Archives for Mo Radke

Natatorium Big Band Benefit: Swing Dance with Us on Aug. 11

The legendary Harry James Orchestra – the big band that gave Frank Sinatra his first big break – is coming to Hawai’i to play a benefit for restoration and reopening of the War Memorial Natatorium. Join us to swing dance — or just to listen — on Sunday, Aug. 11, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Honolulu Elks Lodge. NOTE: ADVANCE TICKET SALES HAVE CLOSED. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FOR $45.
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Categories: Events, Friends of the Natatorium, and Uncategorized.

The Natatorium Decision: Shame and Dishonor

The city and state announcement last week that they want to raze the Natatorium was a kick in the gut to supporters of the War Memorial. One of them is Mo Radke, 30-year Navy veteran, former command master chief of the Pacific Fleet and now a board member of Friends of the Natatorium. The roots of Mo’s disappointment are in his deep respect for those who preceded him in our nation’s service. He has now written about that respect, and that disappointment, in “Honor, Courage and Commitment,” an opinion piece for Honolulu Civil Beat. “I have a granddaughter who is
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Categories: Elected officials, Friends of the Natatorium, News coverage, Uncategorized, and Veterans.

Mahalo, Lin Pang, for your service to the Natatorium!

We cannot let our 25th anniversary year end without paying special tribute to a man known as the Father of the Friends of the Natatorium. Lin Pang stepped down earlier this year after 25 years as an officer and director of the Friends. He was elected vice chair at our very first meeting in August 1986. “We would never have accomplished anything if Lin was not there,” says Joanie Apo, who met Lin at that first meeting and was elected herself as the Friends’ first executive director. Joanie recalls Lin as the “peacemaker of the group,” the one who bridged
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Categories: Friends of the Natatorium and Uncategorized.