fell in love with volleyball at the Baby Court, and they continue to work hard to follow in the footsteps of the legendary volleyball players from OCC who have come before them. My younger son also ex- perienced regatta and distance paddling here. I, myself, aspire to be a novice paddler some day in the future. A recent highlight was dancing hula to “Waikīkī” with my sister Cecily at the Club’s 100th lū‘au in 2022. It was our first performance together in front of a non-family audience. Cecily is now an OCC member herself, and regularly enjoys the Club with her family. What general message, if any, would you like to share with OCC members? I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your contribution to making the Outrigger Canoe Club a special place. I am honored to uphold our mission of fostering a communi- ty that cherishes Hawaiian sports, good fellowship, and the spirit of Aloha. ■
Is there one issue you feel parcularly strong about that you want to focus on during your tenure? I’d like to invite our members to come together to support and celebrate each other’s good service to the community, and allow for increased organization of those eorts through Outrigger—ensuring that philanthropy and service to our broader community remains embedded in our Club culture. What impact do you want to have on the Club? As incoming president, I would like to continue to support the people who make Outrigger Canoe Club the special place that it is today—the employees, members and volunteers. Through sound governance procedures, we can assist in continuing to enhance the delivery of incredible value to our members. What do you want your legacy to be? As part of our commitment to perpetuating the spirit of aloha at the Club and beyond, I would like to build upon our legacy of philanthropy and community service by embedding it in our organizational structure. I plan to continue a legacy of good leadership, of a strong and balanced competitive athletics program at OCC, of a positive and synergistic relationship with our neigh- bor and landlord, the Elks Lodge, and continued diversi- fication of our membership, committees, and Board. You're also a leader in your workplace—what qual¤es do you think make a strong leader? Leadership today requires a blend of respect, inclu- sivity, collaboration, fairness and eective commu- nication. These qualities, increasingly significant in the post-pandemic era, are essential in fostering a positive and productive environment both at work and within the Club. Have any of the past women presidents of OCC inspired you? I have only personally known one—Laurie Foster— through our service on the Board together. Laurie became the third female president in 2022. She’s a businesswoman and now consultant who led profes- sionally, collaboratively and fairly. The second was Barbara Stehouwer in 2006, whom I had the pleasure of having lunch with several months ago. The first was the late Mary Philpotts McGrath, in 1998. Before I leave this Earth, I would love to meet number 30 or so! How has OCC pos¤vely aected you? Reflecting on my connection with the Club, it's like a journey through the most cherished chapters of my life. My earliest memories at OCC are of surfing with
march / april 2024 | AMA 17
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