Kimberly Malia Hiramoto

IMG_7331.JPG, originally uploaded by RemyOmar.

Hello Everyone:

I just wanted to announce the birth of our daughter Kimberly Malia Hiramoto. She was born on December 4, 2007, at 1:13pm by Cesarean section. She was 9lbs and 21 inches long. We are all back home, and Katrina and Kimberly are doing well.

In related news, Cathryn Rosa is also about to have a baby. Please join me in wishing Catt well on her upcoming new arrival.

Double News: Iolani Overpowers Kauai by Chance Gusukuma

Hopefully we can get more info from our resident actor/journalist, but it looks like Chance is writing for the Star-Bulletin. Covering our alma mater, to top it off. Way to go, Chance! You can read his story here.

Chance is also an accomplished actor. The image is from Chance's performance in 2004 as a plantation worker in Kathryn Bond's "Cane Fire". Click on the image for the story.

2 Wild and Crazy Gals

We are fast approaching 20 years since we all left Iolani. What's more concerning is that we are all approaching 40! And yet, annoyingly, we find that some classmates have ceased to age. Here's a picture (and granted it's two years old) of our classmates Erica Chong and Andrea Saranchock, looking like they just left high school (in a good way, I should say, before I get any hate mail). Erica e-mailed that she is living in Australia (working for Qantas), and still stays in touch with Andrea. Erica made a note to say that she isn't partying as hard as she used to (right), but holds her own in Aussie drinking contests with her boyfriend. Erica also indicated that Andrea has a beautiful 7 year old son. Congrats, Andrea!

(this corrects the previous post indicating Andrea's son was only 2, Erica e-mailed to tell me that she might have been "jet-lagged" when she last wrote to me)

'Iolani Girls Volleyball #1

'iolani shoots down the flying zeroes on puns' own home court, originally uploaded by Watari Goro 渡五郎.

Iolani defeated Punahou (at Punahou) to go to 15-0 and hold their number 1 ranking in the state.

Go Iolani!!

Star Bulletin story here
Honolulu Advertiser story here

Thanks again to Steve Okubo the graphics and heads up on the story!

COSTCO: Hawaii's Own

Iolani 85 Grad, Kermet Apio, lives and works up in Seattle, and a mutual friend sent me a website, the Northwest Hawaii Times, that he writes a column for called "Kermet Apio's Laugh Corner". Kermet works as a comedian and you can read up more about him at his website, and find out where he's performing next. I know a bunch of you are located up in Seattle, so check him out if you can. Anyway, here's his most recent post from the Northwest Hawai'i Times, called COSTCO: Hawaii's Own, which is pretty damn funny:

"Last week the Seattle Sunday paper had an article about the Hawaii Costco stores. To be honest I did not know about the piece because it was not in the sports section. An alert reader informed me of it (and by “alert reader” I mean “my wife”). The article was written by Monica Soto Ouchi, the Seattle Times retail reporter. I did not know there was a retail reporter. I did not know there was a need for a retail reporter.

EDITOR: “We got a call that somebody just bought something! Monica, get your clipboard and get out there! I want this story yesterday! MOVE!!”

And theoretically, shouldn’t the Costco story be covered by the wholesale reporter? You see, writing jokes isn’t easy. Please don’t try this at home.

The story followed Costco’s CEO Jim Sinegal as he visited the store in Iwilei (pronounced “kinda by Nimitz”). The article said that he normally visits every year the week after Christmas, which is the first rule of running a national company: Don’t visit the Wisconsin store until May.

Just in case you’ve been in a cave or rehab for 20 years, Costco sells items in bulk at discounted prices. Their motto is “You’ll have more tartar sauce than you’ll ever need, but at $4, why not?” They also sell deli items at cheap prices like a huge hot dog and soda for $1.50, a big slice of pizza for $2, and chicken ceasar salad for whatever loose change you might have in your pocket. How are they able to sell this stuff so cheap? Money laundering. Or volume. Probably volume. The Iwilei Costco is one of their top three biggest branches in the country. I have no idea if anything in this paragraph is true, but once I add it to Wikipedia, it will be.

Costco is very popular in Hawaii for two simple reasons. First, when the median price of a home is $620,000, chances are most people are looking for a deal on milk. Second, the idea of more food is, quite simply, the way Hawaiians think.

My Mom makes one (and only one) size of beef stew. It is enough to feed the whole family, despite the fact that none of their kids have lived in the house for 8 years. They eat beef stew for five straight meals (beef stew omelets, beef stew sandwich, beef stew wrap, etc.) and then store the remaining two buckets in a freezer that is bigger than the car. So you see, Costco is not just a store but a means of advancing the culture. Why would two retired empty nesters buy huge amounts of food in bulk? Pride, my friends. Hawaiian Pride.

Hawaii Costco’s have Hawaiian bulk foods like Lau Lau, Lomi Salmon, Spam and Poke. Yes, poke sold by the pound. One time I hadn’t been home in a while and decided to do a research project. I wanted to find out how much raw fish and poi a grown man could eat before he couldn’t recognize family members. Sure it wasn’t pretty but for a few fleeting moments it was truly wonderful, and all in the name of science. They also sell cases of macadamia nut chocolates. These are mainland gold. I am convinced that a few people have held on to friendship with me purely because when I get back to Seattle they may get candy. These chocolates are also very useful in small bribes and boss butt kissing.

Once in Costco I saw a keg-sized bottle of Ibuprofen. Is there really a huge market for this? That’s a lot of headaches. Is there a “Three Stooges” taping going on nearby? If you need this much Ibuprofen now, you need to quit your job.

I know Costco sells tires, but I’ve never bought any because I believe you have to buy them in packs of twelve. I do, however, love the Kirkland Signature Caviar in the gallon jar. Once again, all this will be in Wikipedia.

Jim Sinegal makes a salary of about $440,000 a year. It is a lot of money but many CEOs make that while on the potty. He believes in sharing the wealth. The average pay at Costco is $17 an hour, more than 40 percent higher than Sam’s Club employees. Also, Costco’s health care coverage is very good. When a Costco worker gets injured he goes to his doctor and gets it treated. When a Sam’s Club worker gets injured he waits 14 hours in an ER and then goes home and rubs aloe on the area, hoping the broken shin heals itself by the next business day. Hey, I just realized who the keg-sized bottle of Ibuprofen is for.

Costco and Hawaii are a perfect match. Very few Hawaiians want to buy just one (or a little) of anything. So I have to get the kids ready and head to the Shoreline Costco. Today they have a lot of nice older ladies giving out free samples of everything from meatballs to hummus. You know what my wife and I call that? Date night."

raiders sink wolfpack, 27-12

raiders sink wolfpack, 27-12, originally uploaded by Watari Goro 渡五郎.

The 'Iolani Raiders defeated the Pac-5 Wolfpack, 27-12 in the first game of an ilh doubleheader at aloha stadium. The Raiders showed their character, coming from a 12-0 deficit to shutout the wolfpack the remainder of the game, again scoring 27 unanswered points for the victory.

As an added bonus for the evening, the st. louis crusaders pounded the flying zeroes (Punahou) 28-14 in the nightcap.

honolulu advertiser story here.

star bulletin story here. (scroll down past the story, of how st. louis rips the flying zeroes.)

Thanks Steve for the image and story!

'iolani 46 damien 19

'iolani 46 damien 19, originally uploaded by Watari Goro 渡五郎.

"In ilh the season opener for both teams, the 'iolani raiders dethroned the damien monarchs, 46-19. the raiders broke a 19-all tie, scoring 27 unanswered points to seal the victory."

Mahalo Steve!

July 'Iolani Alumni E-Newsletter - A Touch of `Iolani

Hi ‘88ers –

In case you don’t receive Mike Moses’ monthly e-newsletter, here’s the link. The focus of this edition is Saturday’s A Touch of `Iolani. With all the planning and hard work going into this event, it will be a source of pride for our class. For those who are away, please take a look at the highlights of the unbelievable silent auction assembled by Dawn and Kellie, and if any of the big ticket items interests you, let me know and I’d be happy to bid for you.

Take care,

Scott

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Moses [mailto:mmoses@iolani.org]
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2007 2:09 PM
To: mmoses@iolani.org
Subject: July 'Iolani Alumni E-Newsletter

To view the July ‘Iolani Alumni E-Newsletter, click here.

Mike Moses '93
Director of Alumni Relations
Iolani School
563 Kamoku Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: (808) 943-2309
Fax: (808) 943-2326

"Touch" Silent Auction Needs Your Kokua

raider rooters 2018, originally uploaded by Watari Goro 渡五郎.

Hi all,

You should have received a “Touch of `Iolani” letter several months ago from our classmates Dawn (Izawa) Hirano and Kellie (Kakugawa) Saiki, who have courageously accepted the thankless jobs of Silent Auction chairs. Along with their committee members Kris (Kaneshiro) Tokioka, Mike Ching, and David Nagai (I apologize if I’ve left anyone out), our fearless co-chairs have been hunting and begging – non-stop and shamelessly – for auction donations. They’ve done an awesome job, and a number of classmates, parents, and businesses have responded generously.

10 classmates (including the Silent Auction chairs and committee themselves) have personally donated cash, gift certificates, or goods ranging from $100 to $300, 4 parents have donated gift certificates or goods valued at $100 or more, and several other classmates have used their connections to secure some fabulous items like spa treatments, neighbor island getaways, and electronics. For example, Jimmy Wong recently secured a celebrity chefs dinner for 10 at the home of Roy Yamaguchi, for which Dawn secured a starting bidder at $5000.

But with 4 weeks to go, our Class of ‘88 goal of raising $30,000 for `Iolani’s scholarship and educational programs is within reach, but the little engine that could is running out of steam. They’ve written to everyone in sight and called to follow up. If you haven’t already, please consider donating $50, $100, a nice bottle of wine from your parents’ stash, or whatever you can in support of our school and our classmates leading the charge. A donation form is attached (to e-mail); or e-mail me at iolani1988@hawaii.rr.com for the form if you are reading this on the Blog.

Mahalo for your support. Go Silent Auction! Go Raiders! `Iolani No Ka Oi!

Scott

BZ and Cindy go to Oklahoma

Beez and Cindy Zane stopped off in Redondo Beach, where Katrina and I hooked up with them for a couple of weekends. They were on their way to Oklahoma City, OK, for 1 year for Cindy's internship as part of her Psy.D. degree. Beez and Cindy were married in November of last year, and Cindy recently completed her course work for her doctorate in Hawaii. Beez, as some of you know, was a deputy prosecutor on Kauai before moving back to Oahu, and taking a position in the public defenders office, where he met Cindy. So, since they will be out in Oklahoma for Cindy's doctorate program, you might be asking, "is Beez going to take the BAR exam for OK? Where is he going to work?" Well, the short answer is that he is going to be very busy supporting Cindy in whatever she is doing, and also very busy landing a job at the best golf course that will hire him. Preferably one that has a very liberal employee play policy.

Touch of Iolani -- Great News, Last Chance

Thanks to the tireless efforts of many classmates led by Ticket Sales chair Kevin and overall event chair Lisa, all reserved tables are sold out and individual tickets are expected to sell out as early as tomorrow (definitely in the next several days). This represents a significant milestone for our class in this planning effort, but for those who haven’t purchased tickets yet and plan to attend (including the class workforce), please call Norma Maruyama in the Institutional Advancement Office @ 943-2322 and mention to her that you are a member of the class of ’88. No joke, call now!

Round 3 - Iolani '88: Where Are They?

After a long hiatus, here’s the next group of classmates I’m hoping to get e-mail addresses for … pls. kokua:

Stephanie Kim

Amy Kincaid

Walt Kunimitsu

Rhonda Kuwaye Gordon

Mike Lau

Katy Leahey

Erik Leong

Eric Lindfors

Pam Lundquist

Greg Lung

Andrew Chris Marshall

Jeff Masatsugu

Scot Matsuo

Terence Matsuoka

Susan McCreary

Seamas Mercado

Randy Meyer

Marc Honma -- Operation Aloha

I was watching KHNL’s news tonight and saw our classmate Marc Honma talking about Operation Aloha, a terrific program that sends care packages to our military troops deployed in the Middle East. More on Operation Aloha and Marc’s Wholesale Unlimited business at: http://cybersnacks.net/operation_aloha.html. Mahalo to Marc also for his generous support toward A Touch of Iolani. (Pictured Wesley Tong and Marc Honma)

You can read the KHNL story here, where you'll also find a link to the extended video interview.

FW: A Message From The Touch of 'Iolani Committee

‘88ers –

Here’s a message we generated that is being sent to the Iolani alumni community via class reps. As you’ll see, it mentions the upcoming early-bird deadline to buy Touch tickets, the sellout of reserved tables (kudos to Kevin for spearheading that effort) and the decorations effort (Lei) that is really unprecedented for this event. This message doesn’t mention all of the other committees like Entertainment/Logistics (Denise/Jason/Vickie), Manpower (Cec/Brad), Class Attire (Branden), Food (Parker/Robin), Beverages (Greg/Umo), and Publicity (Mark F.) operating at full speed. Special credit goes out this week to Dawn and Kellie for raking in well over $10k in big ticket silent auction items. More on those items to follow.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, get them soon because they are going to go fast and the event is going to be something our class can be proud of. Committee members are trying to sell their allotments, so contact any of them or me. One month to go!

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Moses [mailto:mmoses@iolani.org]
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 9:40 AM
To: mmoses@iolani.org
Subject: A Message From The Touch of 'Iolani Committee

Dear Class Reps:

Early Bird Discount Deadline Approaching! The Class of 1988 and the `Iolani Alumni Association enthusiastically encourage you to purchase your tickets to "A Touch of `Iolani," taking place on Saturday, August 4th. Mail your registration form and payment by June 30th to receive the early-bird discounted price of $55 per ticket. Online registration is also available.

Hope You'll Join The Fun!

The 12th Annual Touch, themed "Courtyard Pa`ina," will transform the courtyards of the Upper School into a tropical setting perfect for a local-style celebration, complete with delicious dishes, masterful music (including a special performance by Paul Shimomoto '86), and so many friends to talk story with.

The Touch planning committee is sending this special message to the alumni community in hopes of increasing alumni attendance at this year's event. Among the festivities will be the presentation of the Alumni Service Award to retired Bishop Richard S.O. Chang '59. Ticket sales are on pace for another sellout (all of the reserved tables allocated are now sold). Don't be too late ... get your tickets today!

Mike Moses '93
Director of Alumni Relations
Iolani School
563 Kamoku Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: (808) 943-2309
Fax: (808) 943-2326

For those wondering where our classmate Mike Nakagawa's nickname came from...

Former prosecutor and judge brought compassion to court

Togo Nakagawa / 1923-2007

Retired Judge Togo Nakagawa, known as a compassionate man who never sought the limelight, died May 15 at his Honolulu home. He was 84.

Nakagawa was Honolulu's last appointed prosecutor.

"It's a loss to all. He was a good man to this community, and he served the community well," said Arthur Ross, a defense attorney who worked as a deputy prosecutor under Nakagawa. "He brought an evenhandedness in dealing with all his deputies."

Nakagawa, a veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II, had been struggling with Parkinson's disease and diabetes for several years, said Gloria Nakagawa, his wife of nearly 20 years.

"He was a nice man," said his son, John Nakagawa.

For nearly a decade, Nakagawa served as deputy prosecuting attorney until Mayor Frank Fasi appointed him prosecutor in 1977.

After losing the primary election for the prosecutor's position, Nakagawa retired from the prosecutor's office in 1980, entering private law practice. He became a part-time district judge in Family Court in 1982 and was appointed a full-time judge in 1986.

Born in Honolulu, Nakagawa graduated from McKinley High School. After World War II he served as executive secretary of the 442nd Veterans Club. In 1967 he graduated from George Washington University Law School, and was admitted to the Hawaii bar a year later.

C & K Concert FOR FREE!!! at Iolani School

Hello Everyone,

Please pass along word about the upcoming FREE C & K concert that the ‘Iolani Alumni Association is sponsoring on Saturday, June 16^th.

Here are the details:

When: Saturday, June 16, 2007, 5:00 pm

Where: “Iolani School Upper School Courtyard (ewa side of chapel)

Who: Cecilio and Kapono

How Much: FREE

Parking: In the Kamoku Street Structure and Baseball Field

Tickets: No tickets, but please RSVP at http://www.iolanialumni.org/events/index.asp?eventid=23

Seating: Bring a blanket for seating on the grass

Food: Bring your own, but limited concessions will be available

Drinks: No alcohol, please (HPD will confiscate any alcohol—NO EXCEPTIONS)

I have attached the event poster for more information. Please distribute it to ‘Iolani friends and classmates. It would be a great way to have a mini-reunion! More information is also available at the link above or you may e-mail me or call me at 808-943-2309.

Hope to see you there!

Mike

Mike Moses '93
Director of Alumni Relations
Iolani School
563 Kamoku Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: (808) 943-2309
Fax: (808) 943-2326

______________________________________________ 

Hope to see you there. I deleted the attachment because it is too large.

Scott

Round 2 - Iolani '88: Where Are They?

Thanks to everyone who responded to the first round of names with some form of updated contact info. Here’s round 2 … pls. kokua:

Kurt Ganiko

Stephen Goo - just got an update

“T” Goudeau

David Harauchi

Lance Higa

Malia Hildreth

Sean Hoe

Kathryn Hokama

Marc Honma

Mia Iuchi

Cari James

Brent Kaji

Kyle Kaneshige

Paul Kaneshiro

Ed Kealoha

Until next time, take care.

-----Original Message-----
From: Remy Hiramoto [mailto:remyomar@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 6:17 AM
To: Cecily Tsuchiya, DPM; iolani88@gmail.com; Scott Simon; lisalee@iolani.org; lisalee@iolani.honolulu.hi.us; remyomar.iolani88@blogger.com
Subject: E-mail Address Updates needed!!

Hi 88ers!

I hope this e-mail finds everyone doing well!

I've been using (and trying to update) an e-mail address that is probably out of date for many of you. Also, some of you have e-mails that aren't obvious who you are (like boomshakaboom@hawaii.rr.com or isurfbowls@hotmail.com). So, I have a request, could you please e-mail me, Simon, Lisa or Cec your current e-mail and name.

And if you know of others that aren't on distribution (or you see this on the blog: http://iolani88.blogspot.com), please send us an e-mail.

Cec: ctsuch1@hotmail.com
Simon: iolani1988@hawaii.rr.com
Lisa: lisalee@iolani.honolulu.hi.us

Thanks!!
Remy
--
Remy Hiramoto
remyomar@gmail.com
http://remyomar.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/remyomar/

Got Beef?

IMG_0072, originally uploaded by RemyOmar.

Kyle Seto, Iolani 88's travel gnome, has sent a few more pics of the Like Beef t-shirt from abroad. Here's the shirt at the Sydney Airport.

If anyone has pictures from abroad with Iolani or Iolani related stuff or just a shot that you'd like to share, send it to me, and I'll put it up on the blog.

Thanks Kyle! (And I'll get the other shots up later this weekend)

Iolani '88: Where Are They?

Hi gang!

Thanks to Remy for spearheading the blog and the e-mail list for us. Another project for this important summer is to expand our class e-mail net. You can help by looking over the lists I’m going to send periodically to see if you have a current e-mail address, mailing address, or phone number for anyone (or if I listed you and you’re getting my e-mails). Here goes:

Drue Apao

Joe Bright

Maile Carey

Ian Chang (e-mail address started bouncing)

Wendy Chen

Erica Chong

Lorne Chui

Laurel Chung

Mark Dale

Denise Dang - Just got an update

Damon Dias

Brent Duckworth

Pono Faulkner

Grant Fukuda

Jeff Furuta - just got update from Eric Moon

Okay, that’s 15. I’m hoping we can get half of these folks tracked down.

- Scott

E-mail Address Updates needed!!

Hi 88ers!

I hope this e-mail finds everyone doing well!

I've been using (and trying to update) an e-mail address that is probably out of date for many of you. Also, some of you have e-mails that aren't obvious who you are (like boomshakaboom@hawaii.rr.com or isurfbowls@hotmail.com). So, I have a request, could you please e-mail me, Simon, Lisa or Cec your current e-mail and name.

I thought I would add a picture of the famous W&M Bar-B-Q Burger stand in Kaimuki. Why? Because, W&M is grindz, and I don't have Walt Kunimitsu's e-mail address. And for those of you who don't know, Walt owns (and flips burgers) at W&M.

And if you know of others that aren't on distribution (or you see this on the blog: http://iolani88.blogspot.com), please send us an e-mail.

This is a vital request because Cec is planning our 20 year reunion in Vegas (right, Cec??). =)

Cec: ctsuch1@hotmail.com
Simon: iolani1988@hawaii.rr.com
Lisa: lisalee@iolani.honolulu.hi.us

Thanks!!
Remy
--
Remy Hiramoto
remyomar@gmail.com
http://remyomar.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/remyomar/

Huli Beef Heros

Another year = another great performance by ’88ers in the huli beef booth:

Meat cutting: Mike Ching, Robin Hirano, Sandy Low, Greg Sekiya, Kyle Seto, Robin Shimamoto, and Matt Wong (others were not able to participate because they were busy at the Touch planning meeting).

Fair Staff: Lawrence Chang, Mike Ching, Chance Gusukuma, Robin Hirano, Darren Kai, Corey Kawai, Jason Lau, Sandy Low, Denise Miyahira, Mike “Togo” & Darlene Nakagawa, Kevin Nishikawa, Evan Scherman, Greg Sekiya, Kyle Seto, Lisa & Scott Simon, Branden & Kim Sumida, Rick Takeshita, Cec Tsuchiya, Jimmy Wong, Matt Wong, and Kyle Yamaguchi.

(Please let me know if I missed anyone … very sorry if I did.)

Everyone who worked put in some OT to get thru a long day. We sold more sandwiches than ever, and customers said our “HULI!” order callouts made ours the most fun booth to order food at. Food chair Ernie told me that they upped the meat order this year, and by the end of Friday, we had sold more than half the meat and were up $2000 in sales over last year. There have been requests by other classes to trade booths with us, but the Fair organizers are very happy with our huli beef production and would be happy if we stayed put.

Goal between now and next fair: more classmates to join in the action! Thanks everyone!!!

Scott

'88 - Urgent Last Call for Friday Huli Beef Help/A Touch of Iolani Launch

Hi folks –

 

Iolani Fair – ’88 Huli Beef Booth - Fri., April 20^th.

Every year, particularly toward the end of the dinner rush hour shift, our classmates and significant others who just worked a full shift, maybe two shifts, ask me “When is the next shift coming?”  Unfortunately, too often my answer is “they’re already here.”  Meanwhile, Sekiya is barking “Huli 10!” from the counter and it’s back to frantically making sandwiches for everyone.

 

We’re short staffed again for all Friday shifts except the 5-8.  To those who have already signed up, THANK YOU SO MUCH on behalf of the school and our class!  To everyone else, please consider spending some time working at the Fair anytime that works for you (between 11am and 10:30pm).  If you can’t make it, please help by encouraging other classmates you’re in touch with to come out.  Yes, it’s work, but seeing everyone makes it fun. 

 

A Touch of Iolani – Sat., Aug. 4^th.  

Thanks to the efforts of our event chair Lisa and the entire planning committee, ticket sales for the 2007 A Touch of Iolani – Courtyard Pa`ina, presented by the Class of ’88, will kickoff tomorrow at the Fair.  Much more publicity from me will follow throughout the summer.  But for now, (1) block the date and buy your ticket(s), and (2) secure silent auction items.  Letters were sent to our parents asking for their kokua with silent auction items; please check to make sure they received the letter and encourage them to attend too.

 

It’s a big year for our class.  Hope to see you (very) soon.

 

Scott

Cutting Meat

Yo Peeps,

Let's see. There was Robin (not me), Sandy (Fu), Mike (Ching), Matt, Seto (Kyle), Simon (Scott), and Shizznatz. (I had to go back and clarify.) Anyways, a good time was had by all, and nobody will be eating knuckle flesh at this year's fair. Bobb separated the fatty bits out real good, as she does every year. The best part was talking stink about all the local c/o 88 folks who weren't there or the Touch committee meeting, so feel free to be present to defend yourselves Friday.

BTW, Remy, Kyle was wondering if everybody had access to post and comment on this blog. I think he has pictures to post.

Robin (Orbs)

Iolani 1863

1863, originally uploaded by Watari Goro 渡五郎.

Check out the cool new cap available through Iolani's on-line store or on campus.

Class of '88: 2007 Iolani Fair - Fri., April 20th

Hi ‘88ers-

Yes, it’s Iolani Fair time again. For the uninitiated, our class prepares and sells “huli beef” sandwiches, a delicacy found nowhere else. Fans of the huli beef sandwich return every year to say that it’s their favorite, even ordering 10 at a time to take home and freeze.

The class needs the following kokua:

1) Class Captain – attend a hosted dinner meeting at Sam Choy’s Breakfast Lunch and Crab on Wed., March 13^th @ 6 pm to receive important information regarding our booth and overall food operations, then relay that information to our classmates and others working our booth. I cannot attend this year.

2) Tues., April 17^th @ 6 pm – meat cutting at Iolani cafeteria (Touch of Iolani planning committee meeting at same time).

3) Fri., April 20^th from 11:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. – FAIR TIME! Shifts set by the Fair are as follows:

11:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Hope to see everyone for a few hours in our class booth. Please let me know what time you can be there.

Lots of help is needed for both Tuesday and Friday, especially this year. In addition to our Fair duties, our Touch of Iolani planning committee is hard at work. Because that committee will be meeting at the same time as the meat cutting and some folks will be spending time selling Touch tickets at the Fair, the huli beef effort will need extra help.

Due to some personal scheduling conflicts at Fair time with work, non-profit boards, Touch of Iolani, and Iolani parent duties, I am desperately looking for someone to serve as Class Captain (or co-Captain) for this year’s Fair. I have found that it is a great way to get better reacquainted with the school, connect with our class, and network with other alums. Please let me know.

Thanks for your kokua to our class and our school!

Scott

722-3422 (cel)

543-4775 (w)

Go Iolani!

raiders win ilh baseball season opener over warriors, 5-4, originally uploaded by Watari Goro 渡五郎.

Iolani baseball off to a great start beating defending ILH champions, Kamehameha.

Read more in the Honolulu Advertiser.

Iolani and the 1st President of the Republic of China

On November 12, 2006, China celebrated the 140th birthday of Sun Yat-Sen. 1st President and regarded as the "father of modern China". Leigh Wai-Doo (a former Honolulu City Councilman, was the founding president of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Hawaii Foundation) has written a commentary in the March 3, 2007 Honolulu Star Bulletin describing Sun Yat-Sen and her coverage of the celebrations in China. Sun Yat-Sen, while born in China (in the village of Cuiheng in Guangdong), spent his most formative years in Hawaii, and often called Ewa Beach his birth place.

Of course, we all remember that it was at Iolani that Sun Yat-Sen received his early education, and excelled in a number of subjects. Upon arriving in Honolulu at the age of 13, he spoke no English, however, within a few years at Iolani, he was awarded a prize in outstanding achievement in English by King David Kalakuaua. He eventually ended up at Punahou (then Oahu College), after completing his education at Iolani. He eventually returned to Hong Kong and studied medicine and earned his license from the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese (which later became the University of Hong Kong) and became Dr. Sun Yat Sen. Soon, however, Dr. Sun Yat Sen became a revolutionary, due to his desire to see China move more vigorously to modernization, and his perception that the current government was more interested in maintaining the status quo. He was disenchanted by how much the government seemed to be exploiting her people through heavy taxes and levies.

Leaving his medical practice, he became instrumental in the Qing Dynasty rebellion, which upon completion ended the Qing Dynasty. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's influence would continue far after his death. Not just in the continuation of his politics but in the people and organizations that he influenced and help found. One of his proteges during the rebellion was a young Chiang Kai Shek, and the organization that Dr. Sun led during this time (which Chiang Kai Shek was also a member) was Tiandihui, which precursor to the modern Triad groups.

Read more about Dr. Sun Yat Sen in:
Honolulu Star Bulletin
Iolani School
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Foundation in Hawaii
Wikipedia

Hawaii Business: 25 People for the Next 25 Years

According to Hawaii Business Magazine, 3 Iolani alums are listed among 25 people that will shape the next 25 years. Two of the three are from our very own Class of 1988.

- Maile Shimabukuro - State House of Representatives, District 45 (Waianae, Makaha, Makua)

- R. Scott Simon (aka. Rog) - Associate General Counsel with Hawaiian Electric Co.

and also class of '94 Adam Wong was also included in the list.

Read the article in Hawaii Business Magazine, "25 People for the Next 25 Years"

Congratulations Scott and Maile on your recognition in Hawaii Business Magazine!

"Our" Touch of Iolani - August 4th

As most of you know, our Class of ’88 is tasked with planning and running the 2007 “Touch of Iolani” event.  Each year, the class that is one year away from its 20-year reunion is in charge.  Our class steering committee, headed by Lisa Lee Simon and a slate of subcommittee chairs, is already busily at work but more help will be needed. 

 

Over the years, “Touch” has grown in size, complexity, and funds raised for the Alumni Association and the school.  Meeting the `Iolani community’s expectations for this event – great food & beverages, entertainment, huge silent auction, and enjoyment for 900+ guests – is going to require the support and effort of as many classmates as we can track down.

 

How can we help?

 

1. HOLD THE DATES – Event setup all day Friday, Aug. 3^rd and all day Saturday, Aug. 4^th can use the help of everyone who can make it.  For classmates living away who want to get reconnected instantly … fly in early so you can spend both days with the Touch crew.  Classmates living on Oahu … please block a vacation day for Aug. 3^rd and a kid-sitter for the 4^th.  Plenty of time to plan, so no excuses. J

 

2. CONTACT THE MANPOWER COMMITTEE – E-mail Manpower committee chairs Brad Sakamoto (Bradston@hawaii.rr.com) or Cec Tsuchiya (ctsuch1@hotmail.com) to let them know how you want to help.  Besides event setup and staffing, some of the planning subcommittees can use help during the months leading up to the event.  Also, significant others willing to kokua have played a big part in every Touch.  Compiling the manpower list early is important for planning and ordering class attire, so please don’t delay in contacting Brad or Cec to pledge your help.

 

3. HUSTLE DONATIONS – The first step to a successful silent auction is securing “good stuff.”  Whether sponsored by our employer, business contacts, parents, or friends, or the generosity of our own hearts, we all can and should contribute something that will capture bidders’ interest (and $$$).  For those who would rather not tap a “connection” to get a donation, members of previous classes have donated gift certificates or cash.  The committee can leverage cash donations by asking restaurants to sell discounted gift certificates or by purchasing airfare to create big-ticket trip packages.  If you have any close connections to business owners who would be willing to donate goods or services to the

 

4. BUY YOUR TICKETS – It is an established Touch policy is that volunteering or donating does not get anyone into the event free.  Everyone (including kids age 1 or older) must purchase a ticket to be present at the event.  Please help Kevin Nishikawa and the Ticket Sales subcommittee to get a head start by mailing in your order form (available in the next Iolani Bulletin) early. 

 

That’s it for now.  Mark Fujimoto and I are heading up Publicity, so you’ll definitely be hearing from us again soon!

 

Mahalo,

Scott