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Allan Ikawa, Reed Sunahara and Newton Chu have been named recipients of Hilo High Foundation Distinguished Alumni Awards.

To honor the recipients, the Hilo High Foundation will hold its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Recognition Dinner at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at Sangha Hall in Hilo.

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Ikawa, Hilo High School Class of ’67, is the renowned founder of Big Island Candies. From humble beginnings at a little store in the Kanoelehua Industrial Area to its flagship store in Hilo and a store at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Ikawa has grown Big Island Candies into an internationally recognized brand.

Ikawa is the recipient of numerous accolades throughout the business, golf and public school communities. His generosity has touched multitudes of people across many generations, and he is a steadfast pillar of the East Hawaii community.

Sunahara, Hilo High School Class of ’81, recently returned home to become the University of Hawaii at Hilo Vulcans women’s volleyball head coach. During his collegiate days, Sunahara helped UCLA win three consecutive national championships and was a two-time All American.

Throughout his many years of coaching volleyball, Sunahara has accomplished over 400 career wins and has received multiple Coach of the Year awards. A stellar athlete and coach, Sunahara says: “I left Hilo, but Hilo never left me.”

Chu is a director of the Hawaii Island office for the Torkildson Katz law firm. A distinguished attorney, Chu has received numerous accolades for his meticulous attention to detail and effective negotiating skills on behalf of clients.

Chu is most proud of his two children, who are both graduates of Hilo High School. An avid supporter of Hilo High, Chu believes that with dedication and love for our children, one can truly make a lasting impact.

The public is invited to attend this recognition dinner. Tickets are $100 and include a special dinner catered by Don’s Grill featuring chef Sheldon Simeon.

Special tables for group sponsors are available: Platinum, $2,500; Blue, $2,000; Gold, $1,500; and Viking, $1,000.

This event is a great time for alums to put together a table with classmates, while helping Hilo High and the Foundation.

The Hilo High Foundation is nonprofit tax-exempt foundation dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities for students at Hilo High.

To purchase sponsor tables, please contact Art Taniguchi at (808) 987-0287, For individual or small group ticket information, please email hilohighfoundation@gmail.com.

Visit www.hilohighfoundation.org for more information.