LIHU‘E — Dennis “The Happy Camper” Fujimoto is just one of three employees at Lee Enterprises newspapers across the country to win the covered Lee Spirit Award, The Garden Island’s parent company announced this week. “The Lee Spirit Award recognizes
LIHU‘E — Dennis “The Happy Camper” Fujimoto is just one of three employees at Lee Enterprises newspapers across the country to win the covered Lee Spirit Award, The Garden Island’s parent company announced this week.
“The Lee Spirit Award recognizes outstanding personal commitment to our company and the people we serve,” said Mary Junck, Lee chairman, president and chief executive officer.
Fujimoto, photographer and writer, is never without his trademark smile or hearty laugh sprinkled throughout every conversation, and he represents Lee Enterprises well and in many ways is the face of the newspaper.
In addition to his photography and hard-news coverage, he produces the bulk of local sports coverage. He also writes a column three times a week recognizing community members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in organizing events in the public benefit.
As a result, he is a member or honorary member of almost every group or club on the entire island, where he is a household name.
“Dennis also serves as a primary point of contact for many in the community, turning thousands of submitted story ideas and tips into front-page local coverage on everything including government, business and community news stories,” said Nathan Eagle, managing editor.
“He truly champions the paper and sheds a most positive light on the company, its mission and its employees,” Eagle said. “To many in the Kaua‘i community, legendary photographer Dennis Fujimoto is The Garden Island newspaper.”
“The spirit of aloha is manifest in the life and work of Dennis Fujimoto, and through his pictures and story telling, we too are learning to see it in ourselves and everywhere we look,” said Judy Lenthall, executive director of the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank.
“Of course, Dennis’ commitment to our community is unmatched, and we at the county are so appreciative of his efforts to cover important information and events — wherever they may be,” said Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr.
“He can be found on all corners of the island on any given day, covering the accomplishments of our keiki, our kupuna, and everyone in-between. I think anyone who knows Dennis and his work (and we all do!) would agree that he is the ‘glue’ who holds our community together,” Carvalho said.
“Focusing on the positive and the ‘small’ stories that might not otherwise get coverage, Dennis lifts us up, gives us hope and provides a reason to celebrate each and every day,” said Carvalho.
“Dennis Fujimoto has been a tireless force behind Kaua‘i’s news and community events,” said Mark Marshall, head of Kaua‘i Civil Defense. “He is always smiling and cheerful (and) his skill as a photographer is evident in the thousands of images he has taken over the many years. He loves his work and enjoys the people of Kaua‘i.”
“The (state) Department of Education inducted Dennis into the Kaua‘i District 1996 Praise Hall of Fame for his photography and news contribution in support of school events, activities, special features, sports, club events and media announcements,” said William N. “Bill” Arakaki, state DOE Kaua‘i complex area superintendent.
“Dennis is a significant and integral individual who brings the community together with his articles and photos reflecting his passion to capture what is important in our daily lives,” Arakaki said.
“He continues to impact the Kaua‘i community with his remarkable talents.”
“This is a well-deserved award for Dennis and I’m thrilled that he’s being recognized nationally,” said Randy Kozerski, publisher and editor of The Garden Island.
“His tireless efforts and passions for the community and local news are unparalleled in the industry. Dennis goes above and beyond to selflessly promote the community and this is our chance to promote Dennis to the community,” Kozerski said.
Fujimoto’s award is part of the annual President’s Awards, which include accolades for outstanding journalism, exceptional achievement, innovation and spirit.
“These awards honor wonderful achievements ranging from watchdog reporting to digital innovation to community leadership,” said Junck.
“Those achievements, and the many others that were nominated, clearly underline our indispensable role in all of our 53 communications companies as, by far, the primary source of local news, information and advertising in our markets.
“Lee is fortunate to have so many outstanding journalists providing vital local news that otherwise would never come to light.
“We’re also blessed with more than our share of innovative people in sales, interactive media, production and all the other disciplines that keep us in the forefront of print, online, mobile and tablet,” Junck said.”
Lee Enterprises is a leading provider of local news, information and advertising in primarily midsize markets, with 49 daily newspapers and a joint interest in four others, rapidly growing digital sites and 300 specialty publications in 23 states.
Lee’s newspapers have circulation of 1.4 million daily and 1.7 million Sunday, reaching nearly four million readers daily. Lee’s digital sites attract more than 16 million unique visits monthly, and Lee’s weekly publications have distribution of four million households. See www.lee.net for more information.
• Paul C. Curtis, assistant editor and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or pcurtis@kauaipubco.com.
