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In Monday's Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce report, current president Ron Aronson had the great suggestion of a four year university here in West Hawaii to help boost our economy. I agree whole heartedly and would like to add some world class sports facilities to the campus blueprints.

I know it may sound too good to be true but can you imagine the economic benefits this would bring to Kona? A university with a first class stadium, track and swimming pool alone could attract numerous events and sports teams from around the world. Major competitions could definitely bring people from far and wide and the training facilities would be bound to bring cold climate clubs and schools to our beautiful island to train.

We've all seen the enormous economic impact that the Ironman Triathlon World Championship has on Kona. Besides the immediate direct impact, the air time it gets on N.B.C.'s nationally televised 90 minute special is priceless. Just last week Oahu scored big with the Sony Open Golf Tournament. Yearly estimates say that the event brings in 50,000 people and about $25 million.

Maui has the Hula Bowl, Oahu the Pro Bowl, why not the Super Bowl on the Big Island? It sure is great to be a dreamer but, hey, why not? If I was a player for the Green Bay Packers, I know I would play my frozen okole off for a chance to play the big game on the warm and sunny island of Hawaii. "Build it and they will come."

In our small world of local events not much income was generated by Sunday's 10th Annual New Year's Resolution Run but in the important area of health and fitness it did encourage 86 runners and walkers to stick to their 2002 fitness plan.

The morning began with an untimed, but very fun, 1/3 of a mile keiki run that saw our future Big Island champs sprinting around the Lanihau Center parking lot. Once the dust had settled the bigger keiki and young at heart got lined up for a 6.2 mile run followed a few minutes later by the start of a 3.1 miler.

In the shorter race Tim Robinson of Kealakekua shot out to an early lead with Lambert Lee Loy, Jon Kunitake, Kyle Lee and Kris Kiser all chasing hard. Robinson's pace turned out to be too much for everyone and by the time he hit the 2 mile mark he was all alone. Robinson's pace of 6.05 per mile brought him across the line in 18:53.

Lee Loy held off the always tough Kunitake 19:32 to 19:36. Lee, a Hawaii Preparatory Academy athlete, finished a close fourth at 19:40. Kiser, known more for his talent on a motorcycle, rounded out the top group in 19:50.

On the ladies side, Kira Lee of Holualoa used her youth to hold off a strong pack of wahine to take first overall. Lee, a former H.P.A. track and cross country star who now attends the University of Hawaii, clocked in at 22:42. Second went to Kailua-Kona Pilates instructor Kestrel Bishop who crossed the line at 23:20.

Nancy Concepcion was next in third at 23:53. Mouse Kelley took fourth at 24:13 followed by Tammy Kelly in fifth at 24:26. Tammy's great time gave her the day's most improved award. Just one year ago she ran her first race at the Resolution Run and clocked in at 29:13.

A couple other impressive runs were turned in by Jeff and Marlina Lee of The Club In Kona which is one of the race sponsors. Although he couldn't keep up with his super son Kyle, Jeff did clock in just ahead of Kira at 22:13. Marlina ended up seventh in the ladies race at 26:21.

Also in the mix was Kira's boyfriend, Alika Conley who, like a gentleman, finished a step behind her in 22:44. "A family that plays together definitely stays together!"

In the longer 6.2 mile run Steve Schuman of Beverly Hills, California, surprised everyone as he instantly bolted to the front. Kailua-Kona's Herman Rafol was the only person who was able to stick with him until the turnaround but after that it was all Schuman.

During the return trip Schuman pulled away with each mile and crossed the line all alone at 37:20. Rafol finished a strong second at 39:17. Adrian Aponte also ran strong as he took third in 40:45.

Not too far behind Aponte was last year's wahine champ Rani "The Roadrunner" Tanimoto. She easily defended her ladies crown as she crossed the line in fourth overall at 41:13. Nick Florio of Newhall, California, followed in fifth at 42:28. Kapa'au's Scott McNamara finished up the top group with his time of 44:56.

Runner up for the ladies was Taunya Rediger-Hicks of Kailua-Kona at 52:48. The versatile Ronona Della Cioppa was her usual strong self with a third place finish in 54:45. Nancy Brooks at 5:17 and Lauren Appelbaum in 55:31 completed the ladies elite five.

This Sunday the fitness fun continues as the Peaman Biathlon Series kicks off it's 2002 campaign with the Peaman Spring Biathlon. Start time is 8:00 a.m. On the menu will be a 1/2 mile swim and a 3 mile run or a Pea Wee course with a 200 yard swim and 1 mile run.

As usual, no entry fees or applications will be accepted. Relay teams, finned swimmers and canines are welcome to participate. Since Pea events use a unique "sign out" procedure, all you need to do is show up and be ready to go. If this still confuses you, you can call 324-PEAS for more info.

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