No itinerary, no schedules……. NO PROBLEM!!!!! The guys from the class of 1984 hit Vegas on September 9 th for 4 days of extreme camaraderie. The motto of the trip was simple, “It doesn’t matter WHAT we’re doing, as long as we’re doing it TOGETHER.” The trip was filled with one classic moment after another. From our difficulties getting out of Honolulu to Mel’s wicked roll on the last night of the trip, this event was one to remember.
September 9 th
Just our luck, our flight out of Honolulu was delayed a whopping 6 hours. Several of us were alerted of the delay, but Roy Yamashita and Francis Pizzaro were “stuck” in the airport lounge from 10:00 a.m. At about 1:15 p.m., Maverick Kanoa, Dennis Stone, Kimo Yamaguchi, Barry Surrell, and Scotty Gonsalves made a most courageous attempt to rescue our pals from Stinger Ray’s Lounge. We failed. Instead we decided to join in and start the reunion a little early. Needless to say, we were all pretty “relaxed” on the plane ride up.
September 10 th, 3:30 a.m.
We finally reached Vegas, tired and weary from our day’s travels. Time to get some sleep, right? Ha! We hit the tables and got it going soon after we checked in. We hooked up with Sean and Chacha Kinilau, along with Ed and Stephanie Sato for a little early morning fun downtown. There was a nap later in the day, but most of the time was spent on the tables.
September 10 th, 4:00 p.m.
Mike Enos, Stan Sardinha, Keenan and Terri Wilson, Noel DeMello and his girlfriend Maile joined the group for our party at the Triple 7 Lounge. What a blast! Mav’s oyster shooters with Absolute Vodka were a big hit (yeah, right!). Big mahalo to Kimo “I refuse to let anyone go hungry on this trip” Yamaguchi for picking up the tab. The rest of the night/early morning/late morning was spent at the tables.
 Roy Yamashita, Kimo Yamaguchi, Mav Kanoa, Noel DeMello, Sean Kinilau, Keenan Wilson, Francis Pizzaro, & Scotty Gonsalves |
 Back: Sean Kinilau, Keenan Wilson, Roy Yamashita, Ed Sato Front: Ed Sato, Mike Enos, Mel Andres & Barry Surrell |
September 11 th
Roy “sleep is way overrated” Yamashita came pounding on doors bright and early to get the day started. We hooked up with Mel Andres and Pat Wallace at the Palms for some NCAA College Football and, yes, more gambling. There were lots of sleepy eyes that day as the effects of the trip were beginning to show. But, we pressed on. It was an early night for some (2:00 a.m.) as guys were getting ready for Sunday’s all-nighter, but still filled with lots of fun. Maverick “beetle nut” Kanoa kept us laughing hysterically at the Pai Gow table all night. Kimo Yamaguchi |
 Kimo Yamaguchi, Francis Pizarro, Keenan Wilson & Sean Kinilau |
September 12th, 10:00 a.m.
The gang got together at the MGM Grand to watch the opening day of the NFL season. Big thanks to Mike Griffith’s brother Jim for reserving us a section at the Sports Book. Scotty’s “poi pounder pick” the Detroit Lions came through although his Giant’s call was a flop. Even Stone’s Cleveland Scrubs, I mean Browns, won us some money. We did what guys did best drink beer and watch football- for a good part of the day. Mahalo’s to Mike Enos and Kimo Yamaguchi for the pupu’s that day. There was a whole lotta yelling goin’ on as the boys were squeezing for their plays to come through. Mike Enos, Mav Kanoa & Kimo Yamaguchi |
 Dennis Stone, Roy Yamashita, Barry Surrell, and Stan Sardinha |
September 12 th, 11:00 p.m.
The last game of the day was in the books, and all the Denver fans were whooping it up. It was time to head downtown for a little craps. The entire group (wives and all) got onto a crap table at The Main Street Casino for one last hurrah before leaving. When all was said and done, there were 3 rolls of 45 minutes or longer (Mel had two of them) and EVERYBODY walked away a winner. The place was rocking as point after point was being made. As one pit boss said, “This is insane.” The wives contributed as well with some good rolls too (Stephanie Sato was on fire). High fives were flying around the table and a good time was had by all. The only thing stopping us was the 5:00 a.m. checkout, which was about the time we cleared the crap table.
September 13 th, 5:00 a.m.
Time to pack and get ready for our 8:00 a.m. flight back home. We tried to catch a quick nap at the airport, but Mav and Roy kept us laughing the whole time. Before we knew it we were back home. Dennis Stone & Roy Yamashita |
 Ed Sato, Barry Surrell and Stan Sardinha |
Mahalo to Maverick Kanoa for setting up the trip, and to all those who helped keep everybody “in the loop” as to what was going on. Talk of our 25 th reunion is already starting, but first we gotta finish our 20 th. Just a reminder, we still have our Homecoming event (October), as well as our Christmas party (December). Until then….
Scotty Gonsalves & Dennis Stone
Aloha,