PUINSAI Clothing Company, Ltd

About me:

The PUINSAI Clothing Company was conceived in 1993 when Christian Kennel, working at the time at Duke’s Canoe Club on the beach in Waikiki, decided to thank the Waikiki Beach Boys for warmly accepting him into their “ohana” or family. He printed 100 shirts as a gift for the Beach Boys with their favorite saying “PUINSAI,” a term often heard echoing through the surf and the Koa walls at Dukes. The Beach Boys wore them with pride and soon locals and visiting tourist alike were approaching Christian to inquire how they could get one. Inundated with requests, Christian enlisted his friend and co-worker at Dukes, Keoni Lucas, to help fill the growing demand for the shirts. Together, Keoni and Christian officially founded PUINSAI Clothing Company, Ltd., in 1994.....

In 2008, Keoni and Christian energized PUINSAI with new focus and enthusiasm. While over the years they had continued to provide PUINSAI shirts and the famous PUINSAI stickers to a loyal following, that simply was not enough. Travels around the globe rekindled their memories of the Waikiki Beach Boys, who for over a century have carried on the tradition of teaching surfing, giving canoe rides, and most importantly, spreading the spirit of Aloha for which Hawaii is most famous. ....

Keoni wrote everything above in 2008.  Sadly, in the Spring of 2008, Keoni was killed in a tragic car accident and all development on launching the brand form Los Angeles halted.  In early 2009, after many months of deep reflection, Christian decided to move forward.  Puinsai will live on to honor Keoni and the Spirit of Aloha.  Keoni was "Mr Aloha" and it is only fitting.....