Blaine K. Kahalewai
Blaine K. Kahalewai
2025 Chester Kahapea Volunteer Chair of the Year
For Blaine K. Kahalewai, Chair of the Sony Open in Hawaii Tournament Support Committee and 2025 Chester Kahapea Volunteer Chair of the Year, the Sony Open in Hawaii is an event that holds a special place in his heart, as it does for so many others. Over the past four years, he has played a pivotal role in making this beloved Hawaii PGA TOUR tournament truly special. “I remember watching the Hawaiian Open back when I was a kid with my parents, and to see what it has become today – and to be part of it in some way – is a true blessing,” says Kahalewai.
Recognized by Sony Open in Hawaii Security Committee Chair and 2024 Chester Kahapea Volunteer Chair of the Year, Doug Aton, for his hard work, dependability, and resourcefulness, Kahalewai now leads a dedicated team of volunteers responsible for tournament signage, supporting volunteer committees, and meeting the needs of over 1,300 volunteers. His commitment is rooted in a belief in giving back. “If one volunteers at the Sony Open, even just once, they’ll make friends, memories, and a real difference,” shares Kahalewai. “I’m truly grateful for the members of my committee, the many volunteers, the PGA TOUR pros, caddies, and their families who come to enjoy our island home and inspire our keiki [youth], and, for the opportunity to serve them.”
CALVIN YOUNG
Gordon Lam
2025 Chester Kahapea Volunteer of the Year
Gordon Lam, 2025 Chester Kahapea Volunteer of the Year, has served at the Sony Open in Hawaii for a short two years, but his impact during that time has generated impressive contributions to the tournament’s Military Appreciation and Events Committee. Nominated by Dawn Peters, Chair of the Military Appreciation Committee, she reported that Gordon demonstrates the epitome of “professionalism, kindness, and aloha spirit.” The Military Appreciation Committee is the cornerstone of the Sony Open’s multi-pronged partnership with longtime sponsor PASHA Hawaii for the military hospitality outpost, the PGA TOUR’s Birdies for the Brave Military Caddie Program, Folds of Honor Friday program, Vet Tix complimentary event tickets program, and overall outreach to active-duty and retired military service personnel and their families.
Volunteering at the Sony Open in Hawaii “truly has been such a blessing,” Lam said. He has learned the Hawaiian term “ohana” (family) from the volunteers, the people that he’s met, and via the relationships that he has built at the event and throughout the island. “I have been stationed at over at 10 different military installations, and by far Hawaii has been the best when it comes to military family, ohana, and just love for each other. My job -- I’m a servant, here to serve you in any way possible, whether it’s at the hospitality tent, doing Birdies for the Brave, or continuing to be on active-duty to serve the country. Serving -- that’s my job, my passion, and where I get my joy.”
