Peace Day Hawai'i was celebrated on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the University of Hawaii's Urban Garden Center in Pearl City. Peace Day Hawai'i commemorated the United Nations International Day of Peace and Non-Violence.
Sharen Nakashima did a wonderful job serving as Peace Day Hawai'i emcee. Jeannie Lum, UH-CTAHR, Peace Day Hawaii Coordinator opened the program and introduced special guests and guests speakers. A special introduction by Councilmember Carol Fukunaga went out to her friend and colleague Senator Suzanne Chun-Oakland while announcing and recognizing Senator Chun-Oakland as the 2016 Distinguished Peacemaker Award. A well deserved award that truly honored a true Peacemaker.
Saturday's Peace Day Hawai'i official program listed Senator Chun-Oakland's dedicated service for Peace:
Senator Suzanne Chun-Oakland has served Hawaii's House and Senate for 26 years focused on issues related to human services programs, an advocate against child abuse, domestic violence, helping the disadvantaged – the elderly and disabled and our most vulnerable populations.
2014 Distinguished Peacemaker Award recipients Kathy and Roy Sakuma, and 2015 Distinguished Peacemaker Award recipients Jo Ann and Clifford Hirayasu were also recognized during the formal program.
Peace Day Hawai'i organizers were also honored to welcome Council General of Japan Yasushi Misawa and Yoko Misawa to the day's celebrations and festivities.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Special invited Peace Day Hawai'i guests gathered in the Urban Garden
Center's Peace Garden for a group photo on Saturday, September 24, 2016.
(Pictured from left to right) Pearl City Community Association President Barry Villamil, Representative
Gregg Takayama, Pearl City Lions Club Board Member Alice Kudo, Councilmember Brandon Elefante,
Pearl City Lions Club Board Member Jits Fujimura, 2014 Distinguished Peacemaker recipients Kathy
and Roy Sakuma, Council General of Japan Yasushi Misawa and Yoko Misawa, 2016 Distinguished
Peacemaker Award recipient Senator Suzanne Chun-Oakland, and Councilmember Carol Fukunaga.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
2016 Distinguished Peacemaker Award recipient Suzanne Chun-Oakland
addresses Peace Day Hawai'i event participants after being presented her
award by Honolulu Councilmember Carol Fukunaga during the formal program.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Peace Day Hawai'i emcee Sharen Nakashima opens
the formal program following a traditional oli blessing.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
The Urban Garden Center Peace Garden path, that is currently under
construction, will lead from the Peace Garden to the UGC Peace Rose Garden.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Mahalo to the Pearl City Lions Club volunteers for their service to our community on Saturday.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Mahalo to the student volunteers representing the Waipahu High School Honor Society.