Mark Yamanaka, Hilo’s multitalented, Hoku-award winning musician and vocalist, recently was inducted as an honorary member of the Rotary Club of South Hilo by incoming president Pat Aiona Jr.
Mark Yamanaka, Hilo’s multitalented, Hoku-award winning musician and vocalist, recently was inducted as an honorary member of the Rotary Club of South Hilo by incoming president Pat Aiona Jr.
“Mark has been a great friend to the Rotary Club of South Hilo, volunteering his time and talents to club functions and activities,” Aiona said. “E komo mai and mahalo nui loa to Mark for his many contributions.”
Yamanaka graciously accepted the honor, vowing to continue his service to the club and acting as a highly visible ambassador for the club.
Raised in Hilo, Yamanaka taught himself to play ukulele and guitar, and by 1997, he began learning Hawaiian music from renowned kumu hula Johnny Lum Ho. Yamanaka’s soaring falsetto voice and creative guitar stylings make him immensely popular in Hawaii and Japan.
Yamanaka has won numerous Hoku awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year. When he is not performing, Yamanaka works for Aiona Car Sales and lives in Hilo.
For more information about the club, visit www.rotarysouthhilo.org. Yamanaka’s website is markyamanaka.com.