Shy-girl Miss Hawai'i USA talks of busy life as pageant draws near
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
Justine Michioka not only followed in her big sister's footsteps, she made history while she was at it.
MICHIOKA
The 22-year-old Hawai'i Pacific University student captured the Miss Hawai'i USA 2004 title last May, succeeding her sister, Alicia, who won the 2003 title. It's the first time a sister has crowned another sister at the state level, said Michioka, a part-time receptionist at News 8.
The former Kapa'a, Kaua'i resident, now living in Honolulu, left yesterday for Los Angeles to prepare for the Miss USA 2004 pageant, which will be broadcast on News 8 at 8 p.m. April 12.
Q. Apart from your clothing, what are you packing with you in your suitcase?
A. I have lots of gifts for the other contestants. I think the best gifts I'm giving are chocolate-covered fortune cookies from Kona Paradise Candies. They're so good!
Q. Tell us something about yourself that would surprise a lot of people.
A. I'm actually really shy. ... I usually am a little more reserved, and I'm not too outgoing normally, but I've had to learn to open up and be out there a little more.
Q. How do you keep fit?
A. I do work out, but I've been so busy that I haven't even been in the gym for about two weeks, and I caught a cold. It is tough, but thank God for 24-hour gyms. My brother-in-law is my personal trainer. He has me on a weight-training program. I also go in and do cardio on my own, and I like to do the kick-boxing classes and yoga.
Q. We're going to have to ask this for the guys: Are you single?
A. Unfortunately, I don't have very much time to date. I guess that it really isn't unfortunate (laughs). I've just been so busy that I really don't have time.
Q. When your schedule isn't jam-packed with appearances and other pageant-related events, what do you enjoy doing most on your down time?
A. Going to the beach. I love going to the beach and I never get to, so if I do ever have a free moment and it's sunny, I'm definitely there.
