Hui O Laulima recently awarded cultural grants totaling $10,000 to 10 organizations and individuals for projects aimed at promoting and perpetuating Okinawan culture. Hui O Laulima is a nonprofit women’s organization and an active member of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. The grants were awarded to:
• Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko to cover their interisland baggage fees for their taiko performance at this year’s 38th Okinawan Festival.
• Jimpu Kai USA Kin Ryosho Ryukyu Geino Kenkyusho Hawaii Shibu for airfare support for two sensei to conduct research and a lecture/demonstration in Okinawa.
• Kohala Okinawa Kenjin Kai for airfare support to Hawai‘i Island for Ukwanshin Kabudan and the Young Okinawans of Hawaii to provide music for a Hawi obon event.
• Maui Okinawan Kenjin Kai-Jimpu Kai Maui for airfare support for Cheryl Nakasone-Sensei’s monthly classes on Maui.
• Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai-Maui Okinawa Sanshin for airfare funding for Keith Nakaganeku-Sensei’s monthly classes on Maui.
• Maui Ryukyu Culture Group for airfare for two sensei to teach monthly classes in various aspects of Okinawan culture.
• Nomura Ryu Ongaku Kyo Kai Hawaii Shibu for airfare for Keith Nakaganeku-Sensei’s monthly sanshin classes in Kona.
• Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Kohala/Waimea for airfare support to bring two Okinawan instructors back to complete a shishi project that was started in 2019.
• Janice Shiira to fund printing of UCHINAAGUCHI KATAYABIRA! for the 38th Okinawan Festival (Shimakutuba booth).
• Hitomi Takahashi for airfare funding to take the shinjinsho (first-level proficiency) classical odori (dance) test in Okinawa.
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association honored 35 individuals as 2019 “Uchinanchu of the Year.” The honorees were nominated by their respective clubs and organizations for their selfless service and dedication to their clubs, the HUOA and the community. The two presidents — outgoing 2019 president Jocelyn Ige and newly installed 2020 president Lynn Miyahira — presented each “Uchinanchu of the Year” honoree with a commemorative gift and had a photo taken with each honoree as their families and club members cheered them on.
Recognized as 2019 Uchinanchu of the Year were: Emily Watanabe, Aza Gushikawa Doshi Kai • Sandra Yanagi, Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai • Jarisse Corcoran and Jarrica Corcoran, Club Motobu • Lynn Miyahira, Gaza Yonagusuku Doshi Kai • Roberta “Robbie” Umeno, Ginowan Shijin Kai • David Shinsato, Ginoza Sonjin Kai • Derek Uesato, Gushichan Sonjin Kai • Naomi Oshiro, Gushikawa Shijin Kai • Alan Miyashiro, Haneji Club • George and Emiko Serikaku, Hawaii Sashiki Chinen Doshi Kai • Greg Kuwazaki, Hawaii Shuri-Naha Club • Sandy Adachi and Linda Ebesu, Hui Alu, Inc. • Jane Tamanaha Lee, Hui Makaala • Kate Maeshiro Ardona, Hui O Laulima • Aileen Kaneshiro, Hui Okinawa • Yasuko Arakawa, Kin Chojin Kai • Esther Zukeran and Brenda Pereira, Kitanakagusuku Sonjin Kai • Elaine Fujita, Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai • the late Jane Serikaku, Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai • Catherine Haruko Higa, Nishihara Chojin Kai • Michele Higa Costales, Okinawa City Goeku • Amy Tsuru, Okinawan Genealogical Society of Hawaii • Frederick H. Takara, Oroku Azajin Club • Starla Takahara, Shinka • Reiko Marino, Tamagusuku Club • Shigeru and Eileen Yoshimoto, Tomigusuku Sonjin Kai • Sharon Yoshizawa, Wahiawa Okinawa Kyoyu Kai • Sharlene Cummings, Yomitan Club • Clara Yamashiro, Yonashiro Chojin Kai • David Jones, Young Okinawans of Hawaii.
