WAIMEA — Frecki Okada said her sister, Lolly Kokubo, is a true Waimea girl.
“We were born in Waimea, we grew up and went to school in Waimea, and got married in Waimea,” Okada, who, at 97 years young, was recently acknowledged for her efforts at taiko in bon dancing. “The only difference is that I moved to Lihue. Lolly stayed in Waimea. She is a true Waimea girl.”
Kokubo celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday at a gathering of relatives, friends and the Waimea Baptist Church at the Waimea Plantation Cottages, Chicken In A Barrel.
“That’s not the right date,” Okada said. “Her birthday was on Friday so she is 100 years, and one day.”
Robin Mcllwee of the Waimea Baptist Church said Yoshie “Lolly” Kokubo is a well-known figure around Waimea because she is so friendly to visitors and local residents alike. Mcllwee said Lolly is kind of like the West Side greeter in many ways.
“I feel so young,” Kokubo said. “But when I look in the mirror, the mirror doesn’t lie. I have the wrinkles, but I feel so young. I am so happy. Happiness is the key to being here. I have my health and my friends.”
Kokubo was born on Sept. 6, 1924, in Waimea to her parents who came from Japan (her mom was a picture bride) along with four sisters, including Frecki, and one brother.
“She’s also very well known locally for being a fine seamstress in the community,” Mcllwee said. “Even the Kanahele’s are here because she sewed clothes for them. She played and competed with the Charlie Kaneyama Band, and her husband running a general store at Pakala’s camp to name a few highlights.”
She said because of World War II, Lolly’s high school senior class was unable to have a proper graduation ceremony.
“However, one of her fondest memories is when her classmates gathered for a class reunion, decades ago,” Mcllwee said. “There are so many great stories she has shared with me over the years. Honestly, a book load.”
One of those stories about discrimination she remembers when she was at 18 or 19 years old.
“She recalls a group of 12- or 13-year-old non-Japanese boys, total strangers to her, calling her ‘Jap’ as they passed each other on the street in Waimea town,” Mcllwee said.
“The way she responded is remarkable. She turned to them and replied, ‘Oh, you’re smart. You shortened a three-syllable long word down to a one syllable word. Short cut. Very clever boys.’ The boys, as described were frozen with their eyes and mouths wide open. They didn’t know how to respond to that one, and she was proud of herself for the de-escalation, and not to play into that nasty discrimination.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
