HONOLULU -- Carey Hart, owner of Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company, and some of his crew from the Arts and Entertainment hit show “Inked,” met with service members and fans here Jan. 18 to open a new shop and raise money and awareness for the United Service Organizations of Hawaii.
Five cast members joined Hart, signed autographs and posed for photos. The event kicked off the grand opening of Hart’s new H&H tattoo shop in Waikiki, located at the entrance of the International Marketplace. He’s also opened another location in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Hart was looking for a way to reach out and give to the community, so he contacted a charity that had a military connection.
“We’re glad H & H would partner with the USO,” said Nicole Darity, program coordinator, USO of Hawaii. “The money will support current and future programs here.”
In addition, Hart and his crew hosted a party at Osake Sushi Bar and Lounge after the autograph session. Proceeds from the party totaled $1,000 to benefit the USO of Hawaii.
“As little or as big as it may be, we want to do our part to support the troops,” said Hart.
The proceeds will enhance programs like the Deployment Redeployment Support Program where the USO hosts a send-off and welcome home party for the units in Hawaii. Also, the USO will host Military Appreciation Day at the Honolulu Zoo in June.
The USO has been providing programs like these since its beginning in 1941. The organization has been in Hawaii since 1972 at the airport and opened a second location at Hickam Air Force Base in 1983.
“I want to say thank you to everyone in the military,” said Clarke North, a tattoo artist for 16 years and currently with H&H Las Vegas. “My dad was in two wars and I know how hard it can be on someone’s life.”
The USO understands the hardships of the military and that was one reason the organization was born. They’ll be there for military members in times of emergency or just providing a relaxing home away from home, said Darity.
“I’m stoked that H&H is raising money for the USO,” said Tech. Sgt. Brian Ahern, personnel manager, Headquarters, Air Force Pacific and USO volunteer at Hickam. “My family loves the USO for all the support they give us.”