Japan-America Journal

Volume 21, Number 3 - Fall 2003

Article Index

Chair's Message

President's Message

Annual Dinner - The Governor and the Wizards

Benihana 5:01: If You Weren't There, You Missed Out!

A Designer's Evening: Celine 5:01

In the Spirit of Christmas: Christmas 5:01 and Silent Auction

CPASF

Tomodachi: Getting Ready for the Holidays with Album Artistry

Ehime-Hawaii Sister State Signing and Junior Baseball Goodwill Exchange

Ginny Doran Friendship Lunch

Incarceration during WWII - Different Perspectives

Japan in a Suitcase

Promoting Japanese Culture, Hands-On: 22nd Biannual Japan Day

JASH Donor Recognition September 16, 2003 - December 15, 2003

Kamehameha Schools Program

Untangling the Japanese Mind

Mahalo to all New Members & Membership Upgrades

Hawaii Salutes General Eric K. Shinseki

Chair's Message

Never one thing and seldom one person can make for a success. It takes a number of them merging into a perfect whole.
-Marie Dressler

Our recent activity, the Annual Dinner, was a great success. So was our last activity for the year, the Christmas 5:01 and Silent Auction, sponsored by Sheraton Hotels, American Savings Bank, and Paradise Beverages. They were profoundly successful because of the outstanding jobs done by the respective committee chairpersons and their members, and the enthusiastic response and participation by members of the Society and their guests.

It has been my great pleasure this year to work with dedicated and committed Board of Directors and staff of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii. The cooperative efforts result in excellent offerings of programs and activities to members and the community at large.

One of the objectives of this year was to increase our membership. We are pleased that we have added more than a dozen new members to the organization. With more leaders of the community joining our organization, we will be able to provide continued excellence in meeting our mission, which is to promote understanding and friendship between peoples of Japan and the United States through the special and unique perspective of Hawaii.

The second objective was to expand and increase our programs and activities to reach constituents and the public. We have increased our services to the elementary level by expanding our Japan in a Suitcase to two schools on the Big Island. The program has been greeted with enthusiasm by our schools. We also took the coordination role with a program for the 6th grade level, called the Asian Pacific Children's Convention. Eight 11-year olds attend a three-week program in Fukuoka with peers from 40 plus countries. Although this year's trip was canceled because of SARS, this project promises to be one that will help expand our youngsters in their understanding of cultures of other nations. We are grateful to the many volunteers who give their time and service to our youth programs, and ask for your continued support.

In increasing our programs and their effectiveness, we continue to collaborate with the Japanese Consulate and other organizations. One of these is the celebration of the 150th year anniversary of U.S.-Japan relations. The Government of Japan has designated our National Association of Japan-America Societies as the Secretariat for the 150th anniversary events. This year, the Society participated in the Joseph Heco Exhibition at the JCCH. Members also attended Ambassador Okazaki's speech at the Imin Center in August. The 150th celebration will continue till November 2004.

The third objective was to continue with our development activities. We appreciated the support of members through your contributions financially this year, as well as through your many talents. Our development activities will continue next year.

This has been a year of enlightenment and appreciation for me. I want to take this opportunity to thank you most sincerely for your support during this past year. I deeply appreciate your commitment and dedication to the goals of the Society.

Margaret Y. Oda, Chairperson

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President's Message

Another year has come and gone and I hope all of you are able to say "It was a good year!" I extend a big mahalo to Dr. Margaret Oda, Chair of the Society, for all she did for the Society during her term, which ends on December 31st and to welcome Ms. Barbara Tanabe, our incoming Chair for 2004. This year marked the Society's 27th anniversary. The year was filled with many successful events, which are mentioned in Chair Oda's message.

Next year promises to be even better. Plan to be at the Annual New Year's Reception at the Japanese Consulate on Wednesday, January 21st. Our thanks go out to Consul General and Mrs. Muto for allowing the Japan-America Society of Hawaii to have its New Year's Reception on the beautiful grounds of the Consulate. We will be seeking many volunteers to help with the Japan Wizards Competition scheduled for February 29th. If you're interested in volunteering, call Alana Anderson at 524-4450. In March the Society will partner with the Honolulu Festival Foundation and the Japanese Consulate for the 10th Honolulu Festival. The Society will conduct a seminar "150 Years of U.S.-Japan Relations: Looking at History Through Personal Accounts." The HFF has invited Dr. Frederic Hone Nichols, the third great-grandson of Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry. Dr. Nichols, through documents in his possession, will speak about Commodore Perry's feelings as Perry approached Japan for the first time. Others participating in the seminar will be Ms. Akiko Kuno, whose great-grandmother Sutematsu Oyama traveled to America and became the first woman to graduate from Vassar College in 1882, and Ambassador Yoshio Okawara, who was posted to the United States between 1980 -1985 and currently serves as the President of the America-Japan Society, Inc (Tokyo Society). Rounding out the seminar will be a group of students who will discuss the U.S.-Japan alliance in a globalized world. The Honolulu Festival will be part of the 150th Anniversary of U.S.-Japan Relations celebration, which our National Association of Japan-America Societies is the Secretariat.

From all of us at the Japan-America Society staff (Loren, Ron, Alana, Yumiko and Earl), a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

With Best Wishes,
Earl K. Okawa, President

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Annual Dinner - The Governor and the Wizards

At the Society's 27th Annual Dinner on October 29th at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, members and their guests were vividly reminded of the Society's mission of "promoting understanding and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States through the unique perspective of Hawaii." Arriving members and guests had the opportunity to see the poster boards outlining the Japan Perspectives school programs, the networks and relationships supported by the Society, and the many programs conducted for members and the community.

Governor Linda Lingle's keynote address explained the importance of the Japan-Hawaii relationship, noting the many relationships that already exist, such as the Japan-Hawaii Economic Council meeting she attended on the Big Island. She also mentioned the important role played by the Japan-America Society of Hawaii in helping to maintain these relationships and creating new ones. Governor Lingle stated that Hawaii would soon be entering into a sister state-prefecture relationship with Ehime Prefecture. [This relationship was consummated on November 21, 2003 when Governor Lingle and Governor Motoyuki Kato of Ehime Prefecture signed the agreement.] Governor Lingle's address reflected how the Society is fulfilling its mission on the international level.

To demonstrate how the Society is fulfilling its mission at the local level, the Society invited students from this past year's Japan Bowl (now called Japan Wizards) Competition to explain to Annual Dinner attendees how much they gained from their participation in the competition. One student, Brandon Yoshimoto from Punahou School, explained how he and his teammates learned to divide responsibilities in order to research the many topics listed in the Study Guide and in doing so, learned about himself and about teamwork. He said the hard work paid off by winning the local competition and going off to Washington DC for the national competition. Joy Turbeville, Japanese language teacher at Radford High School, spoke about the learning experience her students gained in the competition and the support provided by the Society. Meg Uehara, Japanese language teacher at McKinley High School, spoke about the many hours of preparation and reiterated the tremendous experience and learning her students gained. The Society thanks Society Director Jean Rolles for sponsoring the Japan Bowl students at the Annual Dinner. The Society also thanks Mrs. Marjorie Midkiff for sponsoring two tables for other high school students. Education in a key component in the Society's mission.

Chair Dr. Margaret Oda thanked Society members for their great support during her term. Incoming Chair Barbara Tanabe (assumes chair on January 1st) thanked Dr. Oda for her leadership of the Society and asked Society members for their continued help and support. Society Director Dr. David McClain, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Hawaii served as Master of Ceremonies. A great big MAHALO goes out to the following: all the members and guests who attended; the table sponsors and donors (see list of sponsors); Consul General Masatoshi Muto for his introduction of Governor Lingle; Peter Schall and his staff at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for their outstanding support (great food and great service); Pu'uhonua Quartet for the beautiful music to welcome members and during the dinner hour; Dennis Teranishi and Hawaiian Host for the macadamia nut favors; Chris Pearce and the Kokusai Sake Kai for donating the sake for the kanpai and to Paradise Beverages for the wine served with dinner; Yasushi Matsushita for offering the kanpai and to Dr. David McClain for a great job as MC. The biggest MAHALO goes out to Society Director Allen Uyeda, this year's Annual Dinner Chair and his staff at First Insurance Company of Hawaii for making this year's event a resounding success. Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu to all of you!

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Benihana 5:01: If You Weren't There, You Missed Out!

Flying shrimps and tall red chef hats marked the sixth year that Benihana of Tokyo Restaurant has generously sponsored a Hawaii 5:01 program.* On Thursday, November 6th, members and guests were invited into the 200-year old Osaka farmhouse on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village to experience a true Benihana-style evening. The restaurant's signature chefs prepared an assortment of delicious pupus in front of eager bystanders while guests enjoyed the company of old friends and new acquaintances. Benihana General Manager Mark Tateishi and Marketing Manager Marilyn Cariaga ensured members had their fill of an assortment of delicious food and drink. A very special thank you to Mark Tateishi, Marilyn Cariaga, and Benihana Restaurant for their many years of support and friendship.

* The 5:01 Program is for Corporate Members. You can qualify if you become a Lifetime Member.

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A Designer's Evening: Celine 5:01

JASH members and guests were invited to the Celine Boutique at Ala Moana Shopping Center for an evening of fashion and camaraderie on November 7th. The Celine-sponsored Hawaii 5:01 was held in conjunction with the celebration of the 2nd Ala Moana World Festival, from November 2-9, and featured a Celine ready-to-wear exhibition. Also on-hand was Ms. Uno Kanda, actress/model from Japan who has appeared in countless films and TV shows, among them the popular "Leave It to the Nurses" series and the "Pikachu" movie.

Attendees were treated to a cocktail reception while browsing the Celine boutique, which featured their signature line of handbags and accessories. Ms. Kanda and her entourage spoke with members about fashion in the Hawaiian Islands. A few JASH friends were even interviewed by TBS for a fashion TV program that airs weekly on Saturday mornings in Tokyo. Mahalo to Celine for their hospitality and a wonderful international evening.

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In the Spirit of Christmas: Christmas 5:01 and Silent Auction

On Tuesday, December 2nd, members and guests got into the Christmas spirit, with the help of the Annual Christmas 5:01 and Silent Auction, sponsored by Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki, American Savings Bank, and Paradise Beverages. The Sheraton Waikiki Hotel Maui Ballroom was beautifully decorated in a Christmas motif, creating the "Spirit of Christmas." Attendees had the opportunity to get an early start on their Christmas shopping with a myriad of items auctioned throughout the evening. Auction items included dining gift certificates, electronics, travel packages, accessories and clothing, all generously donated by members and local businesses in the community. Miniature Christmas trees and wreaths, decorated by various individuals and companies, were also up for bid. Tree and wreath themes ranged from "White Christmas," "Meri Kurisumasu" with a Hawaiian/Japanese décor, "Sakura," and "A Mynah Bird in One Papaya Tree." Four "real" Christmas trees are now decorating someone's home. All proceeds earned from the evening will help support the Society's many educational outreach programs.

In addition to the silent auction, members and guests enjoyed a wide variety of pupus and drinks, compliments of the evening's sponsors. While shopping and dining, harpist MaryEleanor King and flutist Aileen Kawakami entertained the audience with familiar Christmas and holiday tunes.

A big MAHALO to the evening's generous sponsors. Since 1997, American Savings Bank has sponsored this annual JASH holiday event. Paradise Beverages donated the assortment of drinks. Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki provided a wide selection of delicious pupus and the beautiful venue. Mahalo to Randy Ha and his staff for a great evening of joy for all. Thank you to member and Director Sachi Braden and her son Taizo for emceeing the program and helping to keep members in a holiday mood! And doomo arigatoo gozaimashita to all the donors whose generosity made the silent auction a success. Our generous sponsors and donors got everyone off to an early start on Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Japan-America Society of Hawaii.

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CPASF

Three new scholars have been selected for the prestigious Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship. From Japan, Erika Miyazaki is a student from Nagoya University and will begin her studies at UH Manoa next fall. UH Manoa Ph.D. students Jessica Busch of the Anthropology Department and Jane Yamashiro of the Sociology Department have been chosen from Hawaii. Congratulations to all these scholars.

CPASF Donor Recognition
Sept. 16 2003 - Dec. 15, 2003

The Founders Circle
$4,000 - $15,000 annual pledge

City Bank

Colleagues
$1,000 - $1500 annual pledge

Robert & Sady Sakai
Glenn Miyataki
Margaret Oda

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Tomodachi: Getting Ready for the Holidays with Album Artistry

Album Artistry in Pearl City led the November 7-8 Tomodachi program of holiday craft making. A good time was had by all in making three-dimensional Christmas cards, using a technique from Holland called "Iris folding," festive gift tags and polymer clay stamped ornaments. Members and friends alike honed their craft making skills and got an early start on the holiday season.

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Ehime-Hawaii Sister State Signing and Junior Baseball Goodwill Exchange

Between November 20 - 24, 2003, several important events took place. First, on November 21st, a sister state/prefecture agreement between Hawaii and Ehime Prefecture was signed by Governor Linda Lingle and Governor Moriyuki Kato. The agreement signifies a commitment by the people of Hawaii and Ehime to seek further ties that will be of mutual benefit. One example of a relationship begun one year ago is the Junior Baseball Goodwill Tournament initiated by Ehime Assemblyman Junnosuke Kainou. Last year, Mr. Kainou invited two Hawaii Junior Baseball teams and ten officials to Ehime as a gesture of friendship. This year, two junior baseball teams and officials from Ehime came to Hawaii at the invitation of the Ehime-Hawaii Committee, chaired by former DBED&T Director, Seiji Naya. Mr. Hervy Kurisu, President of Hawaii Winter Baseball, arranged to have the Ehime junior baseball teams participate in his yearly baseball clinic that features major league baseball players and coaches, including Dusty Baker, manager of the Chicago Cubs. To help with the interpreting for the junior baseball players, Crown Prince Akihito Scholars Eric Ishiwata, Yusuke Fujisawa and Toru Yamada and Kapiolani Community College students Rei Makino, John Dodson, Junko Asano and Kaoru Mori volunteered their services on Saturday and Sunday. President Okawa arranged a ceremony at the Ehime Maru Memorial for the baseball players, coaches and parents on November 21st where all paid respect to those who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident. The Society invites members to offer suggestions in developing ties with Ehime Prefecture. For example, the Society is helping BYUH with their request to place interns with Japanese companies. BYUH is now working with the Ehime-Hawaii Coordinator in charge of promoting Ehime-Hawaii relations. Many individuals have made the effort to move forward by establishing positive relationships between the people of Ehime and Hawaii. The Society and the Ehime Maru Memorial Association wish to express their deepest appreciation for all efforts and concern.

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Ginny Doran Friendship Lunch

On December 10, Mrs. Ginny Doran, wife of Admiral Walter F. Doran, Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet opened her home, the Nimitz House, to JASH members. The Doran's home was gorgeously decorated for Christmas with a tree trimmed with origami tsuru! A delicious buffet lunch was served on the beautiful lanai of the Nimitz House. All guests left with bags of homemade cookies and a commemorative picture taken in the home with members surrounding a large gingerbread house. Mahalo nui loa and doomo arigato gozaimashita for your hospitality, Mrs. Doran!

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Incarceration during WWII - Different Perspectives

Executive Order 9066 signed by President Roosevelt on February 19, 1942 forever changed the lives of many Japanese-Americans. JASH members Florence Goto, Sady Sakai and Dennis Ogawa spoke to a standing-room only audience at the Pacific Club on October 17 on their experiences of the incarceration during WWII.

Born in an internment camp, Dr. Ogawa, also an author of several books on Japanese-Americans gave an insightful overview of the events leading to and reasoning by the government for the incarceration.

Mrs. Goto followed by giving an emotional account of her entire family's experience at the Santa Anita Assembly Center, over 60 years ago. She explained in detail the living conditions including very small quarters, even horse stables for some. Privacy was completely gone in areas as unthinkable as the bathrooms and showers. Fortunately, Mrs. Goto qualified as a college student at the time. Students were allowed to leave if they could complete the process of acceptance to an accredited school, having a sponsor at the college, having community acceptance by the mayor or city council and a financial statement to make sure they would not be on welfare after leaving the camp. Mrs. Goto, with the help of a non-Japanese family friend, was thus able to leave the Assembly Center.

Mrs. Sakai and spouse Robert Sakai were engaged shortly after Executive Order No. 9066 and chose to stay with their individual families despite their uncertain future. Eventually, they were placed together in the Poston Relocation Center where wedding plans began. It was due to the kindness of a non-Japanese teacher as well as others in the camp that the Sakais managed to have a very simple, yet lovely wedding. Shortly after the wedding, the newlyweds were lucky to be assigned to a "private" room, about 20' x 25' in size. Mrs. Sakai recounted how their "private" room would sometimes have peepholes appear. The young couple after many unforgettable experiences, now expecting their first child, were finally able to leave when Mr. Sakai volunteered for the Military Intelligence Service.

The panel discussion was captivating, moving and informative and we were extremely grateful that our members, some for the first time, publicly shared their very personal experiences with members and the community.

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Japan in a Suitcase

On Friday, December 12th, JIAS visited 3rd graders in Lunalilo Elementary School for the last school visit of 2003. Since the beginning of this school year, JASH has brought the program to over 60 classes, reaching about 1,700 students on Oahu and the Big Island and more than 10,000 students since the program started in 1999. The students and teachers have been enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn about their counterparts in Japan while also learning about the concept of different perspectives.

On Friday, November 14th, President Okawa, interns Yumiko Okamoto and Bryant Tadeo, and Crown Prince Akihito Scholars Aya Kitamura and Rino Kawase traveled to Hilo to present the program on the Big Island for the first time. The students and teachers of Waiakea Elementary and Waiakeawaena Elementary Schools welcomed the JASH staff and were excited to see Japanese school items and pictures of school life in Japan. They have asked for JIAS to return to the Big Island in the near future. JASH is also planning a visit to Kauai in January.

The volunteers enjoyed doing the presentations and the enthusiastic children. The dedication of volunteers have made this popular program possible. The Society thanks the volunteers for their great support of Hawaii's students.

Volunteers Needed. We need volunteers to help with the JIAS presentations. Additionally, we also need drivers. If there are any of you who would like to help JIAS, please call Ms. Okamoto at 524-4450 or e-mail at intern@jashawaii.org.

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Promoting Japanese Culture, Hands-On: 22nd Biannual Japan Day

The 175 students and advisors from Kapolei High School and Kamehameha Schools were welcomed to Tokai University on Tuesday, December 2nd by President Earl Okawa before the rhythmic patterns of taiko swept them away into the world of Japanese arts and culture. The 22nd Biannual Japan Day began with an energetic and powerful taiko piece by members of the Hawaii Matsuri Taiko, under the direction of Shuji Komagata. Four students were then given the opportunity to try their own hands at taiko and quickly learned that it takes skill and precision to create the seemingly easy patterns and beats.

Twice a year, the Japan Perspectives program, Japan Day features 40-plus expert, community-minded volunteers who donate their time, energy, and supplies to the event. Japan Day immerses high school students in Japanese culture by providing hands-on experience with traditional and contemporary art forms. Since its inception in 1993, over 4,100 students from 39 public and private high schools have experienced Japan Day, which is aimed at expanding students' knowledge of Japan and the U.S.-Japan relationship.

In five 40-minute sessions, students were introduced to one of eight presentations: no previous dancing skills were required when students entered the classroom to learn traditional bon dance steps with help from the Honolulu Fukushima Bon Dance Club; under the guidance of Ed Nakanishi and the Hawaii Bonsai Association, participants chose a blessed lava rock from the Big Island and a plant shoot and used the special mud blend to create their bonsai masterpiece; Shokyoku Hashiro gave students a brief explanation of calligraphy, using her pieces to illustrate the various styles of writing; with needle and thread in hand, the Kikufu Nippon Bunka Kenkyu Kai taught the boys and girls how to sew bean bags, a traditional Japanese toy; at ikebana, Jessie Nakata used empty film canisters wrapped in washi paper and carnation buds to craft miniature ikebana arrangements; Jean Sakihara and volunteers from the University Lab School Kimono Program demonstrated the proper way to wear a yukata, emphasizing the first rule, "Left over right;" Hideaki Oshima from the Araki Hiroya Soroban School used his giant abacus to demonstrate counting; and fresh matcha tea was made for those who attended tea ceremony with the Urasenke Foundation.

JASH would like to express our sincerest appreciation to the volunteers whose efforts allow the Society to open hearts and minds in friendship. And thank you to Hawaii Tokai International College for use of their facilities and the years of support. Mahalo nui loa to all for your support of the Society and Hawaii's youth.

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JASH Donor Recognition September 16, 2003 - December 15, 2003

The Japan-America Society of Hawaii would like to recognize individuals, foundations, and corporations who have contributed to our endowment fund, Japan Perspective programs, and other fund raising events. Your extraordinary generosity enables our educational programs to reach many students and schools. Our endowment fund will grow to generate the income to support future programs. Our heartfelt thank you to the following donors who share in the Society's mission.

Statesman $5,000 - $24,000
Itoen (USA) Inc.
Kamehameha Schools
Makiki Japanese Language School
McInerny Foundation

Counselor $1,000 - $4,999
Alexander Jampel
Central Pacific Bank
City Bank
Glenn & Ko Miyataki
Robert & Sady Sakai
Pacific Guardian Life
Allen Uyeda
Allan Yasue
Sharon Weiner

Diplomat $250 - $999
Stanford Carr
Norrie Del Vecchio
Lloyd & Carol Fujie
JTB Hawaii,Inc.
Rissho Koseikai
Roy Yamashiroya

Colleague $1 - $249
Dawn Farm-Ramsey
Alan & Yoko Fujimoto
Yoshiko Hatakeyama
Admiral Ron Hays
Ann Kobayashi
Richard Kosaki
Takie Lebra
Glenn & Harriet Masunaga
Neal & Amy Okamoto
T. Raymond Sekiya
Kenji Sumida
Allan & Betty Totoki

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Kamehameha Schools Program

Members of the Society had the opportunity to learn directly from the stewards of Kamehameha Schools on how Kamehameha Schools are helping the Hawaii community. Connie Lau, Chair of the Kamehameha Trustees, Robert Kihune and Diane Plotts, Trustees, all spoke about the many activities undertaken to promote and protect Hawaiian culture and providing children of Hawaiian ancestry with a place where they can learn and build upon that heritage. They mentioned they wanted Society members to know about Kamehameha Schools and the activities they do in promoting the overall Hawaii community. Members who attended commented that this was a very informative evening and were glad they came. The evening was sponsored by Mrs. Marjorie Midkiff, former Chair of the Society, whose late husband, Frank Midkiff, helped to establish the Society and was a former Trustee of Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools. The Midkiff Learning Center at Kamehameha Schools is named in honor of Mr. Frank Midkiff. Mahalo Marjorie!

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Untangling the Japanese Mind

Nearly a hundred members listened to Ms. Yukie Kudo, a young journalist, speak at Hawaii Tokai International College on October 22nd about Japan's identity crisis. The U.S. effort to move Japan towards democracy after World War II was like an "anti-biotic," which tended to also undermine traditional Japanese values. Article 9 of the Constitution, raising of the Japanese flag and singing the national anthem in school helped to cause a split in the national identity. She stated that at home the flag was displayed proudly but at school, they were taught not to respect the flag. However, after the Aum Shinri-kyo sarin attack in Japan's subway, there has been a growing awareness of the necessity of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. The North Korean abduction of Japanese citizens has also raised people's feelings that the JSDF is necessary. She believes that the Japanese people must be made more aware about the self-defense forces. She currently serves as one of the important opinion leaders of the Defense Agency.

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Mahalo to all New Members & Membership Upgrades

New Corporate Members
Adler Pacific Translations - Entrepreneur
Mr. Marc Adler

JFinders Inc. - Entrepreneur
Mr. Karlton Tomomitsu

Nashimoto & Associates - Regular
Ms. Masako Nashimoto-Luttrell
Ms. Naomi Ogawa

Nippon BC - Entrepreneur
Mr. Ryozo Ariyoshi

Oahu Waste Services - Patron
Mr. Clyde T. Kaneshiro

New General Members
Ms. Shelly M. Awaya Student
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Dinell Family
Ms. Carol M. Fox Individual
Mr. Mark Fujiwara Student
Dr. Robert N. Huey Individual
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur I. Kimura Family
Ms. Sylvia Kondo Akaka Individual
Dr. Stephen L. Little Individual
Mr. John Park Individual
Mr. & Mrs. Torkel L. Patterson Sustaining
Mr. George T. Tamashiro Individual
Consul Hiroko Taniguchi Individual
Ms. Ayako Umbhau Individual
Ms. Jane Yamashiro Student
Ms. Wendy Yamashita Individual

General Member Upgrades
Ms. Mary Ann Changg Family
Mr. & Mrs. Jimmie R. Lackey Family
Mr. & Mrs. Russell M. Oki Family
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth T. Saiki Family
Mrs. Emiko Sugino Family

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Hawaii Salutes General Eric K. Shinseki

On November 12, 2003, nearly 1400 veterans, family members, and members of the community paid tribute to General Eric Shinseki after nearly 38 years of service to our country. A native of Kauai and Hawaii's public schools, General Shinseki rose to become the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, the first Japanese American to reach four-star rank. The evening was sponsored by over 30 organizations, including the Society. Proceeds from the gala event went to establish the General Eric K. and Mrs. Pat Shinseki endowment at the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation. General Shinseki, in his speech, returned the tribute to the many veterans in the audience and especially to the Nisei veterans who he credited with making it possible for him to reach the U.S. Army's highest rank. In speaking to the young people of Hawaii, he stressed the importance of believing in oneself and to always act with integrity. All who attended were justly proud of the accomplishments of General Shinseki.

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