The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii is pleased to announce that this year’s Shinnen Enkai (New Year’s celebration) Banquet will include celebrating JCAH’s milestone 50th anniversary — along with the installation of officers and directors — on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Moku’ola Room, starting at 4:30 pm.
The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii is pleased to announce that this year’s Shinnen Enkai (New Year’s celebration) Banquet will include celebrating JCAH’s milestone 50th anniversary — along with the installation of officers and directors — on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Moku’ola Room, starting at 4:30 pm.
Burt Tsuchiya, information technology specialist at the Department of Education and past president of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, will be installed as president, along with 1st VP Delbert Nishimoto, VPs Toby Taniguchi and Garth Yamanaka; Treasurer Mike Miyahira; Secretary Jane Miyasaki; Japanese Secretary Reiko Hamano; and Auditor Ivan Nakano.
In announcing the guest speaker, Lincoln Ashida, outgoing president said, “We are honored to welcome as our guest speaker Duane K. Kurisu, who was born and raised in the sugar towns of the Big Island of Hawaii and is a graduate of Hilo High School and University of Hawaii-Manoa.”
Kurisu is the chairman and CEO of aio, a diverse family of companies firmly rooted in local values.
Kurisu is also a real estate investor and owns and manages office buildings, shopping centers, hotels and industrial parks and is a minority owner of the San Francisco Giants Baseball Club and serves on many boards of directors, nonprofit organizations and is a former regent for the University of Hawaii.
aio Foundation is the developer of Kahauiki, an affordable, plantation-style community designed for previously homeless families, in partnerships between businesses, government and community organizations.
Entertainment will be Hilo’s own Mark Yamanaka, 14-time Na Hoku Hanohano award winner and songwriter. Puna Taiko will welcome everyone to the event.
In 1971, a committee was formed by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce &Industry of Hawaii with the intent of starting a sister organization whose purpose would be perpetuating the Japanese culture on Hawaii Island and maintaining good relationships with Japan through the Consul-General’s office in Honolulu. JCAH received its official charter in 1974.
If interested in attending, call JCAH at (808)969-6437 or email jcahawaii@yahoo.com for more information.
Reservations are required in advance.