Retired Chief Judge James S. Burns gave a stirring keynote address about the role the Nisei veterans played in changing the social and economic landscape of post-war Hawaii at the 7th annual Nisei Veterans Memorial Cenber benefit event.

Our silent auction sparkled with beautiful items and special decorations arranged by Silent Auction Chair Sara Jean Tokunaga, and assisted by Jana Brown.

Our thanks to Councilman Michael Molina (below left) for serving as our master of ceremonies, and The Reverend Shinkai Murakami (below right) of Wailuku Hongwanji Mission for his inspirational invocation.

Back by popular request was our "Will Think for Food Quiz," with the prize once again being first at the buffet line for the winning team.

The Baldwin High School Junior ROTC cadets were again in the thick of the action as they served as scribes and answer holders.

Our thanks to award-winning musicians Jody and Kimo Huybrechts for donating their time and musical talent to entertain our luncheon guests with their unique blend of koto, guitar, and flute.

This year's keynote speaker was retired Chief Justice James S. Burns, who spoke to a very attentive crowd about the pioneering role the Nisei veterans played in changing the economic and social environment of Hawaii.

Leonard Oka, Center board member, gave a tribute to outgoing executive director Barbara Watanabe (below), as board president Hiroshi Arisumi joined in the recognition.

Leonard Oka also gave a warm welcome to incoming executive director Gail Raikes, who was presented with a pair of shoes -- size 16?? -- that she will be stepping into as she takes the helm of our Center. Gail has many exciting plans already under development for our educational programs, volunteer activities, and outreach to our veteran community.

The afternoon ended with a live auction run by celebrity auctioneer Senator Roslyn Baker.

Our thanks to all for supporting our annual fundraiser. We'll see you again next year!

Arigato Gozaimashita

We were thrilled to have more Nisei veterans, wives, and widows in attendance than ever before, thanks in part to our generous veterans sponsors who underwrote a significant portion of the meal costs, so that our honored guests could attend for just $10!

VETERANS SPONSORS

Arisumi Brothers Inc.

Maui Oil Company, Inc.

NAPA/United Auto Parts Inc.

VETERANS SUPPORTERS

Territorial Savings Bank

Gen. (Ret.) David Bramlett

CORPORATE
TABLES

A&B Properties, Inc.

Arisumi Brothers Inc.

Central Pacific Bank

First Hawaiian Bank

Hale Mahaolu

Kahului Carpet & Drapery

Service Rental and Supplies, Inc.

OUR SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

Kimo & Jody
Huybrechts
rangapae.com

Wayne Kobayashi
Printers Ink/Rapid Printing

Billie Machado
Ali'i Leis and Greeting
Service

Lana Quedding

Maui's Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans

Chrysanthemum Ball Contestants, Escorts and Parents

H.P. Baldwin High School
JROTC Cadets
Paulo Faleafine, coach

OUR HARD WORKING COMMITTEE

Our thanks to an extraordinary committee that begins work every year in the spring to plan our annual event.

Dorothy Nakata, Chair

Beryl Bal

Jana Brown

Gail Raikes

Yuki Lei Sugimura

Gail Terada

Sara Jean Tokunaga

Barbara Watanabe

Toni Woolley

Priscilla Yamamura

Betty Yamashiro