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President's Message By Jon Arizumi, President
Spring Highlights!
The first quarter of 2013 has swiftly come and went. There have been many functions and activities that have kept the chamber engaged with its members and the community.
During the past few months, it's been an honor and privilege to represent the chamber at numerous events. The Board, Committee Chairs and office have been extremely busy in planning and coordinating events which provide opportunities for all of us to network, achieve a better understanding of economic opportunities, support or oppose key legislature matters, and to celebrate and enjoy with our sister-city delegation!
Congratulation Larry! On February 13th, board members attended the Hilo High School Foundation Dinner which honored Mr. Larry Isemoto, our chamber's Past President and Honorary Director, for his outstanding community leadership and valuable contributions to a wide range of civic, cultural and business organization.
Yurihama Town Sister City visitation!
It was an honor for the chamber members to host the Honorable Mayor Masamichi Miyawaki and the delegation from Yurihama Town. The chamber sincerely appreciates the warm hospitality that Yurihama has displayed to our Hilo Intermediate School Builders Club and its advisor as part of the sister-city relationship between Yurihama Town and the County of Hawaii. Mayor Kenoi and his executive cabinet welcome Mayor Miyawaki and hosted a dinner function in his honor. The chamber also planned a celebratory event the following evening at the Subaru facility. Special Mahalo: Subaru Director, Dr. Nobuo Arimoto; Imiloa Director, Ms. Kaiu Kimura; and to all of the volunteers Amy Aoyagi, Tommy Goya, Reiko Hamano, Randy Kurohara, Charmaine Shigemura, Art and Barbara Taniguchi, Carol Van Camp, Chad and Shelley Ogata, Lei Momi Fujiyama, Dwayne Mukai, Barbara Hasting, Allan Onishi, Mike and Sandi Kaleikini, Barry Mizuno, Mike Miyahira, Lincoln Ashida who participated with the visitation. Please forgive me if I've forgotten anyone.
Taste of Hilo! On March 12th, Hawai'i Community College Chancellor Noreen Yamane hosted an appreciation luncheon for the 14th Annual Taste of Hilo Committee. The chamber presented a $10,000 check to support the scholarship, faculty enrichment, and program initiative to the College. My sincerest appreciation to Taste of Hilo Chairman, Mr. Chad Ogata and his great committee - you all represent the embodiment of Kahiau!
Mahalo to the generous vendors for their commitment and support.
| TEAM - "Taste of Hilo IVX" |
Journey to the Universe! On the March 11th, a reception for astronomy educators was held at the Hilo Yacht Club. This event was co-sponsored by both JCCIH and HICC. This was the 8th year of this event, which is a culmination of Journey Week and Journey Through The Universe. Special Mahalo to Carol Van Camp and the many volunteers, along with Ka'iu Kimura and the staff of 'Imiloa, who have all been integral to the success of this program.
"Golf Classic"!
On March 6th, the chamber held its 14th Annual Golf Classic Tournament at the Hilo Municipal golf course. WOW - What a huge success! It was a SOLD OUT event! We had the pleasure to host our friends from Oahu. It was an honor to have the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce President Elect - Gordon Kagawa and his colleagues participate in the tournament. BIG MAHALO to our Tri-Chairs - Mike Kaleikini, Toby Taniguchi and Kimo Lee and the entire Golf Committee for volunteering their time, hard work and continued dedication.
| TEAM - "Golf Classic XIV" |
Shinnen Enkai Celebration! On March 11th, I had the honored to attend and support the Yamaguchi Kenjin Kai Shinnen Enkai Celebration held at the Hilo Meishoin Social Hall. This was the 86th anniversary and President Mark Nakamura was sworn in as the president. It was a pleasure to be in the presence of their special guests; Honorary Consul General of Japan, Mr. Art Taniguchi, Japanese Community Association President, Mr. Hiroshi Suga, and one of our chamber's Past President's Mr. Rex Matsuno. We were entertained by the Yamaguchi Kenjin Kai Karaoke singers.
County of Hawaii - Economic Outlook! Our Chamber held a General Membership Business Meeting at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on March 21st where the order of business was the acceptance of the Officers and Directors for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting featured Mayor Billy Kenoi and his executive cabinet as he discussed our County's Economic outlook. It was a most enjoyable and informative meeting. Mahalo to Randy Kurohara, Lei Momi Fujiyama and all the volunteers who supported this event.
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R. Kurohara - Mayor Kenoi - J. Arizumi
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| Chamber Members |
Special Mahalo to our membership for supporting our Chamber's mission.....
"To promote the well-being of our community through business and personal relationships that embodies the values of.............
"Kahiau" and "Okage Sama De."
Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
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Hard work and dedication by the contractor, county employees and volunteers has allowed a thoroughly renovated and expanded Edith Kanaka'ole Multi-Purpose Stadium to be completed and blessed in time for the 50th Merrie Monarch. Everyone had to move fast in order to allow the stadium to be reopened for the March 31 start of the Festival's golden anniversary celebration. We thank Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd., its 15 subcontractors and all the volunteers whose tireless work helped to meet a rigid construction deadline. A wonderful blessing was performed by Kahu Leifi Hao of Ka Hoku Ao Malamalama church in Keaukaha, and we were joined by Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma, County Council members Dennis "Fresh" Onishi and Valerie Poindexter, former County Council member Donald Ikeda, Merrie Monarch Festival organizers, and representatives of the contractors and community organizations who worked on the project. Anchored by a new 4,200-square-foot building featuring six dressing/meeting rooms and tiled restrooms, the project has modernized a facility used year-round by the entire community for such varied public events as trade shows, school graduations, and its signature event, the world famous Merrie Monarch Festival. A new color scheme, native landscaping, new fencing and covered side entrances now greet stadium users. Inside, they will see an expanded lobby, larger concession area complete with new roof coverings and lighting and a freshly painted interior. An upgraded electrical system to support enhanced lighting and sound system capabilities, a replacement sewer line, drainage improvements and a larger vehicle entrance are also part of the renovation project, which took only three months to complete. Hawai'i County maintenance employees, electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, grounds crews and tree-trimmers collectively spent more than 1,000 hours improving the stadium and the surrounding grounds. In addition to performing their normal duties, the employees' work included replacing worn bleacher seat and foot boards, plumbing fixtures, and electrical fixtures, adding landscaping, installing new signs and fabricating guardrails to improve the safety of bleacher spectators. Dozens of community volunteers also provided vital painting, landscaping and other facility improvements that saved taxpayer dollars. The county wishes to recognize and thank the Jehovah's Witnesses - Hawai'i Circuit 5 members, Hilo Jaycees, 1st Battalion 12th Marines, Hawai'i Community Correctional Center inmates, East Hawai'i District Tennis Association, Hawai'i Carpenters Union, Local 745, Hilo High School tennis teams, and tennis players from Hilo-area schools for contributing their time and efforts toward the renovations. The Edith Kanaka'ole Multi-Purpose Stadium upgrade is the anchor of a $4 million revitalization of the Ho'olulu Complex, which has been used for various recreational events in Hilo since the 1800s. Other upgrades include work on the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, Aunty Sally Kaleohano's Lu'au Hale and multiple support buildings.
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Goji Kara at Hilo Massage Clinic & Day Spa By Janice Bueltmann, Social & Cultural Committee Chair
An exciting Goji Kara event hosted on March 1, 2013 at the Hilo Massage Clinic and Day Spa brought over 20 members and their guests together to enjoy great pupu, wine, fellowship and jazz entertainment provided by the Zenith Band.
The evening began as Cheriess Bugado, the owner, and JCCIH member, provided a tour of the facility - located in a beutifully remodeled plantation style home at 306 Lehua Street in Wainaku, Hilo. Several comfortable sized rooms, each with its own theme, provide space for Hilo Massage Clinic and Day Spa staff to treat clients to massage, facials, tanning, waxing, manicures and pedicures.
Several JCCIH members received free treatments the night of the Goji Kara, including manicures, pedicures and massage. All members were pampered with a gift of either specialty bath salts or handmade "wine" soap. Hilo Massage Clinic and Day Spa is pleased to offer JCCIH members a 20% discount for massage or facial services for the month of April! Mahalo to Cheriess for this wonderful member discount offer!
Special congratulations to Chad Ogata who won a gift certificate for a 1-hour massage. Mahalo nui to our host Cheriess Bugado and also to Dwayne Mukai for coordinating the Goji Kara event.
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Consul General Shigeeda in Big Island International Marathon By Art Taniguchi, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Hilo
Consul General Toyoei Shigeeda came to Hilo to participate in the Big Island International Marathon on March 17th. He crossed the finish line carrying a banner that he and his wife made in honor of the people in the Tohoku area of Japan that suffered through the tragedy of the tsunami and earthquake. The banner reads Gambare (persevere) Tohoku. Joining him crossing the finish line is Joe Wedemann, Race Director of the Marathon. Consul General Shigeeda ran in the Honolulu Marathon in December and will run in the Kauai and Maui Marathons as well.
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14th Annual Golf Classic Tournament
By Michael Kaleikini
The 14th Annual Golf Classic was a smashing success. The event was kicked off with words of wisdom from President Jon Arizumi, chamber MC extraordinaire Dwayne Mukai and the Honorable Mayor Billy Kenoi. A traditional Sake barrel opening ceremony known as "Kagami-biraki" was performed, with President Arizumi, Allan Ikawa & Mayor Kenoi breaking open the barrel to start the classic event.
The Chamber and the entire Golf Committee members would like to say mahalo nui for all who volunteered time and resources, along with the 140 golfers who participated in this year's classic. We especially would like to say Mahalo to those of our friends, participants and members that traveled from far distances to participate.
Congratulations to the top fourteen finishers. This year's golf winners in order from 1 to 8 were Linda Tengan (5 day/4 night California Hotel & Casino), Barbara Hastings (golf for 2 at Mauna Lani), Kenneth Rowe (golf for 2 at Waikoloa Beach Resort), Lance Yamada (Big Island Candies $100 gift certificate), Mike Middlesworth (golf for 2 at Kona Country Club), Gerald Takase (dining reservation at Starwood Kyoya Hotel in Waikini), Douglas Oki (11 lb. prime rib from Gamble/Hawaii Gas), Eugene Nishimura (11 lb. prime rib from Gamble/Suisan). Being that this was the 14th Annual Golf Classic, Mel Loo, the 14th place finisher received a special prize of 2 interisland round trips courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines.
Ivan Mochida, Chuck Erskine and Kenneth Rowe won the top three putting contest prizes. Greenies on the 8th hole were won by Clyde Aoki, Dwayne Miyashiro, Duane Kanuha & Kimo Lee. Greenie winners on the 10th hole were Mike Middlesworth, Sidney Fuke, Howard Kelly, & Antoinette Suenishi. Greenie winners on the 16th hole were
Harry Yada, Donn Mende, Charles Ensey & Arnold Tengan.
The highly popular Game of Skill proved to be a hit attraction with our participants. Arnold Tengan skillfully won a round trip between Hawaii and the continental US courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines. Mahalo Monisa. Using additional skill, Francis Rickard won a 32" TV. Sidney Fuke won $250 in cash by digging deep into his repertoire of skill. As consolation, Harold Oba won a KTA $50 gift certificate. Congratulations to everyone. Ultimately, the overall winner is the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii. Okage Sama De!
Mahalo nui again to Title Sponsor-Big Island Candies for their much appreciated support of our Chamber. This is Big Island Candies second year in a row as Title Sponsor. Thank you to every one of the Golf Committee members & volunteers who led the charge in getting this event done. Committee members are Allan Onishi, Art Taniguchi, Chad Ogata, Craig Shiroma, Deborah Shigehara, Dwayne Mukai, Eugene Nishimura, Gina Tanouye, Ivan Nakano, Jean Tung, Jon Arizumi, Ka'iu Kimura, Kaloa Robinson, Kimo Lee, Kyle Wada, Marvin Min, Mike Kaleikini, Mike Miyahira, Owen Nakatsu, Pearl Kang, Russell Arikawa, Sam Araki, Shannon Takabayashi-Johnson, Shelly Ogata, Stephen Ueda, Toby Taniguchi, Tommy Goya, Tracey Miura and Tracy Yamaguchi. Special mahalo to Kaloa for saving the day and picking up last minute items. Kahiau baby!
This year's co-chairs Kimo Lee, Mike Kaleikini & Toby Taniguchi send out our sincerest thank you to everyone, and we look forward to another fun filled day at the 15th Annual Classic to be held in 2014.
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General Membership Meeting with Mayor Billy Kenoi
By Randy Kurohara
I would like to thank our members for supporting our recent GM Meeting and Luncheon featuring Mayor Billy Kenoi who spoke about the economy, the County's upcoming budget for fiscal year 2013 - 2014, and important initiatives the administration will be focusing on.
We want to extend our Mahalo as well to Mayor Kenoi for his support of our chamber and for his participation with this annual luncheon. He has been and continues to be a very strong and vocal supporter of our business community.
We are also happy and appreciative that besides Mayor Kenoi's executive staff, 17 out of the 18 county departments were represented by a department official(s) at the luncheon providing our members the opportunity to mingle and get to know them and the work and service that they provide.
Our economic development committee is working on a Healthcare presentation to be held sometime in May that will focus on the major changes in healthcare reform and how it all affects you and your business. We hope to develop a more comprehensive format that will provide you with a better understanding of where we are, where we are headed, and how to best prepare for it. Please stay tuned for details on this presentation as it develops.
Mahalo to Lei Momi Fujiyama for her assistance in organizing our luncheons and for President Jon Arizumi for his continued support and leadership.
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Cherry Blossom Viewing
By Ramsey Lundock, Subaru Telescope
Did you attend the Cherry Blossom viewing in Waimea in February? Since Hawaii is closer to the equator, spring and the cherry blossoms come early here on the Big Island. Japan is having its Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) season right now.
Cherry blossoms are a national obsession in Japan. During the spring, the weather forecast includes the optimal dates for the flowers in different cities. Commentators discuss the effects of a mild winter or late cold snap with utmost reverence. There is even a saying "As rare as snow on the cherry blossoms" meaning a couple times in a lifetime.
For all the effort, it's difficult to plan a picnic at the right time to catch the blossoms in full bloom. But this isn't problematic because although Hanami requires alcohol, it does not require actual cherry blossoms. When I was studying in Sendai, our department always found a spot near the few cherry trees on campus. Other groups spread out over the entire lawn, even in places with no view of cherry trees. But that didn't seem to dampen anyone's enjoyment. There was however the need for emergency runs to the convenience store if the beer ran out.
Photo Caption: Cherry trees in full bloom lining the moat of castle ruins in Yamagata-City.
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The Tale of Two Bees
By Stephanie Nagata, Office Director of Mauna Kea Management
Mauna Kea means so much more to our community than the pro- or anti-astronomy debate that so often dominates the news. Take the case of Anne Nakamoto, for example. The Waiakea Intermediate 7th grader and her parents, Joel and Cindy Nakamoto, asked former MKMB member Ron Terry for advice about Anne's science project. If you know Ron, it won't come as a surprise that he took their request to heart and asked members of OMKM's Environment Committee for their suggestions. OMKM Natural Resources Program Manager Fritz Klasner and UH Manoa research entomologist Dr. Jesse Eiben quickly stepped up and offered to assist. As we've mentioned in previous columns, Jesse is credited for his groundbreaking research on the wekiu bug on Mauna Kea and continues to conduct studies for OMKM.
With their help, Anne came up with her science project, which she cleverly titled, "Two Bees or Not Two Bees... (Pollinating Invasive Fireweed?), That is the Question." The project compared the number of native and non-native bees visiting native mamane trees and the number of native and non-native bees visiting introduced fireweed plants on Mauna Kea. One of her findings was that both native bees and non-native honey bees visit mamane more than fireweed. Anne also identified concerns over the impact of human activity on native bees, drought and bee activity on plant pollination.
Accompanied by her father, Anne made her first trip to Mauna Kea in September 2012 to volunteer to remove invasive fireweed. The speaker at that activity was Dr. Doug Simons, Director of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). Dr. Simons began his talk by describing how his interest in science was kindled by a high school science fair project. Dr. Simons went on to describe how his project on telescopes advanced to the Westinghouse National Science & Engineering Fair (now the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair).
Dr. Simons' talk was perfect motivation for Anne. Her project was entered in the 2013 Hawaii District Science & Engineering Fair at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, where it won district awards for best in Animal Sciences Junior Research category, first place overall for the Junior Research Division, Charlie Chong Future Conservationist Award, 2nd place Outstanding Entomology/Zoology Award, and the "American Association of University Women 'Into the World of Tomorrow' Certificate of Merit." Her project advances to the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu, April 7-9.
One of the key objectives of the 2000 Master Plan is to encourage community involvement in the management of Mauna Kea. Anne's story is but one shining example of how that works. Congratulations Anne, and good luck at the state competition!
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HawCC Update By Chancellor Noreen Yamane
Aloha,
One of our flagship endeavors at Hawai'i Community College is the Model Home Project, in which students from several Career and Technical Education programs design and build a home for a qualifying family.
A collaboration between Hawai'i CC and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, the Model Home Project is an incredibly valuable learning experience for our Carpentry students and students from other programs. They receive hands-on experience designing, building and landscaping an actual house that a family will move into and call their home. The program is also unique to Hawai'i CC. We're the only college in the state where students build a house from start to finish as part of their coursework.
Since the Model Home Project began in 1965, Hawai'i CC students have built 45 homes, and the 46th home is underway in Keaukaha. Over the years, we have updated building practices to ensure students keep up with advancements in the industry. The homes now include a solar water heater, a photovoltaic system, Energy Star appliances, and energy-efficient lighting.
Much of the work on this year's house is complete. Second-year Carpentry students recently finished building the kitchen cabinets and will soon install them. The first-year Carpentry students poured the concrete for the driveway on March 19. Electrical Program students are in the process of installing the switches, outlets, and fixtures and prepping the roof for the photovoltaic system. Students from the Agriculture Program will landscape the property, including a garden and a hydroponic area.
A ceremony and open house is scheduled for May when the house is complete.
As we near the completion of the 46th Model Home, many faculty and students are already looking ahead to number 47. The Diesel Program has cleared and leveled the lot for the 47th Model Home. The design for the home has also been approved, and students in our Architectural, Engineering and CAD Technologies Program are working on the plans. The Model Home Project takes a lot of work and coordination, but the experience students get as a result makes it all worthwhile.
| "Carpentry students work on the interior of the 46th Model Home" |
C3T The University of Hawai'i's seven community colleges were awarded a major federal grant in 2011 that totaled $24.6 million.
Known as C3T - which is short for Department of Labor, Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant - the program is being used to develop education and training curricula and student coaching in three sectors with anticipated growth: energy, agriculture and health care.
With a strong agriculture sector on the Big Island, Hawai'i CC will have a significant role to play in the agriculture portion of C3T, and we expect to launch non-credit agriculture classes in mid-May.
Though it's complicated to develop new programs, C3T's goals are simple. We want to work with industry to develop programs that will train people for jobs that are in demand. C3T's focus is on training people who are already in the workforce and want to retool themselves.
We expect to have a workshop in early May to introduce people to our new agriculture classes.
PROGRAM ADVISORY COUNCIL One of our roles at Hawai'i Community College is to develop an educated workforce that meets the needs of industry.
To help achieve this, we maintain a close relationship with industry leaders and experts to ensure that our graduates are leaving Hawai'i CC with the skills potential employers need. A key element in this relationship is our Career and Technical Education Program Advisory Council, which is Hawai'i CC's primary connection to industry. Participants in the Advisory Council inform us of new trends and evaluate our curriculum to ensure it is relevant and serves industry well.
Hawaii CC's Career and Technical Education Program faculty have revised programs and courses in an effort to address the rapidly changing needs of our island, and in April we will host an Advisory Council meeting to gather the input we need to make sure our programs are serving both students and the business community.
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Words of Wisdom
By Tommy Goya
"It is sometimes very difficult to be a passenger when you have been in the driver's seat for a long time."
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What's Happening June 17, 2013 SAVE THE DATE 63rd Annual Installation Hilo Yacht Club 5:30 pm Registration 6:30 pm Dinner & Program More information forthcoming
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2012-2013
Officers & Directors |
Executive Officers
Jon Arizumi, President
Carol VanCamp, 1st Vice President
David Honma, 2nd Vice President
Darren Nishioka, 3rd Vice President
Naomi Menor, Japanese Secretary
Donn Mende, Treasurer Ivan Nakano, Auditor
Michael Kaleikini, Immediate-Past President
Directors - term expiring 6/30/13 Howard Ainsley Ka'iu Kimura
Kimo Lee Barry Mizuno
Dwayne Mukai
Seth Murashige Eugene Nishimura
Chad Ogata
Directors - term expiring 6/30/14 Tommy Goya
Phoebe Lambeth Marvin Min Russ Oda
Joseph Skruch
Arthur Taniguchi
Directors - term expiring 6/30/15
Janice Bueltmann
Barbara Hastings
Randy Kurohara
Tracey Miura
Michael Miyahira
Allan Onishi
Toby Taniguchi
Oshirase Newsletter
Amanda Lee, Editor Lei Momi Fujiyama, Executive Assistant
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Welcome New Members!
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Missy Miyashiro
Hawaii Paper Products, Inc.
935-9796, 938-7482
missy@hawaiipaperproducts.com
Jeremy Matsui
American Electric
Electrical Consultant
334-1238, 854-4504
jmatsui@american-electric.com
Lori Rogers
Hilo Medical Center
Executive Director
935-2957
LRogers@HHSC.org
Nina Ann Tanabe
Pacifc Food Technology
933-8611, 938-6701
ntanabe@pfthi.com
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