Junior Achievement of Hawaii Island on July 20 inducted Sidney Fuke to its Business Hall of Fame, and also honored Irene Nagao with the Junior Achievement of Hawaii Island Distinguished Supporter Award.
Fuke has lived his entire life in Hawaii. Born and raised in Pahala, he is a graduate of Hilo High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
After receiving his master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Illinois, he started A 13-year career at Hawaii County as a planner. He then worked his way up to deputy planning director then planning director serving in the head role for eight years. Since 1985 he has served as a private land use consultant.
Fuke said he takes great joy and pride in his community service and involvement. He is a member of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a former board member of Hospice of Hilo, Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Kyodan, Hawaii Health System, Na Leo Hawaii, Hawaii County Liquor Commission and is the current chair of the county Liquor Adjudication Board and member of the State Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
Irene Nagao was born in Honolulu and graduated from Honolulu Business College majoring in accounting. She has been actively involved with JAHI, serving on the Board of Directors for over 25 years.
Nagao has touched many young lives over the years with her volunteer efforts. She has also assisted in rehabilitation efforts, serving on the Friends of the Big Island Drug Court for 17 years, and worked closely with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on its programs for the reintegration of incarcerated people.
Nagao balances her life by being involved in other programs like the Zonta Club of Hilo for 44 years, Rotary Club of Hilo Bay and the Red Hat Society “Ula La” Chapter, and has won many community honors.
This year’s Business Hall of Fame dinner and reception to honor Fuke and Nagao took place at The Arc of Hilo. Proceeds from the event support Junior Achievement of Hawaii Island’s financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs, which are delivered to more than 4,000 K-12 students on the island annually.