Jitsuo “Jits” Fujimura is what we in the community would classify as a super volunteer and leader. The best as they come. He gives from the heart and at times from his own pocket to make sure those in need are provided for.
Fujimura has lived in Pearl City since 1969. He is married and has raised three sons who all attended school in Pearl City. Fujimura is a veteran, serving his country in the United States Army from 1954-57 and also retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in 1998.
Fujimura first became involved in serving the community as a volunteer while attending Leeward Community College after his retirement from the U.S. Postal Service. He answered an ad posted in the school newspaper that was looking for volunteers for Halloween at Leilehua High School.
“That’s my first venture into being a community volunteer,” said Fujimura. “That was fun. I just looked at the paper and I said I was going to call them. I did the same thing at Pearl City High School. I got a chance to meet new people and became a contributor as a volunteer.”
Fujimura has been an active community volunteer as a member of the Pearl City Community Association (PCCA) for past seven years and is currently in his second year of a two-year term as president. As the PCCA president, Fujimura leads an organization that contributes monetary donations and volunteer manpower to the community throughout the year. The PCCA donates four – $1000 scholarships to deserving Pearl City High School Seniors and a $500 donation to the Pearl City High School Project Graduation Program. Also, an annual donation of $200 is presented to each school in the Pearl City District Complex.
Fujimura also leads a core of PCCA volunteers that plan and present the Annual Pearl City Family Fun Day and Halloween Bash held at the Momilani Community Center. PCCA volunteers also contribute their time as judges at the Pearl City Shopping Center’s Halloween Costume Contest.
Most recently, Fujimura and fellow PCCA Board member, Warren Hiromoto cooked and served lunch at Manana Elementary School and Pearl City Highlands Elementary School to welcome back teachers and staff for the new 2011-2012 school year.
As a member of the Mana Loa-Nimitz Lions Club, Fujimura is very active in community service activities that benefit several communities on Oahu. A few of the Lions club community service projects include the Pearl Harbor Bike Path Clean-Up, Scholarship Fundraiser Car Wash, Highlands Intermediate School Campus Beautification Day Clean Up, and the Lions International Youth Camp Luncheon.
Fujimura is also very active in community service and serving his faith as a member of Grace Bible Church.
“Doing community service and volunteering is great,” Fujimura said. “It gives you peace of mind and you feel good about what you’re doing. It’s not something that you’re forced to do, but you choose to do it. It’s a happy thing.”
When asked the question about how long he plans to serve his community as a volunteer and community leader, Fujimura responded:
“I think I can go as far as my legs would carry me. And as far as what my heart tells me to do.”
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Fujimura pictured cooking up fried noodles during the 2011 Summer Intersession Dinner held at the Momilani Community Center on Friday, July 15, 2011.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Fujimura along with other PCCA members pictured volunteering as judges at the Pearl City Shopping Center Halloween Contest in October which was held at Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurant.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
PCCA Board members and volunteers are pictured with PCCA president, Jits Fujimura preparing dinner for the PCCA Installation Banquet held at the Pearl City Highlands Elementary School cafeteria in January of 2011. The PCCA also presented Pearl City District Complex School Principal's with a $200 cash donation for their schools.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Another one of the PCCA community service projects was to provide lunch for the crowd attending the dedication and opening of Kaakepa Street in Pearl City on June 29, 2011. Fujimura is pictured (3rd from right) as Mayor Peter Carlisle and Honolulu City Councilman Breene Harimoto cut the ceremonial maile lei to open Kaakepa Street.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
PCCA Board member, Warren Hiromoto (right) and Fujimura (left) pictured at the Manana Elementary School cafeteria on Tuesday, July 26, 2011. Hiromoto and Fujimura provided chicken, noodles and dessert for the teachers and staff during the welcome back to school luncheon.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Mana Loa-Nimitz Lions Club volunteers pictured with bags of rubbish picked up during the annual Pearl Harbor Bike Path Clean Up Day in April 2011. Fujimura pictured (far left) in gray shirt.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Fujimura pictured with Mana Loa-Nimitz Lions Club members serving lunch to a group of 22 International Youth Camp students from around the world on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at the Rainbow Park/Shizuo Pavilion on the historic shores of Pearl Harbor in Aiea.