Kalakaua Day Remaks at Iolani Palace

November 16, 2011

Yoshi Kamo

Good afternoon and Aloha!

It is indeed my pleasure that I have been invited to say a few remarks before you today at this auspicious occasion at this magnificent venue. Many of you may wonder why I am here. In fact, I received the Pillar of the Hawaiian Community Award last year. It may sound strange but I am one of the proud honorees of this distinguished Award conferred upon those who made contribution to the unity and promotion of Hawaiian communities.

This year, the selection committee has selected four honorees for this Award. Congratulations to all the winners! You have made a difference in making the Hawaiian community more vibrant and engaging. We have just heard about the achievements of the first two honorees by their respective introducer. While I offer my utmost respects and appreciation to all the honorees equally, I would like to single out Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, our next honoree, in my following remarks, as she is the only person that I know personally among our four honorees today.

I was indeed most pleased to hear that Mrs. Ariyoshi was selected an honoree of the Pillar of the Hawaiian Community this year. She deserves the honor and recognition for her many roles in expanding the Hawaiian culture. The Free Masons is associated with construction and architecture. Mrs. Ariyoshi restored and renovated Washington Place.

Mrs. Ariyoshi has been playing a lead role with brilliance and dedication for the Japanese American community. She was the first Japanese American First Lady of the state for 13 years. After retiring from Washington Place, she has been active on many fronts over the past 25 years. She is the role model for the young and aspiring Japanese American women by representing Japanese Americans’ talents, values and potentials.

She has been literally the pillar of the Hawaiian community as well. Every one thought Washington Place should be renovated, but any one could not put it into practice. Mrs. Ariyoshi took her initiative to take on that formidable task and pulled it off. It is her great feat to preserve the traditional Hawaiian culture and restore the Hawaiian pride.

She has been a bridge which connects Hawaii and Japan. On the occasion of the 100 year anniversary of the Japanese immigration to Hawaii, she initiated a tree planting campaign throughout Hawaiian isles, which resulted in planting 1 million trees. This project was meant to bond Japan with Hawaii by trees. There was no other enterprise more impressive and symbolic than celebrating the 100^th anniversary of introducing Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, initiated by King Kalakaua.  

I commend the Free Masons and the United Japanese Association of Hawaii for their timely decision in honor of Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi. Live long Jean. Congratulations!