Each year, Waikiki Community Center (WCC) recognizes a local company or organization which has demonstrated a strong commitment to the WCC  and the Waikiki community with its Makana Ola Loa Award.

Makana Ola Loa means, ‘lifelong giver or always extending a gift to others” and signifies an abundance of generosity and kindness to others. 

Waikiki Community Center is proud to honor the following:

1)    Starbucks Coffee Company.  Since their first store opened in Hawaii in 1996, Starbucks Coffee Company has donated hundreds of pounds of their signature coffee blend and pastries on a daily basis to Waikiki Community Center.  The refreshing coffee and pastries are used for Waikiki’s senior citizens who attend activities and programs.  Over the past decade, Starbucks Coffee Company also has contributed donations of coffee and logo items for Waikiki Community Center events and activities to benefit the community.

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2)    The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa has performed countless acts of kindness for the people of Waikiki and WCC, including hosting an annual Thanksgiving and Christmas supper for Waikiki’s elders, donating a sumptuous Thanksgiving supper for WCC’s young children and their parents, and participating in WCC’s Ala Wai Challenge, a community-based canoe racing event and fundraiser. 

In 2009, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa associates organized a day-long service project at WCC and enlisted special contractors on a pro-bono basis to give WCC a refreshed look.  This project, estimated at $50,000 of volunteer support and supplies, resulted in new energy-efficient lighting in its auditorium, new flooring for one of its community classrooms, fresh paint, clean rooms and repaired fixtures – tasks that could not be accomplished without the support of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki and its team of committed employees.  In addition, the General Manager and management staff, has provided significant volunteer leadership, expertise and resources to Waikiki Community Center, including serving on its Board of Directors and on special committees.

Also, in 2009, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa developed a special travel promotion package for all of its guests which resulted in cash contributions totaling $17,400 for Waikiki Community Center’s programs and services.

Starbucks Coffee Company and Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa, along with their management staff and associates continue to exemplify their strong spirit of service to those who live, work and visit Waikiki.  Through their commitment to serve our community, both of these companies have positively impacted the thousands of lives of the people of Hawaii.  They are truly deserving of Waikiki Community Center’s Makana Ola Loa Award.  (Return to the top)

Volunteer of the Year Awardee- Palakiko Yagodich

Palakiko Yagodich has been a much loved volunteer instructor and friend to the Waikiki Community Center for the past 7 years.  As a volunteer instructor of Hawaiian language and culture, he shares his personal and professional knowledge and expertise of Hawaiiana to both residents and visitors in his classes and builds a special appreciation of their unique host culture in each student.  He goes beyond the traditional classroom instruction, taking his students on walking tours and telling stories of ancient Hawaii.  He also volunteers as an escort for small groups of senior citizens on Neighbor Island excursions, sharing his extensive personal knowledge of the Hawaiian culture of each island and making these experiences truly memorable. 

Palakiko’s commitment to sharing the Hawaiian culture and supporting the Waikiki Community Center is beyond the expectations of most volunteers. He makes the time to serve others despite a very busy work schedule as a faculty member of Kapi`olani Community College’s Interpret Hawai`i Program.

Palakiko Yagodich openly and warmly shares his knowledge with others in the community and exemplifies the true meaning of aloha in every way. He brings the importance of sharing with others and betterment of the community to the Waikiki Community Center through his involvement with WCC. A custom designed ‘ukulele was presented to Palakiko made and donated by Tangi Tully.

Malama Seniors in Waikiki –Case Management Services

For seniors and their caregivers, finding the right services to assist with challenges, identifying the right support systems, and contacting and explaining one’s situation can be very overwhelming!  Sometimes seeking help is like speaking a foreign language.  Let us help!  Waikiki Community Center is so fortunate to have Judy Taketa, MSW, ACSW, LSW working with the Malama Seniors in Waikiki Program.  Judy is on-site and available for appointments on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Call (808) 923-1802 to schedule an appointment for this valuable, free service.  (Return to the Top)

A SPECIAL VISIT TO THE ROYAL MAUSOLEUM

Friday, April 30, 2010  9:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. w/lunch

Join WCC as we tour the Royal Mausoleum also known as Mauna Ala and O’ahu Cemetery.  Depart WCC at 9:15 a.m. and return by 1 p.m.  Well known cemetery historian, Nanette Napoleon will provide us with a fascinating tour of Mauna Ala (The Royal Mausoleum) and share some of the famous people in Hawaiian history who are resting peacefully in beautiful Nu’uanu Valley.  We have special permission from Kahu Maioho allowing the WCC group to enter the tomb of the Ali’i. We suggest you bring a ho’okupu (flowers or leis) to place before our Mo’e Queen Lydia Kamakaeha Lili’uokalani in her memory at the tomb.

Lunch (sandwich & beverage) is included at 11:30 a.m. at O’ahu Cemetery compliments of Ms. Kevin Mallet.  Cost for WCC members is $20 and $25 for guests.  Limited to 40 guests, register early or by April 19^th.   Call (808) 923 1802 with your credit card to hold your seat.

The Royal Mausoleum was initially planned by King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma following the death of their son in 1862. The site was completed in 1865 and the remains of the seven monarchs were transferred from the first Royal Mausoleum at 'Iolani Palace.  A very special excursion!  Book early.