News Dragon - November 2008

NewsDragon Volume 56, Issue 11 /

2008 Executive Committee Lily Fung President Shirley Lam Chairman Kathy Kam Exec Vice President Jonathan Cook Corr. Secretary Ana Che Treasurer Duc Nguyen Director Deanne Morimoto Director Jesse Hosaka Webmaster Thayer Goya Advisor

November 2008

The Honolulu Marathon Needs Us! The Big Race is on and they’re asking for HCJ. We’ll be manning the bus areas, handling the group drop-offs and pick-ups in Ala Moana Park. It’s a big job, but we’ve done it before and we’re ready to do it again. All we need now is YOU. We need about 20 volunteers, so tell us soon as you can. We have to send in a list of names, with T-Shirt sizes, later this month. DATE & TIME: Check-In is 1AM on Sunday, Dec 14th. PARKING: You can park in specially set aside areas at Ala Moana Center. We’ll get you a parking pass. LENGTH OF PROJECT: We’ll probably be there until around 8AM or 9AM. WHAT YOU GET: A good feeling inside…PLUS a T-Shirt and plenty refreshments. No can work on empty stomach, right? CONTACT: VP Kathy Kam @ 271-0016 or [email protected]

We’re Back! Read about the great HCJ Kalaupapa Project on Page 4. Then turn to our Pictures Page to see a few captured memories from this incredible trip!

______________________________________________________________________________ Message from President.…………………………………………………..………………………………. 2 Kalaupapa Recap.……………………...…………………………………………………….…………..… 4 HCJ Halloween Party………………………………………………………...…………………………….. 5 Oct GMM & Message From Editor..……...……………..……………………………………………...... 6 Kalaupapa Pictures!………………….…………………………………………………………………...… 7

Message From The President Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all will have a great Thanksgiving, spent with family and friends eating delicious food on this special occasion. Congratulations are in order for Past President Mark Nakashima who was elected to State House of Representative for his district on Big Island. We all had a blast at the Halloween Party and some people dressed up in costumes. It was fabulous turnout that brought out 6 chapter members, 4 other chapter members, and 28 guests. There were group games that included pumpkin pie eating contest, musical chair, and limbo contests. Congratulations to the winners: Sonny Lee for the Pie Eating Contest; Jon Cook for the Musical Chair; and Addie Thongsosonlone, Anthony Sato, and Ryan Ng for the Limbo Contest. Mahalo to Ken Sum who hosted the awesome party and Thomas Sum (Ken’s dad) who helped with the food preparation and provided the party location. For the Glass Etching Class, thanks to Lynn Maruoka-Hosaka and Jesse Hosaka for conducting the wonderful training. On Saturday, November 22, 2008, the chapter’s Holiday Party is from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Dinner will be served at 7:00 pm. The cost is $20.00 for HCJ members and $25.00 for other Jaycee members/guests. Bring a $5.00 gift for exchange. R.S.V.P to Deanne Morimoto at 306-3206 by November 15, 2008. Send check payable to “Honolulu Chinese Jaycees” at P.O. Box, Honolulu, HI 96808. On Thursday, December 11, 2008, there will be Winter Birthday Bash at 6:30 pm. It is located at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor in Pearlridge Shopping Center, Uptown 1st floor near Tilt (488-9339). We will be celebrating the member birthdays between the months of July and December. Speaking of birthdays, sorry that I missed acknowledging the members’ birthdays between the months of October and December: October gave the world Anthony Sato, Jason Tomita, Jesse Hosaka, and Rodney Miyasato. November birthdays: Tasha Abadilla and Past President Gerald Chung. December includes Jerry Yang, Jon Cook, Michael Valiente, HIJC President Patrick Tomiyasu, Past President Paul Chun, and Ross Lee. Lastly, I would like to welcome our newest members to the chapter! They include Chad Haili, Krystal Lee, Michael Valiente, Ross Lee, Tasha Abadilla & Kalawaia Goo! Thanks to Daniel Cheung and Anthony Sato for recruiting some of our new members. Please join me in making them feel part of the HCJ family. Sincerely, Lily Fung 57th President, “Awakening The Dragon” Phone: 783-1369 / Email: [email protected] ______________________________________________________________________________________________

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NewsDragon / Volume 56 / Issue 11

Message From The Vice President

Fellow Honolulu Chinese Jaycees and Friends, Happy Holiday’s to everyone! I just can’t believe the holiday’s are coming up so fast. Speaking of the Holiday’s we will be having an exciting Christmas Party coming up on Saturday, November 22 at Golden Palace. Starting at 6:00pm we will be having some games and great prizes, so come on down and don’t miss the fun. We are looking for volunteers in helping with the Honolulu Marathon. This year it is on Sunday, December 14 at 1:00am at Ala Moana Shopping Center (yes it’s early in the morning). We will possibly be helping with the Buses - guiding the buses where to park and drop off the runners/walkers. You will receive a free t-shirt and cap for helping out and lots of refreshments, especially coffee to keep awake. Please let me know if you are interested in helping we are looking for 15-20 volunteers. And lastly special thank you to Lynn and Jesse Hosaka for helping train the Glass Etching it was a lot of fun and we had a blast making our. We would love to do it again.

Forever in Jaycees, Kathy Kam 2008 Executive Vice President The Honolulu Chinese Jaycees Email: [email protected]

Honolulu Chinese Jaycees Interested in joining HCJ? Contact us!

Mail: Honolulu Chinese Jaycees, P.O. Box 957, Honolulu, Hawaii 96808 Email:

[email protected] |

Tel: (808) 783-1369

Online: MySpace.com/HonoluluChineseJaycees / Facebook: Search ‘Honolulu Chinese Jaycees’ Web Site: HcjHawaii.com Page 3

NewsDragon / Volume 56 / Issue 11

Kalaupapa! Frankly, there’s no way we could tell you everything about Kalaupapa. We couldn’t even tell you 1/2 of it if we used the whole newsletter. In fact, we don’t have room for pictures on the page. Too much to tell. So here are some of the highlights:

But this is all a warm-up for The Big Job. Our next challenge is to clean out one of the old houses so the job of renovating and restoring it can then begin. The house is a standing time capsule, still containing the furniture, dishes and even the LPs of the former resident.

DAY 1: Friday, October 17th Our team makes their way to Kalaupapa in a 5seater plane, 2 of the seats occupied by the pilots. That means we have to do the journey in 2 stomach churning trips.

Everything has been left in place as if the owner was going to return. But never did. It’s a big job and a sobering one as it reminds us of all the lives that Kalaupapa claimed over the years.

Our fearless project leader, John Cummings, is absolutely right – Kalaupapa is like going back in time to the Hawaii of 100 years ago.

DAY 3: Sunday, October 19th Today we’re contributing to the social & athletic life of Kalaupapa. 2 projects: #1 is the weeding of the big field in the middle of the town. This will become a soccer field for use by staff and residents.

Small houses and buildings dwarfed by the huge green cliffs that separate us from the rest of Molokai. Crystal blue ocean water lapping at the old pier. Blissful quiet occasionally broken by friends hailing each other or the splash of someone jumping into the water.

The 2nd effort is the digging of fencepost holes for the combination tennis/basketball court. This job is complicated by the fact that the jackhammer is a piece of junk. Still, Duc, John and team do their best and get the holes done.

We do our 1st project, a complete clean up of the Kalaupapa Library. Wiping, sweeping, spraying, tossing, throwing. We get it done. And it looks good. DAY 2: Saturday, October 18th After a filling breakfast we head out to do beach cleanup. We form a line and start walking, picking up driftwood, fishing line, bottles, some cans and the occasional Chapstick. The rain comes up hard and strong so we stop. Still, we come away with trash bags that weigh over 300 pounds together! A good effort and a lot of garbage off this beautiful beach. Our next stop is a covered Rec area, outfitted for picnics. It’s apparent that deer, and more than 1 mongoose, have been around due to the ‘evidence’ they left behind. But that’s soon gone as we hose down and scrub the place. It’s so clean now you could eat in it.

Once we finish we’re rewarded with a personal, historical tour of both Kalaupapa and the original settlement site of Kalawao, conducted by new HCJ member Kalawaia Goo. Kalawaia is in charge of the historical preservation of Kalaupapa so we’re privileged to have him show us around. DAY 4: Monday, October 20th The fencepost holes need a little last work done on them today. After that, it’s time for some last dives off the pier and saying our goodbyes to Kalaupapa. It’s clear that this trip is something all of us will carry for the rest of our lives. The place, the history, the friendships – all of it combined to make it something truly special. Trust me when I say that this page doesn’t scratch the surface. What I can say is that HCJ is once again truly grateful to John Cummings for all of his work to see this through and bring it to fruition. Much mahalo, John! Kalaupapa photos can be seen on Pictures Page

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NewsDragon / Volume 56 / Issue 11

Halloween Party Recap It was party time at Sum’s Auto Center – No, they weren’t having a car sale. Ken Sum & family opened their space to us for our HCJ Halloween Party! And everybody must Go – Go – Go! From the ghoul guarding the entrance to the decorated tables to the ono food coming off the grill (Mahalo, Mr. Sum!), it was lining up to be a night to remember. Our costumed guests soon started showing up.. Among our partiers you could see a Plug & Outlet Set (Wes & Kathy Kam), a Thai Kickboxer, a Street Fighter character (Anthony Sato), a disturbing Nun (Lindley Low) and even John McCain. ‘John McCain’ freaked out more than 1 observer when he enthusiastically hit the dance floor. You just don’t expect that from a grey-haired Presidential candidate. Food was served buffet style and it easily passed the Taste-Good Test. The fuel was needed as we were gearing up for the 1st big event of the evening: The Pie Eating Contest.

It ended with 1 winner and a lot of people with whipped cream all over their face. Its success guarantees we’ll be having another one in the very near future. So start practicing. A break was needed to recover before the climax of the party could be attempted. We’re talking about none other than the Widow Maker of party games: Musical Chairs. Yes, it’s claimed the sanity, and the lives, of many over the years, but HCJ-ers are always up to a challenge. Once the music began, it became apparent that different strategies were being used. Ryan Ng, dressed as a mono-browed pirate, tried to confuse the competition by riding his sword like a horsy or using it to accentuate some unique dance moves. Others used the common, but ineffective, tactic of talking loudly to the audience while the music played and then acting completely confused when it stopped. When the dust settled, it was HCJ Director Jon Cook who stood alone as Musical Chairs Emperor!

The contest was led by Duc Nguyen, who came as a rainbow wigged surf bum (Isn’t he a surf bum every day?). Pieces of pumpkin pie were laid out for consumption and at the count of 3 – they were off!

It was a great way to end the festivities. We’re planning on doing it again next year, so start sewing those costumes – you’ve only got 11 months ‘till the next HCJ Halloween Party.

If you’ve ever seen one of these contests, you know it’s like watching pigs at feeding time. Except with more grunting.

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October GMM & Message From The Editor October GMM was a little different – HCJ President Lily Fung was out ill, so Director Jon Cook stepped into her slippers at the front of the room. In addition to our membership turnout, we were joined by at least 3 prospective members! Word is getting around about the great Honolulu Chinese Jaycees. After an opening prayer by Isaac Sato, the proceedings got underway. Successful past projects were recounted for the assembled, including the Kalaupapa Beautification Trip. Anthony Sato gave an outline of what we accomplished and experienced on that great trip. It was clear that all who had gone came back with some great memories and a few life lessons. Past President Shirley Lam then came up to talk about the upcoming officer elections and urge members to consider taking on the challenge of leading us in 2009. Further discussion came up about the Jaycees points system for ranking chapters and what we could do to maintain our statewide standing. The final business taken care of, the assembled recited the Jaycee Creed together and unveiled the real attraction: Deanne Morimoto’s delicious chicken dish and Kathy Kam’s Halloween pudding, decorated to look like a spooky graveyard. But yet again, the icing on our communal cake was the welcoming of a new member! Chad Haili became part of the HCJ family and will be formally sworn in by President Lily at the first opportunity. Welcome to HCJ, Chad! [Next GMM: No GMM In December. Stay Tuned for January Details – Happy Holidays!]

Message From The Editor We’re now winding down the year and, looking back, we had a great year. We’re ending 2008 with more members than when we started. HCJ needs new blood to keep our projects alive and well. We’re working to guarantee that the Healthy Baby Contest, the Dragon Boat Races and Night In Chinatown live on into the coming years. But we still have some challenges ahead. We need to continue the growth so we can go beyond just the big Signature Projects. There is a need for groups like HCJ, not only as a whole, but as a builder of individual leaders who contribute to Hawaii day in and day out. I’m learning more and more that the leaders we need most are those that get the least amount of recognition. They show up when help is needed, when neighbors have troubles, when direction is needed in Hawaii communities of all sizes. Another thing I’ve learned is that leaders aren’t necessarily the ones in front. Leaders are people who step up, who fill in the breaches that open in times of trouble. True leadership is taking the initiative to contribute and to give unselfishly. Just because you’re not at the head of the effort doesn’t mean you’re not being a leader. HCJ needs to continue the work of not just working together, but creating a ‘leadership habit’ our members will take with them. Wherever they are. We need to build our HCJ community and strengthen the bonds between our members. The depth of our ties within the chapter will be measured in the impact of our work outside it. Let’s all get ready for a great 2009, building on the gains of 2008!

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NewsDragon / Volume 56 / Issue 11

Kalaupapa Picture Page

John, Deanne & Anthony In Plane Group Standing At End of Lava Tube

Group After Kalaupapa Library Clean Up Anthony, Jon & Ken Give Underwater Shakas

Deanne Gives 2 ‘Shakas Up’ To Shirtless Chefs

Masked Team Gets Ready To Clean House

Q: What Do Does Any Normal Person Do @ 11:00 At Night On The Kalaupapa Airport Runway? A: Yoga Stretches.

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NewsDragon / Volume 56 / Issue 11

HCJ Schedule of Events – NOV / DEC 2008 Saturday, November 22nd

HCJ Christmas Party! Golden Palace Restaurant 111 N King St, 2nd Floor Contact Deanne @ 306-3206

Saturday, December 6th

HCJ Board End Of Year Retreat 1PM

Thursday, December 11th

Sunday, December 14th

Honolulu Marathon Check-In @ 1AM / Ala Moana Center Call Kathy, 271-0016

Saturday, January 3rd

HCJ Awards & Installation Banquet! Natsunoya Tea House 1935 Makanani Drive 11AM Contact : 783-1369

Farrells Birthday Bash (July – Dec B’Days) Pearlridge, Uptown 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Stay tuned for announcements on activities, projects & sports! Look for HCJ emails and check our website: HcjHawaii.com

Honolulu Chinese Jaycees PO Box 957 Honolulu, HI 96808