ServeCrow?

Well have owning over 20 used cars in his lifetime, my dad picked up his first new truck! Mahalo to Jason Hijirida over at Servco who patiently answered all his questions. I think the company will have to change their name to "ServeCrow". If you want to buy the best brand of car from the best salesman in Hawaii, go see da "Hij". Congratulations on the new truck! I can borrow? Ha ha!

Red Sea Salt

Today we planned to spend the day making "Red Sea Salt". This is the secret ingredient for any Iron chef who wants to make their fish, meat, chicken, taste awesome. Lots of chopping, special herbs, spices, and tender loving required to make a batch. You cannot burn the salt so decided to bust out the blender to speed things up. The fumes make your eyes water so I put on my mask and it worked perfectly.

After hours of work the Red Sea Salt is ready for food. We don't sell it anywhere "yet" but if you join us on any Red Sea trip you will be able to sample this secret ingredient. For those of you who travel with us you know what I mean. Have a great weekend everyone!

a perfect present

Lot of people don't know what goes on behind the scenes of Hawaii Skin Diver and effort involved in making it all happen. Sonny Tanabe (center) was kind enough to invite us all together in celebration of his new book coming out. Marc Inouye, Clifford Cheng, Sterling Kaya and his son Brayden, and myself were there for this kodak moment. It is such an honor to be a part of this team of hard working and humble guys. Thanks Guys!

Even the girls Cathy, Karen, Vicky, Tracy, Kayla, Danelle, and Julie (left to right) were there to support Sonny and we all had a great time together! Of course these women are the backbone who unselfishly support us though it all. Thank you ladies!

December 17th at Hanapa'a Pearlridge Sonny will be there signing autographs of his latest book on the Evolution of Freediving. This will be the perfect gift for any diver and make sure you get one before they sell out!

Spiderman in Town

Small windy surf this weekend so plan was to work, edit, and plan more trips! Went over to the carnival at magic island and guess who I saw? Yes! Spiderman was there so had to get a picture with one of my cartoon heros! I wish I could leap over tall buildings and fly through the air too! I would save so much time avoiding traffic and not have to worry about tsa lines or excess baggage when I travel. When I was growing up, after school I always looked forward to watching spiderman, kikaida, flinstones, gilligan island, and brady bunch. Now days I wonder what the kids like to watch? I see some junk cartoons and heros now on tv. Off the soap box now...Winds should be lightening up in the next few days so gotta gear up to get barreled and eat more fish!

Gene Higa Memorial 2010

Mark your calendars divers for the 2011 Gene Higa Memorial Tournament coming up May 21 at Puuiki Pavillion in Wailua. Last year was a great event and good times was had by over 100 divers. Some of the boys giving the "shaka" as they were hanging out.

There are great sponsors like primo beer, outback steakhouse, hatch custom spearguns, hammerhead spearguns, omer, and more. Clifford Cheng and Marc Inouye always hard at work behind the scenes.

Calvin Lai Jr. and Hanalei took the event with this huge ulua they found in a cave. This is Hanalei's back yard so its no surprise to have him bring home the big one!

This past year reigning Iron Chef Kimi Werner took on the challenger, Nico Chaize from Nico's at Pier 38. It was a showdown to remember and we got it all on the next episode of Hawaii Skin Diver premiering May 3rd 8:30 pm on OC16. Check it out!

Aloha Derek

Just heard out our friend, Derek Hara from the big island passed away diving. http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/119902179.html Seem like just yesterday we were over there filming with him shooting his first ono and eating all the good grinds his wife provided our group. His infectious smile and cracking jokes all the time, and hospitable attitude toward others was a few of many things that made him so special. May God's peace provide his family strength during this most difficult time. Aloha Derek, you will be greatly missed.

Kokua for Japan Video

Merlinda in the house..represent! Mahalo for donating everyone! More opportunities to support Japan coming, stay tuned!

Kokua for Japan

Today was one month since the Japan Tsunami happened and it was all about "Kokua for Japan". The Hilton Hawaiian was jam packed with over 4,000+ people here to support the event. I was there as a paparrazi with my minature dive camera/video trying to get da shot!

Merlinda Garma was in the house representing our Hawaii Skin Divers answering calls. She said people were donating left and right as the phones were going off the hook.

Got to see all the newscasters like Jody Leong (left), Paul Drews (middle), and Brooks Baehr (right) there answering calls. Great to see our local media out there.

Cat got a photo with Stephanie Lum and hopefully we will get her on a future episode of HSDTV. Congrats to you and Ryan!

Even Jack Johnson was there to kokua for Japan. 1.6 million dollars was raised today which exceeded their goal of $1 per person in Hawaii. Lets keep praying and supporting Japan!

Jams World

Welcome to Jams World! (left to right: Pua, Sierra, and Mark lead the Jams World Team and make it all happen). This is the hottest local clothing manufacturer since 1964. If you love color, freedom, difference, and love, then you need to get a hold of this apparel for your wardrobe. We are proud to partner with Jams World and you will see our Hawaii Skin Diver host, Merlinda Garma as well as our Red Sea Film crew now wearing this line of clothes. Help us pass the word, support our sponsors and buy local! Buy Jams World! Check out their website and find a store near you! http://www.jamsworld.com/main.php

Kai "Ocean" Boys

How do kids get to love the Ocean? First by taking them to the beach to enjoy the ocean. On our last dive, my nephews Maika (left) and Kai (middle) got to get their hands slimy holding onto some of the fish caught. I think one day these two guys will be striking the pose for some cover shot in Hawaii Skin Diver Magazine.

And meet Kai Itoman! Born Nov. 6, 2010 to the proud parents of Erick and Laurene. This little guy is a dream come true and destined to also become a diver, surfer, and ocean lover! I'm sure he will be growing up real fast and next thing you know it he will be tagging along Ericks float. Congratulations to you both!

Chucky Boy Chock Music Coming

Hawaii You asked for it! Chuck Boy Chock Music is coming August 17th... Pre-order your copy today or contact us for more details!

Glassy Days

The past few days have been picture perfect here in Hawaii. Spring time is here and light and variable winds have been providing us glassy days in our islands.

Needed to test out some new dive equipment so we boarded the Red Sea boat and went for a quick dive. Got a few fish for the dinner then...

Went to the south side for a dip in the ocean. The tides have been really low in the afternoon so need to be careful when coming in from the surf. I saw a surfer step on sea urchin on the way in.

The northshore was also picture perfect. Waves were going off and was too tired to take any pictures but got one from the road. See the vog? Weather will be trades for tomorrow before the winds switch back to southeast just in time for the weekend warriors. Sunday should be bad weather so plan your days accordingly.

Stolen Christmas Lights

Last night my nephews were so excited as they saw their Christmas lights put up and even had rudolph the reindeer included. They had a sleepover and when the woke up they saw someone stole their reindeer and ripped off some of their Christmas lights. How's that? What kind of person would even consider doing such a horrible thing?

Cops came over and everything! Filed a report and set the neighborhood watch in motion so the next time they think of coming by....BEWARE OF DOG! I guess it's so sad to see the economy taking its toll on some people. Maybe it was some kids on a dare or adults who just don't care... in any case they must need a lot of prayer! Feel like a poet...and don't even know it:)

Hawaiian Blackout

Wow how was that Hawaiian Blackout last night?  Luckily I was home safe and sound when everything went black.  No streetlights, TV, computer,  with sirens blaring in the background.  Imagine no lights in your neighborhood not just for one day, but every night?  Well here in Fiji, and many other places in this world it's normal.  No electricity, no video games, no youtube, or internet but just plain old fun under a moonlit sky.  Here our Fijian brothers showed us how to do some firewalking on burning hot stones.  Next time the lights go out, maybe we can bring out the marshmellows and have a barbeque.  Good night...zzzz