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CG Kamo’s Remarks

At the 60^th Annual Installation Meeting 

for the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii

Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii

June 24, 2010

Good Evening and Aloha!

Thank you for your resounding applause that is certainly more than I deserve. But anyhow, it is my great honor and privilege to be here, along with my wife, to join you at this gathering of significant importance, in celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii.

First of all, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to our new President Randy Kurohara and his officers for their election. I am certain that they will be successful in leading the Chamber for the next one year. I would also like to thank the outgoing President, Allan Onishi, and his officers for their excellent work for the Chamber to make a difference. The Chamber has been a powerful proponent to advance various objectives for the local community over the years. It has been in place for developing business opportunities and growing a business friendly environment, thus contributing significantly to the local community. It also has been instrumental in preserving the Japanese culture and tradition by organizing and supporting numerous cultural events and thus reminding the local Japanese American populace of the traditional values and customs of Japan. It strikes a good balance of business and culture in its activities. I think that is the Chamber’s proud tradition.

Well folks, we have just heard wonderful remarks by our two main speakers. Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, Jr and the tourism authority man, Mike McCartney. They have sneaked out of the gathering, perhaps in order to catch a flight back to Honolulu. They are busy men. As a matter of fact, I too have a morning engagement tomorrow in Honolulu. But I did not follow suit. I would like to stay here all through this evening, because I want to enjoy the party more and get to know you better and deeper.

It is nice and gracious that Lt. Governor Aiona showed up this evening. I admire his friendliness and character. I first met him at a bike race ceremony very early in the morning at Kapi Olani Park in Honolulu last September. He brought his bike and after the ceremony he joined the bike race. He is quite an athlete. The only time I met him with resentment was when we bumped into each other at the Contest for the Cherry Blossoms Queen. I was asked to put the tiara on the Queen. But several hours before the contest, I was told that Lt. Governor would take part in the award giving ceremony and the presenter’s role was accorded to him. He stole my role. Well, that kind of thing would happen some time. He and I would see each other on other occasions besides the beauty pageant. I really am grateful to him for his hospitable attitude when I bring my guests from Japan to him in his office. He is a great Lt. Governor.

Mike McCartney is an interesting man. This evening, he spoke as the director of the Tourism Authority of Hawaii. But to me, he is more of a historian on the Japanese-American history in Hawaii or political commentator than a state government official for tourism. When I first met him at Pineapple Room of Macy’s at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, I found him totally betraying my expectation. McCartney, a Beatle name, you know. He extensively told him how his grandfather, school teacher, educated local boys from the Japanese American community in Maui. Many of them later became influential leaders for the Japanese Americans in Kahului, Honolulu, and, for that matter, Washington D.C. His account of the history of Japanese Americans is really the most striking and memorable.

As the State government’s tourism officer, he expressed his optimism for Hilo’s future in tourism. I have agreement with him on that. He said about the possible visit of Japanese school excursions to Hilo. Hilo has already become a tourist destination for Japanese tourists who come to the Big Island. This afternoon we went to the Big Island Candy’s store and we were overwhelmed at the large number of shoppers buying up various sweet products, including many Japanese tourists. Hilo has its own charm and attracts many people. For school excursion, Honolulu is not always the ideal destination, due to its too much commercialized areas. Hilo could provide better educational environment with pristine nature, Japanese-Americans and the University of Hawaii, Hilo campus. Another education I had from Mr. McCartney’s remarks is that there are so many Japanese people enjoying hula dancing. I don’t know if there are 300, 000 hula dancers in Japan, but I think that so many people, particularly, matured ladies, enjoy practicing hula in Japan. They are eager to come to Hawaii for hula opportunities. Each year Hilo hosts the Merry Monarch Hula Festival which is regarded as the most authentic hula competition. You could take advantage of the zeal among Japanese hula ladies in advancing the tourism related industries in Hilo wisely.

So I have over-spoken by 15 minutes by now. I should stop. I wish the best of luck the newly elected administration of the Chamber for their future endeavor. I thank you very much once again for including us. Enjoy your evening.