Kona Coast, HI April 2024

Preserving A Kona Coast Treasure

FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

STAYING THE COURSE: TAYLOR EASLEY

LIFE + CULTURE

INVESTING IN PARADISE: THE BRANDO

“Exceptional. I walk in, get greeted, and within minutes, I am called for the

Each tech was caring and explained the process. I moved through the stations and at the end, I was

was as kind and professional as the first time I met him. To me, a

to efficiently. This is that place!”

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Pouring Into What Matters

Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.

We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools, and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations.

On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long-term goals, and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by spending time with the people that mean the most to us. This type of investment has an unmatched impact in our lives.

Everything good takes time. The more time and energy you put into something, deeper satisfaction the reward will be. Warren Buffet has made over 70 billion dollars in his lifetime. He still had to start at zero. The vast majority of that wealth was compounded in the later years of his life. His long commitment in the same direction is ultimately what paid off for him.

This island is full of people who have invested in this place with that same mentality to make it special. We hope you enjoy some of these locals who have been making an impact here for decades. Kona Boys to Easley Wealth Management, these stories are going to inspire you.

While investing in ourselves, relationships, health, and finances can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives are done with the common goal of having a positive impact that yields results.

April 2024

Johnny Gillespie | Johnny.gillespie@citylifestyle.com

Taylor Stutts | taylor.stutts@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

John-Mark Dyer | johnmark.dyer@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Crystal Chang | crystal.chang@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Margaret Kearns, Ben Fillekes

Lionshearts Creative, Alexandra Rowe Photo, The Brando, David Parks

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

ParadiseHelicopters.com.

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Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultation and Management

Preoperative Cardiac Clearance | Blood Pressure and Lipid Management

Perivascular Disease Screening | Heart Failure Management

Device and Arrhythmia Evaluation and Monitoring | Diagnostic Testing

Vascular

Are

experiencing any of these symptoms?

Varicose Veins | Aching/Tiredness

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Wound Care | Free Vein Screening Available

Whether you’re furnishing a new residence or upgrading an existing home, our varied selection is bound to fit your needs. Visit our beautiful showroom to see a sampling of our many offerings and let our friendly and knowledgeable staff assist you with making your STATEMENT. www.statementshawaii.com

Investing In Paradise: The Brando

It is my hope that the island will serve as an ecological model.

Nestled on the atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia, a resort is modeling not only the epitome of luxury but also a new standard of contributing and mindful tourism. The Brando is one of the most exclusive and aspirational destinations in the world, with its boutique island vibe and world-famous spa. Less known, however, is the way the resort is turning industry norms on their head and contributing to the preservation of a vital ecosystem. We had a unique opportunity to experience the magic and power of this place firsthand, and what we discovered amazed and delighted us.

The exclusivity and privacy of The Brando is due in no small part to its geography. The Tetiaroa atoll is a short flight from Tahiti and is served by a private airline, Air Tetiaroa, which is the only way to reach the island.

Our first glimpse of Tetiaroa was as it appeared through the clouds, like a sapphire jewel in the middle of the Pacific expanse. The atoll, comprising a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon, has a history as rich and vibrant as its lush landscapes. Once a sanctuary for Polynesian royalty, Tetiaroa captivates visitors with its untouched beauty. As the plane descended over the crystal-clear waters of the reef, we were struck by a sense of wonder, a feeling that we were going to experience something transcendent, something that would tie our hearts to the island.

There is something special about this place. From the moment we stepped off the plane and were greeted by the warm and personal resort staff, it became clear that this resort was different. There was more here than just aspirational island relaxation.

The Brando redefines luxury with understated elegance and attention to detail. The resort consists of 35 villas, each set back a few yards from the beachfront for maximum privacy. Each villa offers breathtaking views, immediate access to the beach, and is complemented by a private pool and outdoor dining area. The interior of each expansive villa, which can sleep up to four, is built from local and sustainable materials, with excellent design crafted to meet every need of the guest.

We had stayed at many luxury properties before, but The Brando immediately made an impression. Simple things like being greeted by name everywhere we went, a customized personal schedule for our stay, robes and slippers in our sizes, and fridges and cupboards stocked with all our favorites. All is tailored to delight and make you feel like you belong. Assistant Manager Emmanuel Portelli shared that they study individual guests before they come. “We know what they like, and we know what they’re looking for, so we can build a customized experience for them,” he says.

Architecture is a modern tribute to Polynesian culture, with the Pierre-Jean Picard conceived design offering airflow, open space, and lines that draw you into your surroundings. One of our favorite places was Te Manu bar, with an indoor-outdoor treehouse vibe where you can enjoy a handcrafted drink under the stars. The raised deck seats you among the treetops, and offers unobstructed views of the sunset and the limitless Pacific sky.

Another stunning architectural feature is the Varua Te Ora spa, one of the foremost spas in the world. Each building or fare evokes a bird’s nest and seamlessly blends into the landscape. These buildings serve as a visible expression of how the spa merges Polynesian tradition with holistic treatments that promote rest, beauty, and well-being. A stay at The Brando includes a daily treatment, so there is plenty of opportunity to relax and unwind in this natural sanctuary.

With a mixture of Polynesian and French flavors, the cuisine at the four resort restaurants is crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring an authentic and sumptuous dining experience. Les Mutinés, the French gastronomic restaurant, is an experience unto itself. The architecture, evocative of the inside of a ship’s hull, builds on the Mutiny on the Bounty theme. Dinner took us on a seven-course journey around the world as we enjoyed each delicate and extravagant dish. For more informal dining, the Beachcomber Café and Nami Teppanyaki offer relaxed and fun settings with food that is both memorable and accessible.

“ ”

We want to have respect for the environment that the environment becomes part of us.

Randy Yansaud

Before we traveled to The Brando, we knew we were going to experience an exclusive and luxurious resort, but upon arriving, we realized there was much more than we bargained for.

The resort gets its name from Marlon Brando, who first learned of the Tetiaroa atoll in 1960 during the filming of his classic Mutiny on the Bounty. Enchanted by its beauty, he purchased the island and for several decades made it his home. As he grew older, he envisioned a paradise that honors its past while embracing the future. Upon his death, the new owner Richard Bailey resolved to fulfill Brando’s vision, and the construction of the resort began in 2010 and opened in 2014.

One of the most striking features of The Brando is that it is the world's first resort to obtain the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Platinum Certification, the US Green Building Council’s highest award. To obtain this award, every part of the resort, from villas to public and operational buildings, had to meet strict requirements. The entire resort is cooled by Seawater Air Conditioning, utilizing icy deep ocean water for thermal control. Power on the atoll comes from solar farms. All food waste is composted and used to enrich the soil. The resort is getting close to the ultimate goal: true carbon neutrality.

More than that, The Brando has become a catalyst for the regeneration of Tetiaroa’s unique and stunning ecology. Founded before the first guests arrived, the Tetiaroa Society nonprofit is dedicated to the restoration of the atoll. This reflects Marlon Brando’s original vision. He said, “It is my hope that the island will serve as an ecological model … not only a tourist preserve but a

CONTINUED >

marine preserve as well, a place for all manner of scientific research and investigation ….”

Since the Tetiaroa Society's inception, Executive Director Frank Murphy and his team have been working tirelessly to restore the atoll to pre-human conditions. “Our job is basically to protect and preserve the island,” Frank says. Funded by donations and profits from the resort, the Tetiaroa Society boasts a worldclass research facility, hosting scientists from around the world. Their efforts have included the eradication of rats on the motus, resulting in the return of all the native bird species and a surge in the turtle population. Additionally, a progressive mosquito population control project has been trialed on the atoll, with the result that the resort is mosquito-free.

A highlight of our stay was a three-hour guided tour of the atoll, which included a cruise across the lagoon and a stroll across one of the uninhabited motus. Tihoni Maire, Tetiaroa Society’s head guide, shared how the conservation efforts are changing the landscape. As we cruised through the azure waters, Tihoni shared, “We want to have respect for the environment that the environment becomes part of us.”

Though we weren’t expecting it, this became our experience. Our stay at The Brando became about more than luxurious relaxation. We swept up into participating in something greater, the experience and preservation of a gem that will last for generations to come. A place this magical and this beautiful should be

preserved and restored. It’s a treasure to the world, and to all who experience its beauty and life.

We can be part of making a real difference, investing in the future, and giving back to the places that bless and restore us.

So much of the tourism world is about extraction. What can we receive from the places we visit? The experience, the food, the culture, the relationships, and the memories, all are wonderful things to take. But the tourism industry tends to extract, often at great cost to the local environment and culture. We feel this tension when we travel, not only the joy of experiencing new things but also the question of wondering at the cost.

Tetiaroa is different. The Brando, together with the Tetiaroa Society, is showcasing a new and better way for the world. A way where the best in tourism can also be the best in ecology and honoring of culture. A way where our investment in family, love, and memories doesn’t feel like a compromise in values.

We left The Brando feeling that we had been part of truly contributing. The atoll is a better place because of the resort, and we have been brought into that story. The magic and wonder left an indelible imprint on us. We will be back, not just to receive, but to give. And we will bring others with us.

“Come and see what we're doing,” says Frank Murphy. “It's not just about staying in a beautiful villa. It's about coming and seeing what's possible.”

For more details, visit TheBrando.com.

It’s not just about staying in a beautiful villa. It’s about coming and seeing what’s possible. “ ”

We can be part of making a real difference, investing in the future, and giving back to the places that bless and restore us. “ ”

RP E S ERVINGAKONA COASTTREA S U ER

1,000 YEARS OF ANCIENT HAWAIIAN HISTORY, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

BY LIONHEARTS CREATIVE

“All of these board members are united by their love.”

Yes, Captain Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay in February 1779, however, the indigenous people’s history in this wahi pana (sacred place) – their culture, sacred sites, religious practices and sustainable stewardship of the ʻāina and kai date back more than 1,000 years. And while some note Captain Cook’s arrival here as the first Western contact, oral history, and anthropological studies show that the Dutch visited 300 years earlier in the 1400s, followed by the Spaniards in the 1500s. By the 1700s, several thousand people lived in two villages at Kealakekua Bay and many thousand more in surrounding areas.

Lineal descendants of the ancient Hawaiian villagers have championed for decades to recognize the rich heritage of the area and change the focus from Captain Cook as the stand-out moment in Kealakekua’s history. This goal is accompanied by a commitment to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources

and heritage sites within Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park (established in 1969) while setting appropriate visitor capacity limits both on the land and in the bay.

Recent leaders of this more comprehensive approach to the initial drafts of a Master Plan for the state park, drafts that began in the 1980s, include Shane Akoni Nelson, Alayna DeBina, Krista Johnson, Rebecca Most and Frank Carpenter who are all members of the Ho‘ala Kealakekua Nui (HKN), a small non-profit that partnered with the State of Hawai’i in 2019 to help with the management of Kealakekua Bay Historical State Park. The group includes individuals who are lineal descendants of the region or are the spouses of those who are.

Frank, the owner of Kona Boys, a longtime local tour company providing water sports rentals and tours of the bay via non-motorized craft such as kayaks and paddle boards, says the group has worked

“People forget this is our home, we live here, it’s not just a recreation area.”

tirelessly to put together a Community Action Plan (CAP) and to create HKN to ensure the community had a strong voice in the Final Master Plan approved in October 2023.

He credits Krista for spearheading community involvement early on by bringing together various interest groups, resulting in the creation of CAP, which was incorporated into the Final Master Plan. Her husband, Charles Kealoha Leslie (aka Uncle Chuck) is a lineal descendant and respected kūpuna (elder) in Kealakekua.

A self-described malihini (newcomer) Frank, who relocated here from California in 2000, says, “All of these board members are united by their love of the place and belief that it is their kuleana (responsibility) to ensure its rich history and natural resources are protected for generations to come. What better investment is there than that?”

Aric Arakaki, superintendent of Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (which passes through Kealakekua, and is one of many historic trails throughout the country administered by the National Park Service), says the overall goal of the Final Master Plan for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park is to, “Reveal Hawai’i’s history and preserve significant historic sites and natural resources, and to share Kealakekua within the context of Hawaiian history, perpetuating cultural traditions and values to create a sense of place in Kona.”

Shane, president of the HKN and a lineal descendant living in Napo‘opo‘o who traces his family history in the area back 500 years,

says the National Park Service (NPS) partnered with the state in recent years, providing its expertise in trail maintenance.

“The NPS is the very best at it and their work is much appreciated,” he says. “Today, the plan’s top priorities are conducting water quality and capacity studies. Due in part to rising ocean temperatures and human impact, 97% of the bay’s coral is dead, and 78% of the food sources my ancestors and I grew up with no longer exist here – sea urchins, crabs, various fish species and seaweed,” Shane says.

Carrying capacity, Shane shares, is another critical concern, “Determining the maximum limit the resource has for human interaction on the bay, the coral, the trails, and heritage sites is a critical first step.”

With funding from both the state and The Nature Conservancy (with the assistance of HKN board member Rebecca Most) a Coral Pilot Program was created with the first coral restoration out planting taking place in late February.

Fellow HKN board member and Kealakekua resident Alayna DeBina, who is the spark behind creating and executing Hana Lima volunteer days, says, “Now that the Final Master Plan is approved, the hard work is ahead of us.”

Hana Lima (working with hands) days take place once a month led by lineal descendants and area residents. The work varies from month to month, she says, and includes trail, shoreline, heiau and pier maintenance, coral out planting and more. The volunteer days also include an opportunity to view the challenges involved through a local lens.

“People forget this is our home, we live here, it’s not just a recreation area. We plan to limit capacity by determining a maximum number of visitors allowed in our village on any given day, and to educate people on proper etiquette when visiting this sacred place,” she says.

In addition to volunteer opportunities, Alayna says monetary donations are always welcome and may be made on the Kealakekua.org website. The site includes a calendar noting monthly Hana Lima days and much more general information.

First YearCelebrating The

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS, TAYLOR STUTTS AND JOHNNY GILLESPIE

As we print our anniversary issue, it feels amazing to look back on our first year. We’ve been privileged to share the stories of so many incredible people and places. It takes a remarkable team to pull together a publication like this, so we want to take a moment to thank a few who have been instrumental in making Kona Coast City Lifestyle possible.

“Lastly, we want to thank all of you who read this magazine every month. You are who we do this for, and we are so grateful for the encouragement you’ve given and the feedback you’ve offered.”

First, we want to thank our wives. Julia and Jenni, you gave us permission to go on this journey and the support we needed to give our best. You are both priceless.

We’d also like to thank Winton and Carrie Nicholson, for offering kind advice and opening doors. Mattson Davis for giving wisdom and being an ally. David Dukveres, you gave us the push we needed. Tor Koyanagi and Tad Nottage for being some of the first to trust us with advertising in a magazine that didn’t yet exist. We’d like to thank all our launch advertising partners for trusting us.

We want to thank our local team. John-Mark, you have a creative eye for style that has guided the look and feel of the publication. Matias, your excellence and attention to detail have made the content great. Crystal, for taking all the admin we struggle to do, and making it look easy.

Thank you to all our writers and photographers, especially Margaret Kearns and Josh Fletcher, for helping us start the magazine with top-tier content!

Lastly, we want to thank all of you who read this magazine every month. You are who we do this for, and we are so grateful for the encouragement you’ve given and the feedback you’ve offered. Let’s keep making this great together.

It’s been an amazing year and a great start. As we look ahead, we will continue to invest in top-tier content, expand the publication's reach, and grow the features of the best businesses on the island. We will be true to our mission to provide remarkable home-grown articles that feature the best our coastline has to offer. We hope you enjoy this as much as we do!

IN A WORLD WHERE CASH IS KING, TAYLOR EASLEY PLACES PEOPLE FIRST

Staying The Course

It was the winter of 2009. Financial markets globally were floundering. Banks were receiving unprecedented government bailouts, and the S&P 500 recorded its worst start to a year in history. As the economic pulse of a nation flatlined, a young financial advisor was on the cusp of cutting free from the moorings of regularity to launch toward uncharted seas. Taylor Easley, then 36, intrepidly opened the doors of Easley & Associates (now Easley Wealth Management). He was determined to meet market volatility with equanimity, poising himself to win the confidence of clients and forge an indelible reputation in the Kona Community.

As a child, hunting pheasants with his uncle and dad in the brush of the Big Island, Taylor already knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. Watching his dad own and run a chain of gas stations on the islands, Taylor was cut from an entrepreneurial cloth at a young age.

“I've wanted to be in this field since I was a kid,” Taylor explains, “I have an uncle (Harland Cadinha) that I used to hunt with. I would always tag along with him and ask him questions about what he did as a financial advisor. He has always been a wonderful mentor to me.”

Taylor continued riding up the swell of his interest and sound mentorship, attending the University of Mississippi, where he majored in finance. Upon graduating, Taylor moved back to the islands, set on pursuing a career in wealth management. Finding no prospects on Oahu, he toyed with the idea of making money outside

the area of his pursuit, as a valet or waiting tables. Taylor, true to his character and drive, however, shunned the idea of making some quick cash and decided to press in.

Over the next year, he volunteered for no pay at the Republican National Committee and also worked as a legislative aide. Finally, at the age of 23, Easley was serendipitously offered a position to work at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, one of the largest wealth management firms in the world at the time. Looking at the long game, he ardently took the position. The following 13 years were marked by Taylor learning and working tirelessly to not only build his own family but also a clientele base, worth nearly 100 million.

As 2008 came to a close, Taylor, and his wife Felicia, found themselves sitting on a lease commitment for a struggling clothing shop they owned, in addition to Taylor's day job as an advisor. There, despite the crumbling financial atmosphere, Taylor decided to seize this unlikely opportunity. Utilizing the closure of their boutique, Easley & Associates was birthed in the same office space. His patience was rewarded and his dream was realized.

It has been 15 years now of running Easley Wealth Management, and it is clear, talking with Taylor, that much of his success is thanks to the culture of community he has fostered in an industry that prioritizes financial gain. This, according to him, it’s what makes all the difference.

Looking forward to the sets rolling in, Taylor forecasts a bright future. His eldest son, Esci, is a large part of that future. “He is the perfect fit,” Taylor boasts. “He is very hardworking, driven, and honest. He has all the right traits to fill the position.” Esci is currently working to obtain his CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certification. Taylor is determined to surround himself and the future of his company with those who exemplify aloha and perpetuate hospitality as a common practice.

Continuing to mentor young clientele and participate in community events and charities, including the Andy Irons Foundation, the Hawai’i Surf Team, and the Kona Crush Soccer Academy, Taylor never shies away from the emotional aspect of serving clients and continues to live by the mantra, “Do good first and the money will follow.”

Learn more about the Easley Ohana at RaymondJames.com/EasleyWealthManagement.