Happy Camper

Tom Clements, the new public affairs officer at PMRF was talking about “black snow” to Japanese magazine photographer Totsuya Kakitani during the Rimpac exercises at the base, and even got curious glances from 2nd Lt. Pam Marshall, the Marines’ public affairs officer during the NEO exercises. Pam said that when the big amphibious landing takes place at Bellows Beach, O‘ahu, film crews from The History Channel will be landing with the troops, and her job that day will be devoted to just the film crew…watch for updates on the airing of that episode! When did Michael Nii learn keyboards? Michael was one of several talented Lions who provided lunchtime entertainment for the international circle of youth as well as guests to the opening of the Lions International Youth Camp which is celebrating its first occurance here.

Joining Michael was Harvey Kinoshita on pakini (Japanese call it tarai) bass, Von Ramos on vocals, Ed Keopuhiwa (granddaughter Mei Ling is a guard for coach Brian Inouye’s Kaua‘i Fire Raiders), and Spud Olivas who has a way of keeping the old-style music alive…gotta learn that tempo one day.

Of course, John Ochoco was there with his camera, and Taren Fujimoto got to be a guest of Wanda Shibata of the Young Brothers Community Advisory Board whose grant to the Lions was a major reason why the camp could be held said Lion Norman Akita. Wendell Kam, Millie Wellington, and Eldean Scott were also there to enjoy the hospitality. Lions District Governor Cecela Izuo made a special trip to the island to check out the first Lion Quest conference on Anger Management as well as the youth camp opening, too.

Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@pulitzer.net