The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii will honor two multigenerational and longstanding companies at its Nikkei Kigyo Fundraising Dinner on Friday. ADVERTISING The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii will honor two multigenerational and longstanding companies at its Nikkei
The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii will honor two multigenerational and longstanding companies at its Nikkei Kigyo Fundraising Dinner on Friday.
The event benefits its scholarship fund.
“We are very pleased to honor HPM Building Supply and Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd., two outstanding Nikkei Kigyo (enterprise of Japanese ancestry) businesses in East Hawaii who have thrived because of their gambare (never give up) spirit, hard work, perseverance and the very important role both companies continue to play in our community and to recognize our first scholarship recipients,” said Roland Higashi, Nikkei Kigyo chairperson.
HPM Building Supply is a family-operated company that has been led by five generations of Fujimotos. Founded by two local building contractors Kametaro Fujimoto and Sanzo Kawasaki, it originally was called Hawaii Planing Mill Ltd. and was established in 1921.
Still involved in the company are Kametaro’s grandson, Bobby Fujimoto; his great-grandson, Michael; and his great-great-grandson, Jason. Because of the devastating tsunamis in 1946 and 1960, they were forced to rebuild. In 1961, they reopened at their current location on Kanoelehua Avenue and with branches in Waimea and Kona, and on Oahu and Kauai.
Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. also is a family-operated business that was founded by Hisato Isemoto, who, at age 25, started his own masonry business in 1922. In 1926, in order for his business to grow, it became Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. and now is led by third generation Leslie Isemoto, president and COO, along with Larry Isemoto, COB, retired.
Higashi said the company was built on family values and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, workplace safety and innovation. Isemoto Contracting is one of the largest general contractors on the Big Hawaii and some of their biggest projects include facilities at University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo International Airport, Wailuku Bridge and the Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium.
In addition, JCAH will honor scholarship recipients who each will receive $1.500. The three outstanding students are Fred Chavez Visaya Jr., Runa Ikeno and Keith Nerida.
Visaya is a freshman at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. He is majoring in performing arts with a music concentration and minoring in Japanese studies. He will be studying at Rikkyo University in Japan to pursue his dream of becoming a professional taiko artist and to study music.
Ikeno is a freshman at UH-Hilo who hopes to increase her knowledge of the Japanese language and literature, and develop her communication skills to become an expert translator. She aspires to receive her degrees in Japanese studies and linguistics.
Nerida is a freshman at UH-Hilo majoring in computer science and Japanese studies. After graduation, his goal is to enter into a career in computer science and use his Japanese language skills either in the United States and/or Japan.
