Corporate Meeting

The J Smith Investments LLC convened its second annual meeting at the Waikoloa Hilton on the Big Island of Hawaii April 20. Officers include, from left, Michelle Falco, Annette Parry, Nancy Bliss and David Smith. Other principle members shown above include spouses, Chris, Marlin, Mike and Ann.

The conference began with an authentic Hawaiian meal (greasy and starchy) at Captain Cook Village. The first workshop was conducted at the Kona Temple and included a guest speaker, Leroy Alip. For years he arose at 3 am to throw papers so that his family and others could attend the temple in Laie. Because of the large numbers of Big Islanders attending the temple, a temple was announced in Kona and was dedicated in 2000. Did someone say "never give a Polynesian the mike"?

After picking up our registration materials (see beach bag), the next item on the agenda was whale watching from the ocean walkway at the resort.

There are dolphins somewhere in the pool behind us.

The ancient Kings Road was our next meeting place. Some hunted archeological petroglyphs.

Others hunted more modern treasures to be appraised later at the golf course.

The more mature couples spent their evening exploring the northwest coast of Kohala, watching the sun set over the ocean from 4,000 feet and eating beef on the Parker Ranch.

Our final day on the Big Island included:

David surveying tsunami damage at Laupahoehoe (say "lau paw ho ay ho ay") where dozens of school children were swept out to sea in 1946.

Hiking through the rainforest on the Windward side (for a motion picture of Akaka Falls, try a temple near you).

Checking out the flora - a botanist's dream.

Despite handicaps, these principle shareholders had no trouble keeping up. Injured knees did not prevent them from hiking around the Kilauea volcano crater or through the Thurston Lava tube.
Back to Oahu for four more grueling days. "Workshops" included snorkeling in Turtle Bay, walking Haleiwa Beach to the "Lost" set, attending the Polynesian Culture Center, a golf tournament, beach, beach, beach and fabulous food - Grass Skirt Grill, Mackey's Shrimp Truck, Shark's Cove Grill, steaks grilled on the lanai at the Bliss's, and don't forget shave ice at Matsumotos.