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President's Message
By David Honma, President
The first quarter of 2015 has all but come to an end, prompting two observations: how time flies and summer will soon arrive.
In the last two months, your chamber Board Members, Committee Chairs, and Assistant Executive Director Lei Momi Fujiyama Pillers remained hard at work enriching your membership experience and perpetuating our Japanese Heritage and Culture.
On February 4th, your chamber spearheaded an educational workshop, "State of Agriculture on Hawaii Island" via a luncheon at Imiloa Astronomy Center. At this sold out event, chamber members and guests heard three guest speakers: Derek Kirisu, EVP of KTA Super Stores; Glen Sako, Agricultural Specialist of the County of Hawaii Agricultural Department; and Dr. Russell Nagata, Agricultural Researcher and Professor at the University of Hawaii discuss informative and educational accounts about opportunities, challenges and status of the Agriculture Industry. Special thanks to chamber board members Charlene Iboshi and Michael Miyahira for championing this event.
On February 25th, Hawaii Community College Chancellor Noreen Yamane graciously hosted an appreciation luncheon for the Taste of Hilo Committee. After enjoying an onolicious lunch prepared by the culinary students of Hawaii Community College, Taste of Hilo Committee members and I were able to present a $10,000 donation with proceeds raised from our 16th Annual Taste of Hilo event to Chancellor Noreen Yamane. Special thanks again to our Taste of Hilo Committee co-chairs Russell Arikawa and Craig Shiroma and their hard working committee members on the success of yet another Taste of Hilo Event.
On March 2nd, your chamber together with the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored the "Journey to the Universe" reception held at the Hilo Yacht Club. At this event, I had the honor and privilege to represent our chamber and thanked the astronomy educators, businesses and volunteers who have been an integral part of the success of this weeklong event.
On March 4th, your chamber held its 16th Annual Golf Classic Tournament at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course. Once again, this sold out event was a tremendous success. A "Big Mahalo" to all our business sponsors and volunteers who year after year unconditionally support this event. Special Mahalo also goes out to our perennial title sponsor, Alan Ikawa and Big Island Candies and our golf committee members led by tri-chairs Kimo Lee, Mike Kaleikini and Toby Taniguchi. Last but not least, I would like to personally recognize Ivan Nakano in garnering the business community to support this event.
On March 23rd, your chamber held our first quarter general membership meeting in conjunction with sponsoring the County of Hawaii Annual Economic Outlook. This general membership meeting was held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel where the order of business was to accept the Officers and Directors for the upcoming fiscal year. Our meeting was shortly followed by Mayor Billy Kenoi, the featured guest speaker, who discussed the island's economic outlook and introduced the members of his cabinet. Mahalo to Lei Momi Fujiyama Pillers and Randy Kurohara for spearheading this sold out event.
Over the course of February and March, I was honored and privileged to attend two Shinnenkai celebrations. On February 8th, I attended Hui Okinawa's Shinnenkai at Aunty Sally's Luau Hale and on March 1st, I attended Hawaii Shima Fukuoka Shinnenkai at Hilo Meshoin. It is truly great to know that Hui Okinawa Kenjin Kai and Hawaii Shima Fukuoka Kenjin Kai remain steadfast in perpetuating their culture and heritage.
As the last quarter of my presidency progresses, I'd like to again thank all of you for everything you do for our chamber and community.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu,
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16th Annual Golf Classic Tournament
By Mike Kaleikini, Toby Taniguchi and Kimo Lee
The 16th Annual Golf Classic Tournament was another smashing success! The event was kicked off with words of wisdom from President Dave Honma, then chamber emcee extraordinaire Dwayne Mukai took over the start of the Classic. Tommy (Gong) Goya got the attention of all with his Gong banging technique. The traditional Sake barrel opening ceremony known as "Kagami-biraki" was performed with President Dave Honma, Title Sponsor representative Allan Ikawa of Big Island Candies and Randy Kurohara, representing Mayor Billy Kenoi, breaking open the barrel to start the classic event. All in attendance performed a kampai before heading out to the course.
The Chamber and the entire Golf Committee members would like to say mahalo nui loa for all who volunteered their 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 travelled from O'ahu to participate.
Congratulations to all of the lucky winners. Low Net winners was the team of Chad Ogata and Colby Pillers with a score of net 46.5. Really? Both men received one night stay each at the Hilton Waikoloa. Second place low net went to Kimo Lee and James Takamine with a net of 50, and their prize was one round each of golf at Kiahuna Golf Club on Kaua'i. Third place went to Clyde and Wendall Kojiro, with a score of 50 and a round of golf at Ko'olina Golf Club on O'ahu. Fourth place winners Josie Kiyan and Sharon Hirai scored 51 net and were both awarded certificates from Kuhio Grille, Sweet Thunder & Caf� 100. Being that this year's event was the 16th Annual, both of the 16th place finishers received 15,000 Hawaiian Air miles & one round of golf at Wailea Golf Course on Maui. Francis Rickard & Lloyd Okuda won 16th place with a score of 55 net. Low Gross winners Richard Carter and Laura Fujimoto receive a round of golf each for play at the Waikoloa King's Golf Course. Par 3 lucky drawing winners included Linda Tengan, Mike Kaleikini, Tom Yeh, Clyde Nekoba, Russell Arikawa, Eric Tao, and Steve Ueda.
The highly popular Game of Skill proved to be a continued hit attraction with our participants. Ivan Nakano got the 55" TV, Francis Rickard received the Fujifilm Camera, Chuck Erskine skillfully got the $250 cash and Linda Tengan got the Las Vegas package. Congratulations to everyone! Ultimately, the overall winner is the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai'i.
Live Auction action took place after all winners were announced. Items auctioned included a 5 night 4 day stay at the California Hotel and Casino (Chuck Erskine), 2 night stay at the Mauna Lani (Dwayne Mukai), 40,000 Hawaiian Miles (Owen Nakatsu), 4 rounds of golf at Nanea (Jerel Yamamoto), and a round of golf, with lunch for 4 at Kohanaiki (Terence Yagihara).
Mahalo nui again to Title Sponsor-Big Island Candies for their much appreciated support of our Chamber. This is Big Island Candies third consecutive year as Title Sponsor. Thank you to every one of the Golf Committee members & volunteers who lead the charge in getting this event done. Committee members are Allan Onishi, Art Taniguchi, Craig Shiroma, Deborah Shigehara, Dwayne Mukai, Ivan Nakano, , Jon Arizumi, Ka'iu Kimura, Kaloa Robinson, Kimo Lee, Mike Kaleikini, Mike Miyahira, Owen Nakatsu, Pearl Kang, Ross Birch, Russell Arikawa, Toby Taniguchi, Tommy Goya, Ryan Kajikawa, Dean Fuke and Tracy Yamaguchi.
Tri-chairs, Kimo Lee, Mike Kaleikini and Toby Taniguchi send out our sincerest thank you to everyone, and we look forward to another fun filled day at the 17th Annual Golf Classic to be held in 2016.
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Hawaii Community College Updates
By Chancellor Noreen Yamane
Aloha,
Members of JCCIH presented Hawai'i Community College with a $10,000 ceremonial check from the proceeds raised at the 16th Annual "A Taste of Hilo" event that was held Sunday, October 19, 2014. The presentation was made on February 25th during a mahalo luncheon at the College's gourmet dining room featuring the Culinary Arts Students who serviced and prepared the four-course meal showing their culinary talents.
The donation from JCCIH makes it possible for the College to award scholarships and recognize outstanding student academic achievements with the "E Imi Pono" award. The JCCIH is the only donation received from the community that allows support for faculty and staff professional development and campus improvement activities. This annual donation has contributed significantly to creating a richer campus life for students, staff, and faculty.
Attendees of the luncheon received a report on how donations were expended during the 2014-2015 academic year and briefly heard from students on how the scholarship is making a difference in achieving their academic goals, as well as from a faculty who highlighted professional development sessions for counselors.
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Current Benefits for Members
Please check out the current benefits and discounts that you can take advantage of as a JCCIH member!
Gina Tanouye, Allstate - Speegle Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing outstanding service with Aloha for your auto, home, renters, life insurance and financial service needs. Contact Gina Tanouye at [email protected] or 969-7767. For every referral the office receives, the member will receive a $10 gift card for allowing them to provide an insurance quote.
BIG ISLAND WISTERIA, LLC
Kagari Fujita, Ph. D, Big Island Wisteria, LLC is offering members translation services of Japanese to English, or English to Japanese at a discounted price. Contact Kagari Fujita at [email protected]
BOB'S JEWELERS, INC.
Amelia Hayashi, Bob's Jewelers is offering members 30% off watches; 30% off gold jewelry (Po Son Hon collection excluded); and 30% off sterling silver jewelry. Contact Amelia Hayashi at 935-8434.
Diann Horita - With an office in Hilo, Eyewear Hilo has been serving Keaau, Papaikou, Kurtistown and Waimea for more than 4 years. Prior to beginning in Dec. 2008, the staff was employed by Eyewear Hawaii, Inc. and that same respected service is found at Eyewear Hilo. When you desire superior cutting edge lens technology, call Eyewear Hilo at 935-1119. Members will receive a 20% discount.
Joy Madriaga, Hawaii Petroleum, Inc., HPI offers dependable bulk fuel and lubricant delivery services to all districts of the island. HPI's proprietary gas card program - Hawaii Fueling Network - provides a convenient, cost saving way for businesses and consumers to fuel. As a member, when you sign up with HFN, you will receive a discount on your gas purchase. Contact Joy Madriaga at 969-1405 for further questions. Applications are available at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii.
Sandy Wilson, Wilson's Trophies, provides awards for sports and academics; signs and banners; corporate awards, gifts & recognition; custom and personalized products (made to order); wood and acrylic crafting (laser engraving and designs); special occasions (Valentine's, Christmas, etc.); jewelry items (earrings, pendants, hair picks and more). Members will receive awards discounts. Contact Sandy Wilson at 969-7077.
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Words of Wisdom
By Tommy Goya
"The path to a sustainable future begins within your household"
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April 2015
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What's Happening
May 4, 2015
Taiko Lessons
Taishoji Soto Mission
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
May 27, 2015
Mentoring Skills in a Workplace
University of Hawaii at Hilo
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
More information forthcoming
June 17, 2015
65th Annual Installation
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Moku'ola Ballroom
5:30 pm Registration
6:00 Dinner
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2014-2015
Officers & Directors
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Executive Officers
David Honma, President
Darren Nishioka, 1st Vice President
Russell Arikawa, 2nd Vice President
Audrey Takamine, 3rd Vice President
Naomi Menor, Japanese Secretary
Donn Mende, Treasurer Ivan Nakano, Auditor
Carol VanCamp, Immediate-Past President
Directors - term expiring 6/30/15
Barbara Hastings
Randy Kurohara
Amanda Lee
Tracey Miura
Michael Miyahira
Allan Onishi
Debbie Shigehara
Nina Tanabe
Toby Taniguchi
Directors - term expiring 6/30/16 Nobuo Arimoto
Ross Birch
Laurie Correa
Charlene Iboshi
Michael Kaleikini
Ka'iu Kimura
Kimo Lee Barry Mizuno
Steve Ueda
Nico Verissimo
Directors - term expiring 6/30/17
Jon Arizumi
Tommy Goya
Josie Kiyan
Phoebe Lambeth
Dwayne Mukai
Russell Oda
Joseph Skruch
Arthur Taniguchi
Gina Tanouye
Jere Usui
Oshirase Newsletter
Amanda Lee, Editor Lei Momi Fujiyama Pillers, Executive Assistant
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Welcome New Members!
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Jan K. DeLuz
Wikifresh
505 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: 813-748-8803
[email protected]
Keith Okamoto
County of Hawaii, Department of Water Supply
345 Kekuanaoa St., #20, Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: 961-8050 Cell: 756-3773 Fax: 961-8657
[email protected]
Kimberly Pua
Wesley R. Segawa & Associates, Inc.
101 Silva St., ste. 201, Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: 935-4677 Fax: 888-880-6307
[email protected]
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