WCC bios for 2017 Calendar year
Jim Albone –
Aloha Everyone,
I discovered Outrigger Canoe Paddling in 2003 and started racing then for the WCC. I started running for the board at the elections in 2004 when we only had at most 40 members. I held the position of President from 2005-2009, and 2012-2014. During those times, I pushed to start the Keiki program in 2005, started the Recreational Paddling program in 2003 after the racing season, came up with the covers for the canoes, purchased 5 new canoes, built the new Koa and improved member communication. I have also been the WCC representative to the MOKU O Hawaii paddling association since 2004, MOKU VP since 2015 and have submitted many race rules and bylaw changes for the benefit of the WCC and to perpetuate the paddling sport and culture. I care deeply for the WCC and all of its members. I do believe that you should not have a personal agenda when running for any Board and need to be fair and unbiased in all decisions relating to matters of the organization. If re-elected, I will continue to promote the WCC and support its members to the best of my ability.
Phillip Beasley-
Aloha,
Valinda (my wife) and I moved to Waikoloa Village in January 2016 and joined WCC shortly thereafter. We live here full time and love the Hawaiian culture. We are avid hikers and enjoy the many opportunities the Big Island has to offer but paddling has become our passion.
I had no outrigger experience prior to moving here. I am an experienced boater but all on rivers. I have trained in swift-water rescue and search and rescue. I have many years of experience as a whitewater rafting guide where calm and focus is required in tense or difficult situations.
We have attended a few board meetings since joining the club back in late January or early February.
I am definitely not an authority on outrigger canoeing or the Hawaiian culture but have served in various capacities on boards in my past and believe the culture of Aloha in WCC starts with board members that are working together toward the same goals with regard to the WCC membership.
Steve Columbo-
Dear Club Members,
I am originally from the Seattle, Washington area and have been in the Construction industry most of my life. Mostly Self Employed, I specialized in Tile and Stone work. My wife Penny and I owned and operated a Retail Tile and Stone and Fabrication Shop from 2008-2012. When the economy tanked; Penny and I moved to Hawaii to semi retire.
We quickly became involved with the WCC and have stayed involved ever since.
I enjoy the great friends and families which the Paddling Community brings together. I would love to stay involved with the Board to keep our Club moving forward.
Much Aloha
Mike ChinQuee,
Past experience:
Member of the SF CA Bernal Heights Review Board for 6 years
Raced for Hanalei Canoe Club in Kauai
Member of WCC Board of Directors for 2 years
Beach director for the Ohana
Unsuccessfully fought to have the Bradley canoe available for use by the Ohana paddlers
Paddled in various races for the club
The club has undergone changes with different forces pulling in different directions. If elected I will do my best to represent every paddler, racers and Ohana alike. No paddler group should be given preference over the other. I will attempt to ensure that decisions being made are devoid of egos and is beneficial to the entire club.
Lyle Cabacungan
Aloha,
Enclosed you will find my intentions to serve on the Waikoloa Canoe Club board. Past experiences have been with Kihei, Kai O Pua, Kai E Hitu, and the Waikoloa Canoe Club. Being Hawaiian my goals will be to perpetuate the culture and having a keiki program. It will be my honor to serve on the board.
John Ciambrone
Aloha Waikoloa Canoe Club Members,
Please accept my bio as my intention to run for the Waikoloa Canoe Club Board of Directors.
I have over 40 years of experience in nonprofit management having worked for the YMCA for 30 years in a number of management positions and for the past 10 Years as a nonprofit consultant helping numerous nonprofits raise funds for needed programs and facilities.
As a fundraising consultant with Netzel Grigsby Associates, I have helped a wide variety of nonprofits ranging from educational and religious institutions to health care, human service and youth organizations, guiding them to achieve their goals.
Prior to joining Netzel Grigsby Associates, I served as president and CEO of the Channel Islands YMCA in Santa Barbara, California and the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in sociology from Kutztown State College, Pennsylvania and a Master of Education in community leadership and development from Springfield College, Massachusetts.
Debby and I moved to Waikoloa in 2012 and immediately discovered outrigger canoe paddling. Since then we became avid Ohana paddlers and in 2015 enjoyed our first racing season experience. We truly feel the Waikoloa Canoe Club is our extended Ohana and we are so grateful to have made so many wonderful friends through paddling.
I was pleased to be able to help the club raise the $40,000 needed to pay for the repairs to the Kama O Ka Lani and appreciated everyone’s support of the campaign. In addition, I served on the WCC By-Laws Committee for the past year.
I believe my strong nonprofit experience can be helpful to the club in ensuring both Ohana and racing continue to be quality programs, that we stay financially sound, and we continue to grow our programs for both adults and keiki.
Mahalo for your support.
Guy Davis-
I am running for reelection to the board of directors of the Waikoloa Canoe Club.
It has been a privilege to be a board member and work to see that all paddlers, Ohana or competitive, are equally represented. One of my goals is to continue to bring paddlers concerns to the board for discussion and hopefully reach a resolution that is fair to all.
This past year I have been on the Equipment committee trying to bring our canoes and equipment up to par. Some of the equipment repairs completed have been refinishing Iako, canoes, paddles and currently building new saddles for the canoes on the beach.
I look forward for the opportunity to continue to represent all paddlers.
Mahalo for your consideration
Rami Ring
I am asking for your consideration for the Waikoloa Canoe Club Board of Directors. I joined the club 2 years ago and have been paddling both recreationally and competitively during that time. I have been acting as secretary on the board since Kyle Combe’s resignation this past September.
I, along with my husband, own and operate a small construction company on the Big Island. My responsibilities include keeping the books, payroll, filing federal and state forms, writing up contracts, handling advertising and managing property. I feel I have a fair and open temperament which may be beneficial as a board member.
Being new to the club and paddling in general, there is a lot for me to learn. However, I would love to give back to the club that has given me so much.
Lisa Legler
Aloha Waikoloa Canoe Club. I am currently the President of WCC. I have been a member for many years, throughout; I have volunteered and have been an active member of our club. Current positions: President, Moku race official and Moku representative, and recreational paddle director. Previously: Vice-president, board member, Keiki coach and HCRA state official.
Plain and simple I believe wholeheartedly what our club stands for. We need to move forward as a club and keep with the Hawaiian canoe culture. Simply put I quote our clubs Vision Statement.
“The mission of the Waikoloa Canoe Club is to promote Hawaiian canoe paddling by educating our youth, our membership, and the community at large about Hawaiian culture, values, and traditions and to promote competitive and recreational outrigger”