Three music educators and two advocates for the Native Hawaiian community are being recognized as Living Treasures of Hawai‘i by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.
The program honors individuals "who have made sustained contributions toward enriching our society," according to a news release. This is the 38th year of this annual recognition.
The honorees will be feted Saturday at a luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel (tickets are no longer available). For more information, call 522-9200 or check www.hongwanjihawaii.com and click on "News and Events."
Here are the 2013 Living Treasures:
» Dennis Kauahi has spent his career at the Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center, first as a caseworker and eventually as a supervisor, using his knowledge of Hawaiian culture to improve the lives of Native Hawaiian orphans and the needy for 42 years.
» As artistic director of the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, Nola A. Nahulu increased membership to 240 from 20 children in grades K-12. She has served as conductor at Kawaiaha‘o Church since 1990 and has worked as a choral clinician for schools and community groups locally, nationally and internationally.
» Michael Nakasone, former bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band, enjoyed a 26-year career as band director at Pearl City High School and was named the Department of Education’s teacher of the year in 1996. He was instrumental in the construction of the Pearl City Cultural Arts Center and was recognized by the Band World Legion of Honor as one of the 10 best band directors in the nation. He now serves as director of Punahou School’s wind ensemble and concert band.
» Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Oswald K. Stender has spent much of his life working to improve the lives of Native Hawaiians and the community at large. He provided scholarships for Hawaiian students through the Ke Alii Pauahi Foundation and has strived to strengthen foster care programs.
» Honokaa High and Intermediate School band director Gary Washburn took a program that was "in shambles" and turned it around, "inspiring students to find their potential in music" and pursue successful careers, the news release said. Through his dedication and hard work, the Hawaii island campus earned national recognition through the Grammy Foundation as one of 36 "Grammy Signature Schools" nationwide, and Washburn was honored with a Class Nobel Educator of Distinction Award from the National Society of High School Scholars.
