Steven L. Kolt
December 29, 1942 - October 22, 2010
"Most Loving Father in the Whole World"
One of a kind father, husband, son, friend, protector and mentor.
On Friday, October 22, Steven L. Kolt passed away unexpectedly. He passed after "the best 5 months in my life in a long time," living happily at Ko Olina Resort and starting multiple new transportation companies, owner of KOLT Cars and Managing Director of Ko Olina Transportation for Ko Olina Resort & Marina.
Steve was born and raised in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. He attended Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration. It was at Cornell where his career in transportation began; he created an extremely successful transportation company servicing upstate New York from his dormitory room and sold it upon graduation.
Steve was a leader in the travel industry and became known as "Mr. Transportation" for years in the State of Hawaii as an Owner & Operator of Rainbow Coaches, Trans Hawaiian, Regal Travel, The CAB, Americabs, Carey Limousines of Hawaii, Tradewind Taxi, Hawaii Kai Taxi, and managing director of VIP Transportation.
Steve operated the City & County of Honolulu's public bus routes as Leeward Bus Company and founded and operated the first private commuter buses in Hawaii, offering coffee, newspapers, and refreshments on board. He was the first to design and operate park and ride programs for Honolulu City and Waikiki Ho'olaulea events enabling thousands of Oahu residents to attend these events without parking hassles. The BUS took over his system after the second year of operations.
Steve was also a leader in the hospitality industry, as co-owner, vice president, and chief officer of First Travel Inc. which included Colony Resorts, Travel Consultants Inc., and Ask Mr. Foster Travel with 115 branches nationwide. Steve was also past president and board member of the Hawaiian Transportation Association for 20 years.
Steve's expertise was sought after by such luminaries as Peter Ueberroth, where Steve organized the transportation serving the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. When he finished, the system worked to perfection. As senior VP of Aramark Corp. he operated over 3,000 motor coaches nationwide with over $140M in revenues, making it the most profitable division. Steve designed and operated transportation systems in Vienna, Bermuda, London, Mexico, Honolulu and cities all over the US mainland.
Most recently, Steve pioneered the repositioning for Ko Olina Resort's entire transportation system, which included the upcoming Disney Resort, Ihilani, and Marriott Timeshares. He introduced Ko Olina to the first ever resort-wide ladybug themed shuttle with spirited Aloha drivers.
Steve was active in the local Hawaiian and Samoan communities. His endeavors included being founder and board member of the Coalition For a Drug Free Hawaii, and founder of DASH, the First Armed Services Don't Drive Drunk Program in Hawaii. He was also the founder and CEO of Lokahi Hawaii, an on-site living and training facility for delinquent youth in Hawaii. Steve was a board member for Hawaii Literacy, Inc., and founder and funder of "To Advance Local Employment," a program he created to train Hawaii's youth to obtain and keep jobs, including training at HYCCN homes for teens. Steve produced a one-hour play on the KGMB station which taught teens about life's choices in a comedic format starring Frank De Lima. Steve's efforts in the local communities were so much appreciated he was flown to Samoa and was ceremonially honored as a Chief.
Those that know Steve personally know that there isn't anyone quite like him. His well-known traits were his strong personality, humor, blunt honesty, loyalty, and unwavering love. Steve had a character that was larger than life that will live on in people's memories and stories. His cowboy boots, big smile, charm and colorful aloha shirts along with his witty jokes are unforgettable. Advice was never at a loss, and the best hugs were always available. Steve will live on in the hearts of many and through his legacy in the transportation business in Hawaii and the throughout the US mainland.
Steve's family includes his daughters, Kimberly Ann Kolt and Ginny Anderson, his sons Gaylord and Byran Kolt, and grandchildren Kit, Hiilei, Rangel, Darron, and Chrisz Kolt, Heather, Whitney, Jordan, and Sierra Anderson, and his sister Andy Kliphouse.
"Steve may have missed his calling," said a long time friend. "He was an expert in Jewish humor and used it effectively in his business I have lost my personal trainer," he said.
Private services will be held at Steve's favorite lagoon, Secret Beach under the banyon tree at Ko Olina Resort on Saturday, October 30th at 11am. He requested the service to be lighthearted and short, with bright and colorful attire. At the request of his daughter, in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Coalition For a Drug Free Hawaii or The Hawaii Humane Society and send "In Memory of Steven L. Kolt."
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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