Monthly Archives: October 2008

Yesterday was the funeral for Robert “Bob” Shimoda, the last of my late grandpa Maurice Karamatsu’s closest friends.  Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say did the eulogy.  Speaker’s father-in-law, the late Stephen Kotake was a friend of my grandpa and Mr. Shimoda.  They called themselves “sangabarasu” or “three black birds” because they did everything together.  I will never forget Mr. Shimoda’s smile and his pleasant personality.  I am so glad I got to spend time with him.  He was a link to my grandparents and their generation.  A time when all the odds were against them such as racism and the glass ceiling, but they did their best as businessmen, but more importantly as friends.  I have no grandparents left, so anytime one of their friends pass away, I feel sad.  I will live life the best as I can, and help pave the way for the younger generations, and one day, I will join all my family and friends who passed away.  I am so honored to have known Mr. Shimoda.  Shimodasan, jya mata, goodbye until we meet again.

Aloha,

I want to thank all my constituents who have shared their thoughts, concerns, and well-wishes to me over the last several months.  After the anonymous illegal negative mailers against me, and the recent negative fliers against me that are being canvassed throughout the district, many of you have shared with me your kind words.  I just want you to know that your thoughts mean a lot to me. 

The past year has been one of the most challenging years in my career thus far.  I have learned so much as a person.  My life has had successes, but I have also made mistakes.  Many who want access to power have taken advantage of my mistake in life.  The negative attacks has definitely tested my will to be humble and compassionate.  I have become much stronger within myself.  No matter what I do in life, I want to be positive.  As always, I am going all-out in this election.  No matter what the outcome, I have no regrets and will live life to the fullest.  Thank you so much!

With Warmest Aloha,

Jon Riki Karamatsu

On Wednesday, October 22, 2008, I attended the Waikele Elementary School’s School Community Council meeting which I serve as a member.  After, I attended Waipahu Intermediate School’s Social Studies’ student and parent event.  They had a mock election that was very educational.

On Friday, October 17, 2008, I spoke to 3rd grade students at Waikele Elementary School in regards to climate change.  I talked about some of the problems we face and some of the solutions that we as individuals can do to help.  Also, I mentioned some of my legislation on renewable energy.  I handed out a workbook donated by HECO that teaches us how to save energy.  I really had a great time.

Aloha,

The Peace Day Hawaii 2008 was a success after a year of planning.  This was the second annual celebration.  I want to thank all the Peace Day Hawaii Committee members, volunteers, donors, and participants.

Sincerely,

Jon Riki Karamatsu

 

Peace Day Hawaii 2008 

Hawaii Convention Center

Sunday, September 21, 2008

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

 

 

Peace Day Hawaii 2008 Program

Welcome by Co-Emcees Cameron Kubota of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and Ayesha Cooray of Students for Peace with Iolani’s Institute for Peace.

 

Co-Chairs of Peace Day Hawaii 2008 Committee

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu and Ms. Ann Ishizu

 

 “Voices of Peace”

Hongwanji Mission School Choir

 

Introduction of Dignitaries

 

Key Note Speaker

Ms. Gloria Tumbaga

 

“Now Power and Good Vibrations”

Max Louie and Dani-One

 

Presentation of Peace Day Hawaii Award

Senator Matt Matsunaga

 

“Peace”

Pacific Buddhist Academy Taiko

 

Remarks by The United Nations Association Student Alliance

Alexa Berman, Joni Caminos, and Daniyal Saud

 

“Joy Joy and Down by the Riverside”

A Class Act

 

Peace Video

Rotary Club of Honolulu

 

Candle Lighting Ceremony ~ “A Candle for Peace”

Hongwanji Mission School Choir and A Class Act

 

A Moment of Silence

Commemorating Peace in Hawaii

 

 

Sponsors and Donors

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A & B Foundation

Dean Foods

Hawaii Convention Center

Hawaii Lions District 50

Senator Gary L. Hooser

Na Lei Aloha Foundation

Olelo Community Television

Poi Pounder Hawaii

Projection Presentation Technology

Robert Rivero

 

Peace Day Hawaii

2008 Planning Committee

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Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu, co-chair

Hawaii House of Representatives

Ann Ishizu, co-chair

Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii

 

Candace Van Buren                Dr. B. Jeannie Lum

Business Owner                                                UH College of Education

 

Erin Fujimoto                           Georgette Deemer

Student Intern, UNA                             State House Communications

 

Ian Kitajima                     Jacob Chang

Oceanit                                                 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii

 

Joanne Tachibana                  Joni Caminos

UNA – USA Hawaii Division                Pacific Forum CSIS

 

Lauren Zirbel                         Pamela Ferguson-Brey

Hawaii Food Industry Assn.                   Department of Public Safety

 

Pieper Toyama              Rene Mansho

Pacific Buddhist Academy                     Hawaii Lions District 50

 

Rep. Lyla Berg                        Reverend Mike Young

Hawaii House of Representatives           First Unitarian Church of Honolulu

 

Sen. Carol Fukunaga             Sen. Gary Hooser

Hawaii Senate                                       Hawaii  Senate

 

Sparky Rodrigues                  Thelma Dreyer

Olelo Community Television                   State House Communications

 

Dr. Rosemary Casey               Wayne Yagi

UH Office of Int’l  Education                Office of Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu 

 

Background

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On April 18, 2007, Governor Linda Lingle signed House Bill 345 into law as Act 23.  It established a Peace Day Hawaii to be observed on September 21 of each year by promoting peace programs, improving international relations, and increasing educational awareness of peace.  Hawaii is the first state to officially recognize the United Nation’s International Day of Peace, now celebrated in more than 200 countries worldwide.

 

House Bill 345 was introduced by Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu on behalf of the members of the Hawaii Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Associations of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.  During the 2007 Legislative Session, the bill drew enthusiastic participation from members and advisors of the Hawaii Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Associations and from many diverse groups including the Matsunaga Institute for Peace, Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Wahiawa Lions Club, Hawaii State Teachers Association, League of Women Voters, Pacific Buddhist Academy and numerous citizens.

 

An ad hoc committee established in 2007 with members representing a broad cross-section of government, not-for-profit organizations and other participants from the peace education community have worked diligently to make this celebration possible.

 

On Friday, October 17, 2008, I met with a representative of the Hawaii Association of Realtors in the afternoon.  That evening I met with Filipino community leaders and the Vice Governor, mayor, and a principal from Isabella, Philippines to see if we can get them used educational books.

On Saturday, September 13, 2008, I attended the Teo Chew dinner at Ala Moana Hotel from 6:00 P.M.