October 2007

Our new youth and adult classes have jumped off to a great start with an October program at the Waipa Ropes Course.  The classes worked on team-building and pushing their limits out of their comfort zone guided by Kauai Team Challenge Inc. and their staff.  In addition to their exciting day, participants heard from Adam Asquith, University of Hawai`i, Sea Grant College Extension Specialist who spoke about Global energy issues and their potential impact on Kauai.  Other presenters on this topic included, Steve Rymshaw from KIUC, and Keone Kealoha from Malama Kauai with his guests Walter Ritte and Jerry Konanui.

Mr. Bill Cathers from the Colorado Aspen Institute will be speaking on the “Balance of Leadership and Freedom,” on Friday, November 16th, 2007 during a luncheon at the Princeville Clubhouse.  All alumni are encouraged to join the new Leadership Kauai class for lunch and to hear from our guest speaker.  The Luncheon will begin at 12 noon and end at 1:30 pm.  Lunch tickets are $20 per person.  Seating is limited, so please RSVP to attend this event no later than Friday, November 9th by calling our office at 246-8727 or emailing us at info@leadershipkauai.org.

After two years at the helm of Leadership Kaua`i, Executive Director Tim Bynum announced he will be stepping down from the top post.  Filling his seat will be current Program Director Mason Chock.

“Leadership Kaua`i is a wonderful organization making an important contribution to our community’s future success, and I intend to remain involved in the program to ensure a successful transition.” Shared Tim, “However I feel that my commitment to Kaua`i as a member of the Kaua`i County Council deserves my full attention.”

During Bynum’s tenure, Leadership Kaua`i continued to refine its Leadership Program for adults while instituting the Pi`ina Hoku “Stars that Rise” Youth Leadership Program.

“Mason has done a fantastic job as Program Director and is the perfect choice to lead the organization into the future.” Tim commented.

Leadership Kauai will be having a bouyant fundraising event upon the Norwegian Cruise Line ship, The Pride of America.  We are lucky to have a group of people dedicated to making this event memorable. Committee members are: Alana Brun, Charlotte Nash, and Marylyn Gerardo. The event will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2008, so mark your calendars now!  This will be an exclusive, after hours gala to include many things such as a silent auction, entertainment and dinner.  We will also have a hosted cocktail hour.  Keep your eyes open for our “Save the Date”.

We are excited to start the new fiscal year off with two new Board Directors.  David Bukoski is a Leadership Kaua`i graduate from the class of 2007.  He is a Captain in the Prevention Bureau of our Kaua`i County Fire Department.  Our second addition to the Board is Jim O’Connor, Owner and Principle Broker of O’Connor Realty.  We look forward to working with such esteemed persons.  Our Board Secretary, Char Ravelo, has graciously taken the role of spearheading our alumni program. She is looking forward to engaging her fellow alumni as well as other graduates and making the Alumni Program a success.  Class representatives are as follows: Class of 2005 is Marissa Sandblom; 2006 is Char Ravelo; and 2007 is Fran Becker.

David Bukoski Jim O’Connor