Manliguis and Kawahara have requested that attendees consider making an additional donation to the foundation, in lieu of leis.
Al Manliguis and Karl Kawahara will receive Distinguished Service Awards later this month from the Hilo High School Foundation.
The foundation will honor Manliguis and Kawahara during its second annual Recognition Dinner at Sangha Hall in Hilo on Feb. 15.
Both men said they were surprised to learn about the awards when notified by foundation president Barry Taniguchi and vice president Allan Ikawa.
Manliguis, a 1948 graduate of Hilo High School, was a star basketball player for the Vikings who went on to play for the University of Hawaii at Manoa Rainbow Warriors. He returned to Hilo High School as a guidance counselor and coached the Hilo High Vikings basketball team for 27 years, winning 19 BIIF championships and a state championship in 1964.
Manliguis said he was surprised to learn he was selected for the foundation award.
“There are so many others that are more qualified than I,” he said. “Hilo High will always hold a special place in my heart. I have been a Viking supporter for my entire life, and I am glad the foundation is there for the kids.”
Kawahara taught social studies at Hilo High from 1961 until his retirement in 1993. Because he was from a coffee farm region of Holualoa, Kawahara was affectionately known by many former students as “Javaman.”
Kawahara expressed his support for the dinner because the goals of the foundation are to help the students.
“During all of those years, I’ve always kept the welfare of my students in mind — even when not actively teaching,” he said. “I especially tried to help the underdogs succeed in life. I still look forward to seeing many of my former students around town.”
The public is welcomed to attend the dinner, which will help raise funds for the foundation. Tickets are $50 and include a special dinner catered by Don’s Grill. Ticket buyers are encouraged to organize a mini-reunion with their class. Special tables for group sponsors are available: Platinum $1,500, Blue $1,000, Gold $750 and Viking $500.
Organizers said the event is a great opportunity for alums to put together a table with classmates, while helping Hilo High and the Foundation.
The Hilo High Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt foundation dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities for students at Hilo High. For sponsors and purchasing tables, please contact Art Taniguchi at 854-2020, Ivan Nakano at 930-6477 or Roberta Chu at 854-2025.
For individual or small-group ticket information, please contact foundation secretary Newton Chu, 961-0406, or foundation treasurer Janet Hara, 935-5404, or via email: hilohighfoundation@gmail.com.
Manliguis and Kawahara have requested that attendees consider making an additional donation to the foundation, in lieu of leis.