Hawaii 24/7 reporting by Margaret Masunaga
The Kona Japanese Civic Association hosted its annual meeting and festival Sunday, June 26 at Konawaena High School.
Consul General of Japan Yoshihiko Kamo and his wife were on hand as the day included honoring military veterans and student essay winners, as well as swearing in the new slate of association officers.
Hannah Shimizu and Rachel Bonn were hailed as the winners of the Hawaii – Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan Student Environmental Ambassador Program. Both students will visit Japan as part of their ambassadorship.
The two West Hawaii Explorations Academy students earned a trip to Shizuoka with their winning essay entries.
Kona’s veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service were also honored and recognized.
The 2011 Officers and Directors of the KJCA were sworn in by Judge Melvin Fujino.
They include: President Walter Kunitake, board advisors/members Ed Kaneko, Margaret Masunaga, Tadao Sakamoto, Guy Toyama, Susan Shirota, Glenn Uchimura, second vice president Claudia Chang, third vice president Morris Nagata, English secretary Marsha Boyle, Wayne Tanaka, Merna Izawa and Japanese secretary Takeo Izawa.
More than 500 people attended the event and enjoyed a performance by Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu.
The Kona Japanese Civic Association was organized in order to support activities that relate to the Japanese culture in Kona.
— Find out more:
www.konajapanesecivicassociation.org
a celebration that culminated with great memories of the the food cooked from scratch with head chef dale kabei, children having fun in making origami, make and take flower arrangements, hachimaki and much more.
the fellowship among all created an enduring bond within the community.
much mahalo to everyone participating.