Retiring ‘Iolani economics teacher Richard "Dick" Rankin was surprised to learn at a school assembly Tuesday that the 2013-14 yearbook was dedicated to him. "I feel so honored that the entire yearbook was dedicated to me, and was stunned this morning when they read my name at the dedication ceremony," Rankin said. "It was a privilege to be part of the faculty at ‘Iolani and to have taught so many amazing students for 20 years."
Rankin, 67, joined the school after 26 years in the Army, retiring as a colonel. The yearbook’s dedication story about him reads, "Since Col. Rankin started coaching the Economics Challenge team in 1999, the team has secured the state championship title every year and has won the national title five times after competing in New York City against top schools from across the country." According to his wife, Cynthia Rankin, who is regional public relations chief for Hilton Hawaii, "He absolutely loves teaching, mentoring and inspiring." After teaching economics at West Point, Rankin knew he wanted to become a teacher when he retired from the military. The teenage Rankin excelled in football and basketball. He went to Virginia Military Institute on a football scholarship, although the New York Yankees were interested in him, and received his degree in economics. He has master’s degrees in business administration from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and in economics from the University of Texas. During the past academic year, Rankin started the Raiders for Wounded Warriors club to honor and support wounded, ill and injured service members. In January the club helped organize and volunteered at the Wounded Warrior Pacific Invitational track meet, which took place at ‘Iolani’s Eddie Hamada Track and Field.
Rankin will remain a strong figure in the club’s activities. He also has a fishing boat and enjoys deep-sea fishing. The grass does not grow under Rankin’s feet. …
Entertainer Benny Kai of Kahuku has been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer, and a benefit concert will be held 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Polynesian Cultural Center to help fund a stem cell transplant. Uncle Benny will be there. He has been a singer, dancer and musician at PCC for 30 years and is known as the center’s ambassador of aloha. Concert entertainers include Amy Hanaiali’i, Te Hamata, the Tonga Sisters, Weldon Kekauoha and 2014 Miss Aloha Hula Ke’alohilani Tara Eliga Serrao. Tickets are by monetary donation at the door. Those wishing to help may make donations to the Friends of Benny Kai Fund at Bank of Hawaii branches. …
The Kahala Hotel & Resort rolled out the red carpet May 16 when Joy Tanzman, who has been coming to the hotel for 50 years, arrived to mark her 90th birthday. Resort GM Carmine Iommazzo, Hotel Manager Ryan Fitzgerald and Sales Director Roger Bright met the Tanzman family with lei. Three generations of the family made the trip. Joy’s daughter, Susan Tanzman, worked with the Kahala catering team to create a birthday brunch for Joy on May 18. Among the 80 people attending were past and present hotel employees. Joy’s memories of the Kahala go back to the hotel’s opening. …
Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
