I attended Senator “Najo” Yoshinaga’s 90th birthday at Manoa Innovation Center on Monday, August 10, 2009. I am so lucky to have him as my mentor and friend. I still remember he and his wife being the first guests to arrive at my first fundraiser for my race for the 41st District Hawaii House of Representatives seat at Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room in the late Spring of 2002. He has been my advisor in my 4 terms in the House, seeing my ups and downs, but always consistent in his support and advice. Senator Yoshinaga is a living legend being a veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, member of the Hawaii Legislature for 20 years from 1954 to 1974 (member of the 1954 Democratic Revolution), and attorney. His life is filled with sacrifice, vision, and tenacity that keeps me inspired to do my best. Like him, I have had many successes, but I also had my failures. I will fly with my successes, but when I get knocked down, I will continue to work hard with tenacity.
Senator "Najo" Yoshinaga and Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 