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President Message
By Russell M. Arikawa
Hajimemashite, mina-san!
Where do I begin? The months are just rolling by. Christmas is two months away and after that it will be only six months to June. Whew! Better start thawing out the turkey for Thanksgiving.
The Education Committee has been busy. Planning for one speaker is hard enough but our ambitious chairs,
Yu Yok Pearring and
Charlene Iboshi-Wagner, managed to secure two Hawaii State Department of Education Superintendents,
Chad Farias, complex area superintendent for Kau, Keaau, Pahoa and
Brad Bennett, complex area superintendent for Hilo-Waiakea, to speak at a special luncheon held at the Hawaii Community College cafeteria. As
Charlene said after the event, you got two for the price of one. Not only was the presentation fantastic and informative, the lunch was prepared by the all-star culinary students and I did not hear one complaint. There were over 60 people who on September 23, took time from their work to listen to two great leaders of our educational system. I was impressed by the speakers, the attendees and the food. Good job, Education Committee!
Social & Cultural Committee held its second Japanese Taiko drumming lesson on September 14, at the Taishoji Soto Mission on Kinoole St. Of course the instructor was the incomparable leader of the Taishoji Taiko,
Chad Nakagawa. This group was formed in 1989 and it continues to try new ideas, while practicing the "bon dance" cultural. Thank you,
Chad, for your time to instruct our nine brave and strong members on how to properly "beat" the drums. Advil time!
We've just finished our signature event, the 18th Taste of Hilo on Sunday, October 16. Led by energizer bunny,
Craig Shiroma and second year co-chair,
Ryan Kajikawa, the committee continues to go all out for the community. This year's featured chef was
Brian Hirata, who is a culinary instructor at Hawaii Community College. Chef
Brian prepared Maui Nui Venison two different ways. Reports by all who tasted were glowing!
I'm back from Higashi-Hiroshima where we were guests of the Higashi-Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Oct. 8 and 9 was its annual Saijo Sake Matsuri, where over 250,000 people from all over Japan come to taste over 900 types of sake. Having attended this event last year with immediate past president,
Darren Nishioka, this year I was well prepared. We had nine members from our chamber, including 1st Vice President,
Audrey Takamine and Past President
Carol Van Camp, visiting this great festival and I am sure that they had as much fun as I had. I'll report more on this in a later Oshirase.
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| From left to right: Ron De Lay, Past President Carol VanCamp De Lay, 1st Vice President Audrey Takamine, Carol Ginoza-Arikawa, President Russell M. Arikawa, Nelline and Sam Araki, Lei Momi Fujiyama Pillers and Colby Pillers |
Please take care of yourselves and drive carefully. TTYL.
Arigato gozaimasu!
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2016 Endorsements of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii
The JCCIH has announced its endorsements, after balloting by membership and approval by the board of directors.
- U.S. Senate: Brian Schatz
- U.S. Representative: Tulsi Gabbard
- State Senator, District 1: Kaiali`i Kahele
- State Representative, District 1: Mark M. Nakashima
- State Representative, District 2: Clifton K. Tsuji
- State Representative, District 3: Richard H.K. Onishi
- State Representative, District 4: Joy A. San Buenaventura
- State Representative, District 6: Nicole E. Lowen
- State Representative, District 7: Cindy Evans
- County Council, District 3: Susan Lee Loy
The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee sent surveys to candidates, reviewed records and platforms. It then asked membership via ballot to select candidates for
endorsements.
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Hawaii Community College Updates
By Rachel Solemsaas, Chancellor
Aloha,
The 18th Annual "A Taste of Hilo" (sold out event) sponsored by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai'i that took place Sunday, October 16, was an incredible show of community support for the Hawai'i Island food industry as well as Hawai'i Community College.
I was thrilled to attend this wonderful community tradition for the first time and sample all the delicious food. I am still relishing the shio koji-cured Maui Nui venison
prepared by our very own Chef and Professor
Brian Hirata and the Culinary Arts instructors and students.
JCCIH once again will be donating the proceeds of this event to Hawai'i CC, which would tally its contributions to over $120,000 since the event was launched 18 years ago.
Last spring eight students received $375 "E 'Imi Pono" awards using funds donated by JCCIH. In addition, four students have been awarded $1,000 "Promising Student" Scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year. These awards and scholarships help break down the financial barriers that can sometimes prevent students from reaching their academic and personal goals.
Mahalo to JCCIH for the continued support of Hawai'i CC and for helping our students succeed.
Speaking of student success, during the summer, one of our Electronics Technology students was fortunate enough to participate in the 2016
Akamai Internship Program.
Eric Paopao,
a second-year Electronics Technology student at Hawai'i Community College, was one of 29 students from Hawai'i to participate this year, many of them coming from other University of Hawai'i campuses.
Eric's project was impressive. Working at the University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy in Hilo, he developed a lockout/tagout (LOTO) system for the UH88 Observatory on the summit of Mauna Kea. The purpose of LOTO is to protect employees from unexpected machine start-up while they are working on them.
During the development of the energy control program, applicable safety regulations were researched and site surveys were conducted. LOTO procedures were then written, approved, and placed into policy. Annual employee training and inspections will be conducted in the future to keep the energy control program up to date. The UH88 Observatory will adopt the LOTO program to provide a safe working environment for its employees.
The eight-week Akamai Internship Program, which was established in 2003, provides tremendous real-world experience that can help students see the practical applications for what they're learning in the classroom.
The Akamai Workforce Initiative is devoted to building Hawai'i's scientific and technical workforce, a goal Hawai'i Community College shares. Akamai interns have a strong track record of persisting in their STEM programs and finding jobs in STEM fields after graduating.
That's something
Eric hopes to do. He is a Hilo High School graduate who expects to graduate from Hawai'i Community College next May with an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics Technology. After graduation, he plans to further his education by pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at UH Mānoa. Eric would like to work in the mechanical design field and has always wanted to invent new and innovative products.
Hawai'i Community College is proud to play an important role in the success of our students.
But it's also important to partner with other organizations that complement learning that happens in the class.
Hawai'i Community College looks forward to continuing to partner with the Akamai Internship Program and to developing new partnerships and initiatives to help our students succeed.
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Wonderful Opportunity
By Missy Miyashiro, Social & Cultural Committee Chairperson
One of the best parts of being in this Chamber is the opportunity to meet new people, experience new things, and see businesses in a whole new light and one way you can do this is with our Goji Kara or "After 5 o'clock" events.
By hosting a Goji Kara, you can showcase your business, its products, services, and mission.
Whether through tours of your facilities, fun and games, good food and talk story, you can host an event solo or partner with another member or two to make it more exciting.
If you have questions or would like to host a Goji Kara please contact me or any Social & Cultural Committee member. Just leave your contact information with
Lei Momi Pillers at the Chamber office (jccih@jccih.org) and we'll get back to you.
And of course, don't forget to attend! Goji Kara and other functions through the Chamber are great ways to network with people and businesses in our community.
We hope to see you soon!
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Research Brings Knowledge
By Stephanie Nagata, Director
Office of Mauna Kea Management
 There's a Hawaiian
proverb-
Ike no i ka la o ka ike; mana no i ka la o ka mana which translates to knowledge and mana-each has its day. Another day may bring greater knowledge and greater mana than today.
The Office of Maunakea Management (OMKM) has been on a lengthy journey in the development of plans, strategies and solutions for protecting, preserving and enhancing the cultural and natural resources within the lands on Maunakea that are managed by the University of Hawai'i.
These strategies and plans begin with multi-year research yielding data that serves as the basis for the development of resource protection programs. Our efforts, however, do not conclude with a resource program launch, but often lead to more questions about the resources resulting in more studies and data collection. We continue to fund studies to expand our knowledge of even of some of the most studied species, such as the wēkiu bug. Studies of the wēkiu bug was a natural lead-in to the study of the biodiversity of arthropods
You may remember that the results of the OMKM-funded research by UH Hilo assistant professor Jesse Eiben was one of the major reasons the US Fish & Wildlife Service removed the wēkiu bug as a candidate for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. We were honored that the federal report stated, "The removal of the wēkiu bug is based on the successful management of the summit of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii."
Professor Eiben's research continues to inspire students and early career scientists. UH Hilo graduate student Heather Stever recently won first place in the graduate student oral competition at the 2016 International Congress of Entomology in Orlando, Florida. The symposium brought students and scientists together to exchange ideas and build on their research on the study of insects.
Stever's winning presentation was entitled "Arthropod Biodiversity Estimates for Three Native Subalpine Plant Genera on Hawaii Island's Maunakea Volcano." Stever noted that studying these animals is challenging because many of these insect species are small and very mobile with diverse life histories in habitats with harsh climates and difficult terrain. She is interested in eliminating these challenges so that Hawaii's arthropod diversity can be effectively studied.
She notes that, "...our research results will help the Office of Maunakea Management minimize the cost and effort required to monitor and protect rare endemic species and mitigate invasive species effects in Maunakea's subalpine environment."
Stever graduates later this year and plans to apply to PhD programs studying endemic Hawaiian arthropods for her doctoral research.
We're grateful to Stever and other emerging scientists who will help OMKM acquire greater knowledge about Maunakea.
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TMT Observatory Update
By Sandra Dawson
The Thirty Meter Telescope project is at a crucial crossroads in determining whether the project will be built in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources began the evidentiary hearings in the contested case in late October. We look forward to a timely process that will allow TMT to be under construction on Maunakea by April 2018.
University of Hawaii - the applicant of the state Conservation District Use Permit to allow construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope - kicked off the hearings to explain why the proposed project and related land use is consistent with all applicable criteria under Hawaii laws:
- The project is consistent and complies with the purpose of the Conservation District rules. The purpose of the Conservation District rules is to "regulate land use in the conservation district for the purpose of conserving, protecting, and preserving the important natural resources of the state through appropriate management and use." The purpose of the Conservation District rules is not to prohibit land uses, as project opponents claim.
- The project is consistent with the objectives of the subzone in the Conservation District. While the project will be located in a Conservation District, it will be in a subzone designated for astronomy observatories and related facilities.
- The project does not cause substantial adverse impact to existing natural resources within the surrounding area, community or region. The TMT project is the result of a decade-long process involving extensive consultation, consensus building and refinement of the telescope design. Several archaeological inventory surveys done in the area confirm there are no known burial sites or other historic features on or near the planned telescope location.
- The project is compatible with the surrounding areas, located below the Maunakea summit within the designated 525-acre precinct. To provide perspective, the proposed area of the project represents less than 1.2 percent of the designated astronomy zone on the mountain.
- The location of the TMT project preserves the natural beauty and open space of Maunakea, with the telescope location being visible from only 15 percent of Hawaii Island.
- Subdivision of the land will not be involved as part of this project. The permit application does not request subdivision approval, therefore, this criterion does not apply to the proposed land use in this matter.
- The project will not be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare. The project will employ various mitigation measures regarding wastewater, solid waste and noise, as developed during the extensive planning process.
We continue to believe that science and culture can co-exist with mutual respect on Maunakea.
And while the endless scientific discoveries and advances by TMT to benefit humankind are important, for those of us who live and work in Hawaii, the fact that they can be accomplished here on Hawaii Island is at least as important.
Get the Facts at www.MaunakeaAndTMT.org
Mahalo to the entire Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii membership for your continued support and kokua!
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DOE Area Superintendents Provide Encouraging Update
By Charlene Iboshi, Education Committee Co-Chair
DOE Superintendents
Brad Bennett (Hilo and Waiakea Complex Area) and
Chad Keoni Farias (Keaau, Kau and Pahoa Complex) provided updates, helpful statistics and promising programs to support our students and teachers during a program coordinated by the JCCIH Education Committee.
Bennett explained how programs that support teachers, such as the Teachers Leadership Academy, aid student performance.
Schools in his complex are competitive with Honolulu schools, illustrated by Blue Ribbon EB DeSilva's Elementary School; solid graduation rates and pursuit of post-graduation education. STEM Programs such as "Journey To The Universe," internationally competitive robotics programs, and early college credits with Running Start are bright spots for his complex.
Chieftess Kapiolani Elementary School was the first Blue Zones Project School approved in the state. The program requires commitments and programs for healthy eating, more exercise and healthy student behaviors.
Within his complex,
Farias was candid that schools faces more social and economic challenges than most in the state.
The Title I, Free Lunch Program, participation was staggering at 97% for Kau. Natural disasters with Hurricane Iselle and Pahoa's lava threats stretched students with emotional challenges.
Handling and managing trauma caused by these natural threats, compounded by social threats of poverty and isolation caused by the super-rural nature and sheer size of his complex, make academic achievement difficult. However, the bright note is that the dedicated teachers and staff work well with community to develop strategies to build student resilience.
Technology and innovative programs focus on students' strengths and natural desire to thrive. Using walking programs and collaborative physical activities to reframe students' view of themselves, focuses on positive activities for academic success. These strategies have reduced truancy and provided positive steps toward resiliency.
Both Superintendents were encouraged by the interest of attendees to understand how they can help and support educational excellence and career pathways for our students. Both said building collaborative relationships with the businesses, community organizations, including UH Hilo and Hawaii Community College, and others, are the best method to support efforts to attain productive educational outcomes, build resilient, responsible and capable students, while creating positive pathways to good paying careers.
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| President Russell Arikawa, Carol VanCamp, Yu Yok Pearring, Vice Chancellor Jason Cifra, Charlene Iboshi, Superintendents Brad Bennett and Chad Farias celebrating education. |
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| The Hawaii Community College Culinary Program showcased their talented culinary students delights, guided by their talented instructors, Chefs Brian Hirata and Sean Suzuki. |
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Current Benefits for Members
Please check out the current benefits and discounts that you can take advantage of as a JCCIH member!
Gina Tanouye, Allstate - Speegle Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing outstanding service with Aloha for your auto, home, renters, life insurance and financial service needs. For every referral the office receives, the member will receive a $10 gift card for allowing them to provide an insurance quote.
Contact
Gina Tanouye
at 969-7767 or tgina@allstate.com
BOB'S JEWELERS, INC.
Amelia Hayashi, Bob's Jewelers is offering members 30% off watches; 30% off gold jewelry (Po Son Hon collection excluded); and 30% off sterling silver jewelry.
Contact
Amelia Hayashi
at 935-8434.
AL KONISHI
Offering up to 25% off legal services depending on case.
Contact
Al Konishi
960-4072.
Diann Horita - With an office in Hilo, Eyewear Hilo has been serving Keaau, Papaikou, Kurtistown and Waimea for more than 4 years. Prior to Dec. 2008, the staff was employed by Eyewear Hawaii, Inc. and that same respected service is found at Eyewear Hilo. When you desire superior cutting edge lens technology.
Members will receive a 20% discount.
Contact Diann Horita at 935-1119.
Joy Madriaga, Hawaii Petroleum, Inc., HPI offers dependable bulk fuel and lubricant delivery services to all districts of the island. HPI's proprietary gas card program - Hawaii Fueling Network - provides a convenient, cost saving for businesses and consumers to fuel. Sign up for membership with Hawaii Fueling Network (HFN) and receive a discount per gallon on your gas purchases at any of our 13 locations. Fuel Up Do Good when you buy Fuel at any of our eight Islandwide Ohana Fuels retail locations a portion of your purchase goes to a Non-profit that serves our community. Contact Joy Madriaga at 969-1405 for further questions. Applications are available at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii.
Jieyu Sheparo,
Kitchen & Beyond, LLC., offering 5% discount on items in store.
Contact
Jieyu Sheparo
at 935-2167.
LIKO LEHUA CAFE
Dawn Kanealii, Liko Lehua Cafe, offering 15% off entire bill.
Contact
Dawn Kanealii
at 936-9823.
OFFICEMAX RETAIL CONNECT PROGRAM
Save up to 60% off a core list of more than 650 commonly purchased items. Additional deep savings on over 3,000+ items in OfficeMax's "Work Essentials" catalog. Most other items will receive a 5% discount both online and in the store (excluding furniture and technology).
Contact Chamber office at 934-0177.
Sandy Wilson, Wilson's Trophies, provides awards for sports and academics; signs and banners; corporate awards and recognition, gifts & recognition; custom and personalized products (made to order); wood and acrylic crafting (laser engraving and designs); special occasions (Valentine's, Christmas, etc.); jewelry items (earrings, pendants, hair picks and more), also advertising promotional items. Members will receive awards discounts. C
ontact
Sandy Wilson
at 969-7077.
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| October 2016 
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What's Happening
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Find Your Voice on the Opinion Pages
'Imiloa Astronomy Center, Classroom
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Friday, November 11, 2016
JCCIH office closed in observance of
Veterans Day
Monday, November 14, 2016
JCCIH Board of Directors Meeting
Hilo Yacht Club
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Monday, November 21, 2016
New Member Orientation
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Waiole Lounge
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
November 24 & 25
JCCIH office closed in observance of Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday, December 8, 2016
JCCIH General Membership Meeting - Post NextEra
'Imiloa Astronomy Center,
Moanahoku Room
more information forthcoming
Monday, December 12, 2016
JCCIH Board of Directors Meeting
Hilo Yacht Club
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
December 23 and 26
JCCIH office closed in observance of
Christmas Holiday
December 30 and January 2
JCCIH office closed in observance of
Monday, January 9, 2017
JCCIH Board of Directors Meeting
Hilo Yacht Club
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
JCCIH 18th Annual Golf Classic Tournament
Hilo Municipal Golf Course
more information forthcoming
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2016-2017
Officers & Directors
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| Executive Officers Russell Arikawa, President Audrey Takamine, 1st Vice President Stephen Ueda, 2nd Vice President Donn Mende, 3rd Vice President Naomi Menor, Japanese Secretary Joseph Skruch, Treasurer
Ivan Nakano, Auditor Darren Nishioka, Immediate-Past President
Directors - term expiring 6/30/17 Jon Arizumi Tommy Goya Josie Kiyan Peter Kubota Phoebe Lambeth Dwayne Mukai Russell Oda Nina Tanabe Arthur Taniguchi Gina Tanouye Jere Usui Carol VanCamp
Directors - term expiring 6/30/18
Dean Fuke Barbara Hastings Ryan Kadota Randy Kurohara Amanda Lee Joy Madriaga Tracey Miura Mike Miyahira Chad Ogata Allan Onishi Francis Rickard Rosie Sakane-Elarco Debbie Shigehara Toby Taniguchi
Directors - term expiring 6/30/19 Ross Birch Laurie Correa Charlene Iboshi Michael Kaleikini Ka'iu Kimura Mitchell Dodo Donald Straney Craig Shiroma
Oshirase Newsletter Barbara Hastings, Editor
Lei Momi Fujiyama Pillers, Executive Assistant |
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Welcome New Members!
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Hawaii Lassi & Akmal's Indian Cuisine
174 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 769-3944
Bridget Chinen
Hubs Hawaii, Inc.
85 Pookela St., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 961-3223 Alt. Ph: (808) 640-4612
Fax: (808) 935-6107
Beverly Crudele
Clark Realty Corporation - Hilo Orchid Isle
101 Hualalai St., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 969-78963 Alt. Ph: (808) 937-7490
Susie Dill
Hawaii Community College
490 Kamahao Way, Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 960-0448 Alt. Ph: (808) 209-8455
Joseph L. Hawk
Kama'aina Motors
400 E. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 935-3741 Alt. Ph: (808) 345-6448
Brent Kiyan
Department of Education
546 Kukuau St., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 658-0546
Anthony Misiasuk
InBigIsland.com
P O Box 6677, Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 333-6936
Will Okabe
322 Naniakea St., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 959-6234 Alt. Ph: (808) 896-4894
Rachel Solemsaas
Hawaii Community College
1175 Manono St., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 934-2503 Alt. Ph: (808) 933-6048
Tracy Yamaguchi
Title Guaranty
460 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 933-3526 Alt. Ph: (808) 936-3829
Jessica Yamamoto
Hawaii Community College
1175 Manono St., Hilo, HI 96720
Ph: (808) 934-2688 Alt. Ph: (808) 769-1111
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