
Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and Eric Maehara at Karamatsu's February 18, 2010 fundraiser at St. Andrew's Priory.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and Eric Maehara Karamatsu's February 18, 2010 fundraiser at St. Andrew's Priory.
“Shimauta” – The Boom: This is a song Eric Maehara would always have me sing whenever we were at Maru or other karaoke bars. I sang the Japanese version of this Okinawan song. I dedicate this song to him.
I am saddened to have lost a friend, Eric Maehara who passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2010. I got to become friends with him through Representative Jerry L. Chang who is also a friend of mine. My grandpa Maurice Karamatsu was a friend of his father, Angel Maehara, thus, it was an honor that I became friends with Eric. He was such a genuine and good person. He was also a great attorney. When Eric Maehara and I hung out at the karaoke bars, he would always place a song for me to sing called “Shimauta”. After I first sang it in front of a crowd, I could tell he liked that song. I have so many great memories with him. At my August 26, 2009 fundraiser at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, he collapsed outside on the lawn towards the ocean. When I went out to see if he was okay, there were paramedics and several other friends by him. He told me with tears in his eyes to get back to my fundraiser. I knelt down on the grass towards him and he used all his effort to hug me even though the paramedics tried to stop him. He loved politics and being at the state capitol. No matter how ill he was, he enjoyed working on the many bills for the legislature. Eric came to my Fundraiser at St. Andrew’s Priory on February 18, 2010. That was the last time I spoke to him. I will miss him a lot.
Thank you so much for leaving this special message for our friend Eric. I just heard the sad news of his passing and want to send out my condolences to his family. Eric was such a good man, father, friend and caretaker! He was always there to help and never wanted anything in return. He will certainly be missed!
May he rest in peace.
Donna
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you got his vote on the other side! he sure as heck loves you very much because he kept telling me you got a really good heart!!
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I only today learned of the passing of my dear friend Eric Maehara. I am overwhelmed with grief and sorrow learning of his passing. He was the most gracious and loving man that I have ever known. A true gem.
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Pamela,
Thanks for your comment. Eric is such a good person. He is still with all of us.
Jon
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