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Thank-You Letters

Mana’olana Pink Paddlers would like to personally thank Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. for choosing us as a recipient of their Community Initiative Grant. Their generosity allowed us to purchase and refurbish our double-hull canoe, which provides more stability for cancer patients going through difficult and painful treatments and surgeries. Our goal was to assist and accommodate more cancer patients and survivors, as well as generate more income for our club by providing extra seats for visitors. By providing a double hull canoe, the cancer patient can ride without having to exert energy, yet still experience the full benefits of being on the ocean supported by others.

We launched our double hull canoe with a beautiful Hawaiian Blessing, attended by over 100 people, including Mayor Alan Arakawa, who is personally aware of how cancer can affect a loved one. We have seen our Pinks begin their journey needing help getting into the canoe, to ultimately racing in the Hawaiian Outrigger Regattas and winning medals. That empowers us all!

Results were much better, faster, and far-reaching than expected! Since we received the funding, over 150 cancer patients have paddled with us, we’ve earned $5,000 in additional funds for our programs, and have been able to assist families with Ashes-to-Sea Ceremonies. Nearly 50 Pinks participated in the Lanai Voyage this past October, our largest showing yet.

To know that we have supported hundreds of cancer survivors in their long-term healing and recovery means the world to us. HC&S’ generous donation helps to make this happen, and we are honored that they selected us.

Mary Dungans

Mana’olana Pink Paddlers

* * *

On my recent vacation to Maui, a leisurely walk turned into a trip and fall. Off-duty Maui police Capt. Don Kanemitsu just so happened to be driving by with his family. He stopped and offered his assistance. He called for paramedics and stayed along with me until they arrived! I am so grateful!

Thank you so very much Capt. Kanemitsu!

Robert G. Atria

San Francisco

Thank-You Letters

Through a partnership with Hawaii Department of Education and the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, I was able to participate in a professional development opportunity to New Zealand from March 13 to 23 as one of two teachers from Maui.

This experience was embedded with learning at many levels and one that has been deeply impactful in my personal growth as well as my teaching practice. I could not have funded this trip without the generous support of the following individuals that I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation. They are Darlene and John Abt, Savitri Carlson, Dr. Arthur Medeiros, Barbara Mosle, Wade Holmes, Lei’ohu Ryder, Maedeen Kealoha, Christine Kapi’ioho, Adrianna and Noah Kiili, Jena Fakava, Keith and Licia Sakamoto, Dave and Cynee Katjang, Jen Fordyce, Kulani Calina, Joy Kiili, Amey Hempel, Linda Berry, Wallette and Victor Pellegrino, Helena Weltman, Doug Sauvage and John Andrews. I also had the wonderful privilege of leaving a little bit of Maui in New Zealand through the product donations made by the following businesses: Maui Soap Co., Ku’au Store, Wal-Mart, Costco, Maui Coffee Roasters, Whole Foods Kahului, Maui Thing and Ho Ka ‘Ono Lollipops.

I have learned that the greatest change we can make begins within ourselves, as knowing one’s self is vital to becoming a leader to engage in our civic responsibilities and that the moral compass of our community lay in the strength of our individual identities in order to contribute to the collective of the greater good. Mahalo nui loa. Malama pono.

Rebecca Kapolei Kiili

King Kekaulike High School

* * *

A very big mahalo to the Maui Lions Club for generously donating a huge box of new slippers to Wailuku Elementary School! Almost every week a child walks into the school office with a broken slipper. We were running low on replacement slippers to loan to the children, and we sent out a request to the Maui Lions Club, via club member Chelsea Fernandez. Chelsea took the time out of her extremely hectic work schedule, went to the store to purchase the slippers, and delivered them to the school. Thank you, Maui Lions Club, especially Chelsea, for fulfilling the need at our school!

Lisa Mochizuki

Wailuku

Thank-You Letters

I attended the Maui No Ka Oi ‘Aipono Awards dinner, a fundraiser for Maui Culinary Academy, on April 26 at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali where 50-plus awards were disseminated to our talented chefs, restaurants, and food-and-beverage industry businesses.

The public votes online for their favorite establishments. This dinner highlights the best of the best in multiple categories of dining establishments (like Best Restaurant of the Year, Best New Restaurant, Best Breakfast, Best Sushi, Best Pizza, Chef of the Year, etc.). It was a “sight to see,” an experience you’ll remember forever, and one that makes a person feel good that they live on Maui.

The energy level in the elegant casbah is beyond explanation. Mistress of Ceremonies Diane Haynes Woodburn, publisher of Maui No Ka Oi magazine, was gracious in her comments about all the hotel resorts’ restaurants, our local eateries, all the outstanding chefs, the F&B industry businesses, and all of us who support Maui Culinary Academy.

You just couldn’t help but get wrapped up in the festivities without having pride in your heart, that Maui is the best. The chefs and their support teams worked endless hours preparing food paired with beverages that tantalized our taste buds and beckoned our hearts to dine out frequently!

Thank you to all of those involved who make the ‘Aipono Awards so significant. Mahalo for Diane’s leadership and vision of honoring, via the ‘Aipono Awards, our very special people- the talented and creative chefs and their staffs.

Lois Reiswig, Lahaina

* * *

I am writing today because I want to take this time to thank the many parents who have made time for their community and families to volunteer with American Youth Soccer Organization.

I learned recently, at a three-day state convention, that AYSO is run by 100 percent volunteers at the local level and without them, there would be no fall soccer available to children at an affordable price with an organization who’s philosophy is everyone plays. I also learned that its so much more than soccer.

We are teaching our future leaders life lessons, which is invaluable. We hear about so much negativity in today’s world but today, it’s time to celebrate the good news about our parents and how they make volunteering a priority in their homes.

Kellie Pali-Cruz, Kihei

Thank-You Letters

The Maui Toastmaster clubs wish to thank the Maui Electric Co. and Conrad Copeland for their generous use of their wonderful auditorium. Their loving aloha enabled us to present our Area Toastmaster Contest for the International Speech and Table Topics contests. Their community outreach exemplifies businesses serving our island nonprofits.

Ron Larsen

Makawao

* * *

On behalf of the participants of the 45th annual Intermediate School Music Festival held recently, the teachers and students would like to thank the many who supported us. Notable are all of the parents and boosters. We would also like to thank Mayor Alan Arakawa, Michael Victorino, Grant Chun, Mabel Todd, Maui PrintWorks, Alpa Delta Kappa, Hawaii Gamma Chapter, Keith Higaki, and school administrators Ann Bergmann of Emmanuel Lutheran, Carolyn Moore of Doris Todd Christian Academy, Norma Barroga of Iao School, Lois Nishikawa of Kamehameha Schools Maui middle school and Scot DeSa, Kamehameha Schools Hawaii middle school. Your kindness and hard work on our behalf are surely appreciated by us all.

Helene H. Kau, Booster Club President

Iao School Band

* * *

The Maui High School Senior Class and Senior Project Committee would like to thank the many people who came to judge senior project presentations March 6. All students who graduate from Maui High School are required to complete a Senior Project, which includes a research paper, mentorship, a portfolio and a culminating product. We know that those who came to judge the presentations have busy lives, so we appreciate the support that you show for all of our students. More than 370 seniors presented and passed their senior project presentations and are now preparing for graduation.

We would also like to thank all those in our community who helped mentor our students. Without your help, our seniors would not be able to complete the project portion. We look forward to working with many more mentors and hope more people in our community will agree to be mentors for our incoming senior class. If you would like to be a mentor or a judge, please contact Ti’a Joaquin at tia.joaquin@mauihigh.org.

Ti’a Joaquin, Senior Project Coordinator

Maui High School

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