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Staff
Ohana means Family and Family means no one gets left behind. Disney got the right idea for that one. These men and women are the heart of KoAloha. We eat together, we laugh together and sometimes we cry together. Most times the crying is for good stuff. These profiles are just a little peek into the people that make our place so special.
Alan “Tu” Okami
“Championship Style,” perform like the championship is at stake, blah blah blah, that’s what he sounds like at work. Got a soapbox, will travel. He cannot swim, but is a board member with; Hawaii Arts Alliance, Hawaii Youth Symphony & Bishop Museum. Their mistake, ha ha! Still does the marketing & PR whenever he’s not in the shop. Dis boss not afraid to work. More afraid of no money.
Paul “Hapun” Okami
Proud to be Japanese, even though he act American. Cannot even speak Japanese. Nah, he can. In fact, the stewardess (Chinese) always spoke to him in Japanese. Hilarious. “I just wanna work…” is his famous line in the shop, but he cannot. He has to; manage the staff, cut wood, make customs, repair the machines. We made him Assistant Vice President. That way, no need pay him more.
Patricia “Trish” Okami
Mom is the best. Everybody calls her mom. Even people that don’t deserve to. That’s how big her heart is. Malama on this lady whenever you visit, but now too much or you’ll freak her out. Sometimes, maybe just call to say hi, but now too much ok? I need her helping me, nit on the phone! Want an order? Be nice to her.
Alan “Griz” Tagama
Need a foreman? Shoot an ad. This one’s ours. Gris i what we call our pace setter. Just like the lead dog on the sled team, only he never saw snow and he’s not a dog. More like a koala. Most of the time, he’s in the assembly section with the other Alan, listening to all of his ranting and raving. You know what? Maybe he’s not listening. Who knows?
Brian “Loops” Benevente
OK, for twenty years or more, I greeted every Chamorro with, “Laanya Gatsu!” Thinking that was a good thing t say. (Thank you Michael Richards) Till I met Brian. I learned that it’s not very nice. Now I say, “Hafa adai, che’lu.” and nobody punches my face anymore. Brian is busy as the manager of the showroom and tours, aside from installations and online customer service.
Davin “Delbun” Fukumoto
Boxing, jiu jitsu, teacher, you name it, this guy’s done it. Just don’t name your daughter. Just kidding. He’s a nice guy and very faithful. Ladies, you just missed this one. He’s hooked up with my architect’s daughter. At first, we thought he was a nut house, but now we know for sure. That’s why we love him. I THINK he loves us too. Do you Davin Davin Davin? (inside joke, sorry)
Albert “Abbet” Tagama
Little brother to shop manager Griz. Is that nepotism? Maybe. Maybe not. This young man works hard. Just watch out for your Monster energy drink, he’s drink it up. Gone and in gonerz. Morning, noon and night. His hobbies include Monster energy drink while drinking monster energy drink.
Dustin “Mogwai” Iijima
“Hi, my name is Dustin, like hire me?” Something like that. He’s our first email hire. Usually, we go off of referral, but this guy seemed nice, so we took a chance. Now that we know he’s not a serial killer, we love him. Passions include video gaming and of course, guitar. Ha ha, just kidding, Ukulele!
Orlando “Obs” Benedicto
He’s baaaack! Alright! Cannot live without this guy, in a guy friendship kind of way. All the nice photos on this website are his. The rest are mine. No comments necessary, thank you. I woudn’t say he’s a computer nerd, cuz he’s my friend. More of a geek. All around good guy and amazing talent. Like our website, let him make you one too.
Rogemar “Flip Assassin” Buccat
Elusive and cunning, you will only see Rogemar if he allows you to see him. His background is in mixed martial arts, and is known for having deceptive hand-skills in the shop. Be on the lookout for him… WHO KNOWS WHEN HE’LL STRIKE!
Dennis “D-Nasty” Hermano
Blood relative to Abbett and Papa Griz, D-Nasty aka Nasty, was recruited into the family business as he is a smooth operator. Nasty works in assembly and is training in other areas as well. He is a moonlighter in his singing group and has been sighted at Honolua Surf.
Keith “Papa Love” Yoshioka
Papa Love is the newest addition to the family business and is quickly learning the trade. He is trusted enough to pull off jobs in various areas of the business. He covers as a Hawaiian Musician in his personal time.
Dominic “Domdee” Pastor
Domdee is the big man of the operations, but light on his feet as a former defensive enforcer in college. In the business, Domdee is what is called the body man. Actively crafting bodies.
You Can Do It If You Try - Nandemo Dekiru - Relief Benefit for Japan
Composed by Alvin 'Pops' Okami-You Can Do It, If You Try/Nandemo Dekiru is a free download, dedicated to our friend and family in Japan. We hope this message will give inspiration and inspires those that can give, to please give/donate what you can.