The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii recently conducted its installation of officers for 2016-17 during a ceremony attended by officials of the Higashi-Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry visiting from Japan.
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii recently conducted its installation of officers for 2016-17 during a ceremony attended by officials of the Higashi-Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry visiting from Japan.
Russell Arikawa of Ginoza Realty Inc. was installed as president of JCCIH during the 66th annual event. The two chambers continue to explore beneficial opportunities between the business communities of Higashi-Hiroshima and East Hawaii.
Arikawa, a Realtor, has served the chamber as government affairs chief and as a chairman of the popular Taste of Hilo. He is a director of the Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association and a commissioner with the Department of Water. Born in Hilo, he graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Arikawa said East Hawaii faces many challenges, old and new.
“It is an era distinguished by community service,” he said, but it is also a time “which challenges every elected official and public servant. We must be more accountable and more accessible to the people.”
Arikiawa received the gavel from immediate past president Darren Nishioka of CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union.
Other officers of JCCIH include: first VP, Audrey Takamine of Takamine Construction; second VP, Stephen Ueda of Suisan; third VP, Donn Mende of County of Hawaii; treasurer, Joseph Skruch; auditor, Ivan Nakano of I. Kitagawa &Co. Ltd.; and Japanese secretary, Naomi Menor of Naomi’s World Travel Service.
Sandra Dawson of the Thirty Meter Telescope gave the installation keynote address. JCCIH has been a staunch supporter of TMT and worked closely with the astronomy community to promote culturally appropriate scientific research.
JCCIH fosters economic sustainability and perpetuates the Japanese cultural heritage and traditions in Hawaii. The chamber sponsors the popular annual Taste of Hilo, hosts business and cultural events and information sessions throughout the year, and works with other organizations as a watchdog over state and county legislation.
For information about JCCIH programs and membership, visit www.jccih.org.