The Hawaii United Okinawa Association recognized 45 “Uchinanchu of the Year” at its annual ”Uchinanchu of the Year”/installation banquet at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on Jan. 20. The 2017 “Uchinanchu of the Year” were honored for their service to their respective club, the HUOA and the larger community. The honorees were:
• Janet Tomoyo Higa (Aza Gushikawa Doshi Kai)
• James Miyasato and Jenny Nakasone (Aza Yogi Doshi Kai)
• Lynne Yoshiko and Clarence Nakasone (Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai)
• Gale and Herdi Sadaoka (Club Motobu)
• Jane Tamanaha Lee (Gaza Yonagusuku Doshi Kai)
• Diane Hatsuko Kaya (Ginowan Shijin Kai)
• Ellen Shimabukuro (Ginoza Sonjin Kai)
• Ronald Tokuda (Gushikawa Shijin Kai)
• Ann Oshiro Wong (Haebaru Club)
• Grace Shizue (Matsuda) Tamanaha (Haneji Club)
• James Torao Serikaku and Cheryl Sasaki (Hawaii Sashiki-Chinen Doshi Kai)
• Carol and Gordon Yamasaki (Hawaii Shuri-Naha Club)
• Arnold Kaneshiro and Esther Yamauchi (Hui Alu Inc.)
• Judy Keiko Shimabukuro (Hui Makaala)
• Paula Kurashige (Hui O Laulima)
• Lynn Murota and Darryl Yamashita (Hui Okinawa)
• Stanley and Carol Ige (Kin Chojin Kai)
• Toyo Yamauchi (Kitanakagusuku Sonjin Kai)
• Doris Grace (Kona Okinawa Kenjinkai)
• Samuel Kiyabu (Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai)
• Samantha and Gabe Preis (Nago Club)
• Leona Urata (Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai)
• Sandra Jay Shiroma (Nishihara Chojin Kai)
• Thomas Talkington and Christine Talkington Chung (Okinawa City-Goeku Son)
• Rodney Kohagura (Okinawan Genealogical Society of Hawaii)
• Natalie Sachiko Teruya (Oroku Azajin Club)
• Janet Tao (Oroku Doshi Kai)
• Henry Gushikuma (Osato Doshi Kai)
• Hanae Gushiken Higa (Shinka)
• Gladys Higa (Tomigusuku Sonjin Kai)
• Tami Nakamura (Urasoe Shijin Kai)
• Donna Kakazu (Wahiawa Okinawa Kyoyu Kai)
• Helen Kazuko Nakasone (Yomitan Club)
• Patsy Yanaga (Yonashiro Chojin Kai)
• Alexander Abe (Young Okinawans of Hawaii)
