Derek Kurisu - Minority Small Business Champion!

Derek Kurisu, Executive Vice President of Mountain Apple Brand of KTA Superstores is the 2010 winner of the US Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Champion. This is awarded to those individuals who have selflessly provided assistance and support to minority entrepreneurs and business owners.

Each year, SBA honors outstanding small business owners, entrepreneurs and advocates who demonstrate the qualities, skills and performance to place them as leaders in their industry. Nominees for SBA Awards are evaluated on job creation, growth in annual revenue, innovation, staying power, response to adversity and contributions to their community. Derek will be recognized at the 23rd Annual Statewide SBA Small Business Awards Luncheon on April 30, 2010 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Kohala High School Cowboy Robotics

Honoka'a High School Dragon Robotics

Agicultural Sustainability Celebrated at the Capitol

Waipio taro farmer Jim Cain was among many agricultural producers visiting the Capitol on Agriculture Sustainability Day at the State Capitol. The exhibitions are designed to give lawmakers and the public an opportunity to learn about the people who supply Hawaii with locally grown and produced products.

Congratulations Samantha Funes - Hawaii District Teacher of the Year

The House of Representatives recently recognized the 2009 Outstanding Teachers of the Year from the various districts. Hawaii District Teacher of the Year is Samantha Funes, a teacher at Keonepoko Elementary School in Puna where she is their reading and computer teacher.

Samantha is quoted as saying "Building on children's strengths will give them the self-esteem to work on their weaknesses. Give them the opportunity to make leaps and bounds. Never put limits on their potential." She strongly encourages all educators to "find the expert in every child."

Congratulations Samantha!

Pa'auilo Students Lobby for End to Furloughs

Students from Pa'auilo Elementary and Intermediate were at the Capitol this week to testify before the Senate Education and Housing and Senate Labor Committee on H.B. 2486 which proposes to set a minimum number of instructional hours per school year. This bill was drafted in response to the Governor's agreement to accept school furlough days, leaving Hawaii with the lowest number of instructional days in the United States.

The group take a break from training to take photos with Mark, Senator Takamine and Mayor Kenoi who stopped by to meet with the students. Included in the photo above are Dayson Alip, Kaili Brennamen, Sione Epenesa, Chancis Fernandez, Elle Carvalho, Daisha Acorda, Nathan Tabucbuc, and Johnathan Ancheta. They were accompanied by Advisor Dean Alip.

Laupahoehoe Train Museum REPRESENT

The Laupahoehoe Train Museum was well represented at the 8th Annual Historic Preservation day at the Hawaii State capitol. Over 20 exhibitors participated to help raise awareness about preserving and perpetuating the State's heritage. Organizations included the Misson Houses Museum, The Friends of Iolani Palace, The Bishop Museum, and of course, the Laupahoehoe Train Museum with head conductor Lisa Barton.

Papaikou Hongwanji Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Papaikou Hongwanji celebrated 100 years of service to the rural south Hilo Community with a service and luncheon recognizing the milestone. Established in 1909 to meet the spiritual needs of Hawaii's sugar worker immigrants, the Kyodan and Buddhist Women's Association through the hard work of the membership and ministers have continued to contribute to Papaikou and the surrounding community.

Disney Community Photo Contest Open to all K -12 Students

I am just passing along this information that I recieved from the Hawaii Arts Alliance promoting the Disney Community Photo Project for youth as outlined in the flyer above. It is open to all K-12 youth and will be an outstanding addition to the new Aulani resort showcasing the talents of Hawai's students.

Hawaii Business Hall of Fame

KTA Superstores' Barry Taniguchi was recognized by the House of Representatives as one of the Junior Achievement of Hawaii Laureates who will be inducted into the Hawaii Business Hall of Fame. Barry has long been active in many facets of the Big Island Community and under his tenure, KTA has cultivated and nurtured many local producers and promotes a sustainable future for the Big Island.

The Junior Achievement (JA) was founded to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business and economics to improve the quality of their lives. The mission of the JA in Hawaii is to ensure that every student in Hawaii has a basic understanding of the free enterprise system and to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Mark is pictured above with Mr. Ben Aipa, one of five "Tribal Surfers" who had a huge influence on surfing in Hawaii.

Ben Aipa's influence on modern surfing has affected all of us. His major contributions to shaping are such things as the hugely popular swallow tail, the "stinger" and the modern long board. Considering his contributions and experience in surfing and surfboard shaping, we feel very fortunate that Ben has chosen to use Boardworks for his molded epoxy production.

For more info on Ben Aipa, please visit http://www.benaipa.com/.

Honoka'a Hui Uruma Shinnen Enkai

The Honoka'a Hui Uruma Shinnen Enkai New Year's Party was held at the Honoka'a Hongwanji Hall. Entertainment featuring traditional Okinawan song and dance was featured as participants enjoyed good food and fellowship.

March Newsletter