Post #721201 by pjc5150 on Sat, Jun 28, 2014 11:33 AM

I think trying to quantify "what is tiki" with math and percentages is kinda futile as I think it's something different to everyone..

to me, the drink thing is a small part of it, because I just drink rum on ice so that part is simple. to me it's more about art & history... but that doesn't negate anyone else's trip... that's just what's important to me.

and to seriously answer the question at hand... I make a LOT of tikis.. numerically speaking, I probably make more than anyone else in the state... I have, and am in the process of, bringing tikis back to some of the historical places here in the sunshine state... sometimes for free...

here are the ones I did for the Tahitian Inn in Tampa, a local polynesian themed motel that has been in since 52'...

I am somewhat stalled, but trying to bring a few tikis to the beach access which used to be the historic TIKI GARDENS in Indian Rocks Beach... also have discussed things with the old outrigger,,, so that "pot is still on the stove"..

And I regularly donate tikis to local charities in the company's name (surf soul tiki)... and do live carves at their events for free.

I have given many tikis away to people who were really stoked on 'em and couldn't afford 'em, just to show some aloha...

I am also a figure at a local childrens charity called "faces of courage", which is a charity that benefits poor kids with cancer & blood disorders and their families... I'm "the guy with the truck and tools who gets stuff done" that the director & the other women who run the organization call when they need help... I am also the "heavy" who keeps the older boys in line... I put the company name before mine in all of this just so people have a positive association with our genre...

I also offer my assistance to anyone trying to throw a "tiki" event, free of charge, just to help them make it a little more "tiki"... and less spam crap...

I am also in the process of working out the details of doing a large Hawaiian Ku as a pearl harbor memorial which I will donate and put in the ground at one of the local veterans parks... I have to do it this year though, so my 90 yr old pearl-harbor-survivor grandfather can be the there to see it.

I also offer my assistance to ANYONE who has carving aspirations... I help anyone who asks... I have coached many through their first tiki... I share the stoke.

so that's my list. 8)