“Aloha” is heard on almost a daily basis, almost everywhere in Hawaii. Recipients of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce Mea Hoomanao Award, born from a desire of the late mayor Bryan Baptiste to renew aloha on Kauai, were commended Thursday
“Aloha” is heard on almost a daily basis, almost everywhere in Hawaii.
Recipients of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce Mea Hoomanao Award, born from a desire of the late mayor Bryan Baptiste to renew aloha on Kauai, were commended Thursday on continuing one of the oldest and cherished traditions of Hawaii.
Stephanie Iona of Dow AgroSciences, Josie Pablo of the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, and Coppin Colburn of the St. Regis Prince-ville Resort were announced the Mea Hoomanao Award recipients during the Kauai Chamber’s quarterly membership meeting at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu.
“This is the ‘Ha’ in Hawaii,” said Randy Francisco, president and CEO of the Kauai Chamber in turning over the program to the evening’s sponsor, Kauai Community Federal Credit Union.
Walton Hong, KCFCU chairman of the board and keynote speaker, was pleased with how KCFCU, through its growth over 60 years, continues to support “the small people.”
“When the group of farmers got together to help the little people, they didn’t have enough money to pay for the $25 charter fee,” Hong said. “On the first day of business, there were 27 members with a total collection of $595.”
Over the years, KCFCU has grown to have branches in Kapaa, Lihue, Kukui Grove and Waimea with the average loan being less than $10,000, a demonstration of KCFCU’s support for the “small people.”
“My father made me join the credit union because of the student loan program,” said Irving Soto, one of the evening’s co-hosts. “It’s ironic because they helped me get through school, and after I graduated, they hired me — probably so I could pay back my loan.”
Pablo, recreation director at Mahelona Hospital, is the first to say, “It’s the employees,” said JoAnn Yukimura, nominator of Pablo for the Mea Hoomanao Award.
“But it takes a strong leader, and Josie is a reflection of the dedication and commitment of the Mahelona Hospital staff,” Yukimura said. “I made the nomination because Josie represents the bright light of hope. In many communities, there are no bon dances like the one held in the Mahelona courtyard. There are no beach outings, or excursions to the farm fair, and more.”
Yukimura said Pablo creates programs which bring the residents out into the community because life is to be lived for every moment — a fine example of aloha.
The essence of aloha is giving of oneself for another, said Iona in accepting her award, pointing out numerous instances among Kauai’s government and business leaders who demonstrate aloha on a daily basis.
“It is because of who you are,” Iona said. “You not only know how to give of yourself. You simply love Kauai and the values of aloha.”
As former employees of Aston, Iona said she and Sandi Kato-Klutke almost had a cardiac arrest when someone suggested a class on aloha.
“Aloha is not a course of do’s and don’ts,” she said. “It is the essence of a belief to find good in all you do. Aloha is a feeling of peace, of tranquility, of reflection, of quiet listening.”
Doric Yaris and Aunty Stella Burgess, who both died this year, lived aloha in sharing music, dance, hula and mentoring others to cherish the Hawaiian culture, she said.
“Aloha is a reminder to always give of yourself without expecting anything in return,” the former hotel manager said. “Doric’s and Aunty Stella’s values will continue in the hearts of all they touched.”
Among the 240 guests who filled the Sheraton Kauai ballroom, Jonathan Kaaihue and his wife Kehau listened, Kehau noting how she felt Iona’s words in the depths of her guts.
“Jon, I know there were times in Tiffany’s (life), and in your life, you were disappointed when I left you behind at home, or with family to return to the industry I chose to live,” Iona said. “I learned from your grandparents and great grandparents — you hope your children grow to be better than you — and I can truly say, you make me so very proud of the father, husband, and man you have become. Son, together with me —you and Tiffany — won this award this evening because you allowed me to give your time, a part of your life, unselfishly to the service of others. You were the blessings in every life I touched. You are the reason aloha exists in my heart and soul.”
