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CG Kamo’s Remarks

At the 2010 Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony

August 11, 2010  

Mr. Teranishi,

His family members, friends, and supporters,

Governor Ariyoshi,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning and alo-ha!

It is a privilege and honor for me to be here this morning at this auspicious occasion to present Mr. Dennis Teranishi with the 2010 Foreign Minister’s Commendation, bestowed upon those who have made outstanding contributions in the promotion of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and other foreign countries through economic and technical cooperation, information and cultural activities, and those which enhance international relations.  Mr. Teranishi joins the 58 individuals and 39 groups, of which 8 individual and 10 groups are from the United States, to receive this award this year.

Mr. Dennis Yoshito Teranishi is being presented the 2010 Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his outstanding contributions in the fields of high technology and renewable energy, strengthening the bonds of cooperation between the United States and Japan in these sectors.

Mr. Teranishi is the Vice Chairman and CEO of Hawaiian Host, Inc., who also became Vice Chairman of the Board of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research, or PICHTR, in 1999.  PICHTR was established in 1983 as a result of an agreement between the U.S. and Japan to develop and deploy sustainable energy technologies for Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region.

Over the past decade, since his appointment, Mr. Teranishi has remained committed to PICHTR’s mission, successfully spearheading the planning and operation phases of various projects and, in particular, leading the Renewable Energy Based Rural Electrification Project and the Pacific Islands Nations Education and Training Program, which was funded by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Teranishi is also instrumental in promoting cooperation between Hawaii and Okinawa on clean energy. In November 2009, the Hawaii-Okinawa Partnership on Clean Energy was initiated by the agreement between the two leaders of US and Japan. Under this partnership cooperation, Mr. Teranishi visited Okinawa to discuss with Japanese counterparts on proposals for future renewable energy projects in Okinawa. His dedicated efforts and assistances enabled the conclusion of the Memorandum of Cooperation in June this year to implement the partnership cooperation. I am sure that his contribution has created a stronger sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Okinawa as well.

Well I am afraid that I sounded as if he were a Hawaiian Electric man. Everybody knows that he is an able businessman, happy family man, and of course, avid chocolate fan. What strikes me most about him, however, is his vision that goes beyond these qualifications. He aspires for the better future of Japanese Americans. Like Governor Ariyoshi, he works for this and tries to make it sure that the Japanese Americans of the future generations will continue to fare well in the American society. I admire for his foresight and actions.

Foreign Minister Okada by the way came to our residence back in January. He was known for his Spartan lifestyle. We were quite nervous about how to entertain him over dinner. As he alluded that he was curious of local ingredients, we offered him Hawaiian salad, Hawaiian taro pasta, Hawaiian pot-au-feu, and as his dessert, Fruit Macedonia. Well, you can guess what he will get for his dessert next time. I will offer him a bucket of Hawaiian Host chocolate.

Congratulations!