Who's
hot in Hawai'i
We
have more than our share of talented folks —
and yes, we realize four out of six are athletes
— but there’s no doubt these are the ones
making headlines.
Duane
“Dog” Chapman
Dog
the Bounty Hunter’s popular, reality TV show
on A&E seems more popular than ever since
his marriage to Beth — his long-time partner
in crime — on May 20. Dog has proven himself
to sniff out criminals and fugitives wherever
they may hide. He and his family at Da Kine Bail
Bonds in Hawaii are as colorful as they come and
have reportedly made nearly 7,000 arrests. Rock
on, Dog.
Bryan
Clay
The
countdown to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing,
China, is on for Olympic silver medalist and
current world champion Bryan Clay of Kaneohe.
This top-ranked decathlete is no ordinary
Olympic hopeful — he’s going for the gold.
Although the 1998 Castle High School grad is the
world’s point leader, he is struggling with an
injury this year and may need some time to get
healthy and focus on 2007. He’s one amazing
athlete Hawaii is proud to call its own.
Andy
Irons
Can
you imagine what it must be like to be Andy
Irons? This dude rocks! On Kauai, where he’s
originally from, February 13 is officially
‘Andy Irons Day.’ This three-time world
surfing champ is hoping to add another world
title to his collection this year and at press
time, was in third place behind rivals Kelly
Slater and Taj Burrow. A Hawaii native, they
don’t come any cooler than Andy Irons.
Jack
Johnson
Surfer
dude, singer songwriter Jack Johnson continues
to endear audiences of all ages with his musical
talent. This year, Jack recorded the soundtrack
for the film “Curious George” and he’s
dominating the charts with his easygoing style.
The
North Shore resident is riding the wave and his
career is thriving. Willie Nelson joined Jack at
his Kokua Festival benefiting environmental
education. In its third year, Jack’s
commitment to the cause is passionate.
Natasha
Kai
Kahuku’s
Natasha Kai is on a roll. Natasha, fresh from
her sizzling career as a Rainbow Wahine soccer
superstar, (she was named WAC offensive Player
of the Year three times) is rapidly making her
name known in international circles.
This
rising striker from Kahuku High School’s class
of 2001 is kicking some international okole on
the pro circuit. The first from Hawaii to ever
be selected to the U.S. Women’s National
Soccer Team, Natasha is destined for the 2007
World Cup and the 2008 Olympics.
Michelle
Wie
Michelle
Wie. Wow! Have you ever in your life seen a
teenager with such poise and grace? And such a
great swing?
What
a remarkable young woman to be representing
Hawaii to the rest of the world. She’s a
tremendous role model, has extraordinary golfing
genes and she makes Hawaii proud. Good things do
happen to good people and win or lose, the
“Big Wiesie” tops the list of Who’s Hot in
Hawaii for a second year in a row.
There
is no doubt that her career would skyrocket in
any profession. You can do it, Michelle.
