LIHU‘E — Over the years, Kauaian Gary Ueunten has urged hundreds of Hui Alu Okinawa Club of Kaua‘i members to perpetuate the Okinawan culture by participating in fundraisers, parades and the Kaua‘i County Gateway beautification project by the Lihu‘e Airport.
LIHU‘E — Over the years, Kauaian Gary Ueunten has urged hundreds of Hui Alu Okinawa Club of Kaua‘i members to perpetuate the Okinawan culture by participating in fundraisers, parades and the Kaua‘i County Gateway beautification project by the Lihu‘e Airport.
Ueunten, an environmental specialist with the state Department of Health office on Kaua‘i, was selected as recipient of the 2003 Uchinanchu of the Year Award.
Partly because of his achievements and efforts, Ueunten, as president of the club, was recognized by the Kaua‘i County Council at its meeting at the historic County Building last week.
The 2003 Uchinanchu of the Year Award was presented by leaders of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association at its 54th installation banquet held on O‘ahu.
The award was given to a club member from each of the 36 Hawai‘i Okinawan clubs who have contributed to the success of their respective clubs and statewide organization.
Ueunten has served as president of the Kaua‘i club, which now numbers 280 members, for the past three years.
As “Paranku” leaders, Ueunten and his wife, Glenna, and their two children, Amy and Lyle, have performed as Paranku dancers and as Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko drummers.
The Kaua‘i club Ueunten heads will sponsor the annual Kaua‘i Okinawan Dance Festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22, at the Kukui Grove park and pavilion.
It is one of the island’s largest cultural events.
Councilman Joe Munechika said Ueunten is a quiet person who advocates conservation. Ueunten, who is also a farmer from Lawa‘i, has been recognized by government agencies for setting up a water-catchment system on his land.
The fruits he and his wife grow are sold at county sunshine markets, Munechika said.
Munechika said he lived on Okinawa during six years he was in the Army. He said he joined the Kauai Okinawa Club because he enjoys the customs and traditions of Okinawans.
Staff Writer Lester Chang may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net.
