By local and wire sources
Yasuda’s coffee wins Talk of Town award
Tiare Lani Coffee Inc. has won the Talk of the Town award for the second time with its highest five-star rating. The award is presented by Talk of the Town News, Customer Care News magazine and Celebration Media U.S., which rate excelling companies based upon customer satisfaction.
George Kaimana Yasuda, chief executive officer and president, was raised on a coffee farm and perpetuates the practice today. He began Tiare Lani Coffee Inc. in 1996.
“What sets us apart from the rest is three generations of hands-on experience, research on better growing techniques and not compromising on our high quality standards,” Yasuda said.
Yasuda is also an active certified ocean lifeguard and a certified lifeguard instructor.
Attorney’s sons join him in practice
Born and raised on Oahu, John L. Olson moved to Kona in 1973 with his wife, Jill, to raise a family and begin his legal career. After 38 years of practicing law in Kona by himself, he has been joined by his two sons, attorneys Robert K. Olson and Peter S.R. Olson, both born and raised in South Kona, attending Konawaena Elementary and Hawaii Preparatory Academy.
Following graduation at Brandies University and Western New England College of Law, Robert Olson started out on the Island of Hawaii, clerking with 3rd Circuit Court Judge Glenn S. Hara.
Peter Olson completed his undergraduate schooling at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Hawaiian studies and the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law with a certificate in environmental law. He also clerked with Hara.
From 1975 until 1978, John Olson served as the deputy in charge at the Deputy Public Defender for the Big Island. Following in their father’s footsteps, both Robert and Peter also worked for the Deputy Public Defenders’ office: Robert on Maui and Oahu and Peter on Oahu. In 1979, John served as a Per Diem Family and District Court judge. All three Olsons have extensive experience in jury and bench trials.
At the Kealakekua Ranch Center from 1978 to 2011, the law office has moved to a new location in Kealakekua across from Keei Cafe in the Ackerman home. The firm is now known as Olson & Sons, Attorneys at Law, A Law Corp. They have also opened a satellite office in Waimea at the High Country Trader’s building. For more information, visit hawaiinuilawyer.com.
Kona Toastmasters plans open house
Kona Toastmasters meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at Suite Possibilities, 75-5737 Kuakini Highway, No. 102. The public is welcome to attend.
On Feb. 7, Kona Toastmasters will host an open house.
The organization offers peer support and training in the art of communication. Members hone skills in organizing and expressing their thoughts through: spontaneous sharing in meetings, writing and giving structured speeches and evaluating speeches.
For more information, visit konatoastmasters.com, call Lynn Bell at 989-7494 or Amadeus Shuller at 280-3337 or email aloha@konatoastmasters.com.
Watson teaching life skills workshop
“How to Recreate Your Life When You’re at a Crossroads,” a workshop taught by Desiree Watson, will be held form 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 7 at Waimea Community Education, 65-1184 Mamalahoa Highway, Waimea.
During these times of change, many people are finding themselves in unexpected circumstances, without a good map to follow. Watson will teach the six dimensions of transition and how to navigate any life change with more ease and clarity in an interactive workshop. Watson is a personal development coach and business trainer.
Tuition is $40 plus a $5 materials fee if registered on or by Jan. 30 or $45 plus $5 materials fee at the door.
To register, call 885-1539 or visit waimeaeducation.com.
Christ to discuss renting property
Mary Christ, real estate broker, will speak about seven ways to protect yourself and property whether vacation renting or long-term renting in a talk titled “Act Smart: Cover Your Assets When Renting Your Property” during the Kona Krew chapter of Business Network International meeting from 7:45 to 9:15 a.m. Jan. 25 at Island Naturals on Kaiwi Street in Kailua-Kona. Visitors are welcome. There is no fee to attend.
For more information or a reservation to attend, call Lynn at 960-9630 or Marie-anne at 345-2897.
Camry under siege with unprecedented competition
DETROIT — Toyota survived a massive recall two years ago and the effects of Japan’s tsunami last year. Now the company faces an unprecedented rush of competitors for its franchise car, the Camry family sedan.
The Camry, the best-selling mid-size car in the United States for the past 10 years, faces new family-sedan competition this year from Honda, Nissan, Ford and General Motors. Volkswagen, Hyundai and Kia have raised production of their family cars, making the market even more competitive.
Add it all up and the mid-size car market is as tough as it has ever been, even for a dominant franchise like the Camry. Family cars represent 15 percent of the U.S. market and a vital way to reach new buyers and keep them in their brands for years beyond the first purchase.
By local and wire sources