The Hilo High School Foundation will present its Distinguished Alumni Awards to Barry Taniguchi and John Masuhara, posthumously, at the foundation’s 10th annual Recognition Dinner. The dinner will be held Friday, Feb. 28, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Sangha Hall.
John Masuhara, who was Hilo High School’s principal from 1996 to 2000, died last Nov. 7 at the age of 75. The O‘ahu native earned his Ph.D. in education curriculum and instruction from Ohio State University. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was also a Taishoji Soto Mission member. Masuhara also held a sixth-degree black belt in judo.
Barry Taniguchi, a 1965 Hilo High graduate, died last Sept. 20 at the age of 72. He was the chairman and CEO of KTA Super Stores at the time of his passing. Taniguchi was also president of the Hilo High School Foundation from 2010 until his passing. He was a tireless community volunteer who shared his time, business acumen and resources with countless organizations and causes.
Foundation president Allan Ikawa will present the awards. Individual tickets are $50 per person for the dinner, which is being prepared by Don’s Grill. Sponsor tables are also available: $2,000 for Platinum tables; $1,500 for Blue; $750 for Gold and $500 for Viking tables. Alumni are being encouraged to put together tables with their classmates.
Tables can be reserved by calling Art Taniguchi at (808) 987-0287 or Newton Chu at (808) 961-0406.
Funds raised by the foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, are presented to Hilo High School teachers and/or organizations. Those unable to attend the dinner but who wish to donate to the foundation in honor of either Barry Taniguchi or John Masuhara can make their check payable to Hilo High School Foundation and mail it to Hilo High School at 556 Waiänuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720.
