Organizers of the Sixth Worldwide Youth Uchinanchu Festival (“Wakamono Taikai”) are seeking participants for next year’s festival, set for Feb. 6-10, in Lima, Peru. Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35.

Hawai‘i yonsei Collin Hoo participated in the second and fourth festivals, which were held in the U.S. and the Philippines, respectively. “To be able to meet people from halfway around the world and talk to them about what it’s like growing up in their countries as Okinawan — it was a very perspective changing experience for me,” he said.

The festival is an opportunity for Uchinanchu youth to come together and exchange ideas aimed at preserving and promoting the culture of Okinawa. It is also an opportunity to grow in leadership, bond with fellow young Okinawans and find a community back home — in short, to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

The 2018 festival will include international performances, a sports competition, youth symposium, and the study of Ryükyüan language and other dialects spoken in Okinawa. There will be also be an opportunity to learn about Okinawan immigrants in Peru through study tours, a Peruvian cooking class and participation in Peru’s annual Okinawan Festival.

“There’s so much potential to create an even stronger global Uchinanchu network by working and connecting with Okinawans in South America, across the U.S., throughout Asia and even Europe,” Hoo added. “In turn, we can help to make the future for Okinawa, our homeland, a lot brighter.”

The registration fee is $350, which includes lodging, transportation to all festival-related activities and meals on the main festival days. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip airfare, overseas travel insurance, transaction and application fees related to registration requirements and personal expenses. The registration application deadline is Sept. 30.

For online registration form and more information, visit http://eventregist.com/e/wyuf-peru2018-english. Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, in good health and take full responsibility for their overseas travel. English-speaking staff is available to answer any questions at wyuf-entry-o@wyua.okinawa.

The UH Mänoa Outreach College is offering classes in Japanese language for three levels of learning: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The classes (10 classes per season) are held three times a year (spring/summer/fall).

Classes will be held every Saturday from 9 to 11:45 a.m. Each session is split into two parts, consisting of grammar, reading comprehension, writing and listening, followed by time to interact one-on-one with a Japanese volunteer.

Each class is open to individuals from age 18 and up. If you studied Japanese in the past, would like to improve your use of the language or are looking for an opportunity to use Japanese in a job, this class will teach you both the basics of Japanese as well as the culture and traditions through lessons and personal conversations with volunteers. It will also help those who are taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

Class dates are Sept. 9 through Dec. 2 (classes will not be held on Saturdays, Oct. 14 and 21 and Nov. 25). The class fee is $180. To register, contact the UH Outreach College office at (808) 956-7221 or ochelp@hawaii.edu.

The Hawai‘i Fukuoka Kenjin Kai has launched a monetary relief drive to aid residents of Fukuoka, Japan, after the prefecture was devastated by flooding, landslides and even loss of lives resulting from Typhoon Nanmadol on July 5. The kenjinkai’s board of directors approved sending $25,000 for use by the Fukuoka government agency coordinating the relief effort.

In addition to sending the funds to Fukuoka, the kenjinkai is also spearheading a relief drive among Hawai‘i residents.

In a KZOO radio interview, former Hawai‘i Gov. George Ariyoshi, who has family roots in Fukuoka, said “there is a close relationship between Hawai‘i and Fukuoka and Governor Ogawa of Fukuoka will welcome any and all contributions from the people of Hawai‘i.”

Checks can be made payable to “2017 Fukuoka Relief Fund” and mailed to 2017 Fukuoka Relief Fund, c/o Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjin Kai, 94-1022 Kikepa St., Waipahu, HI 96797. The donations, which are not tax deductible, will be collected and deposited in a Bank of Hawaii account which will then be forwarded to the Fukuoka Prefectural Government.

For more information, contact kenjinkai president Fusayo “Fussy” Nagai at fussynagai@gmail.com or Myles Nomura at myles_nomu@hotmail.com.

A model of the Challenger space shuttle and the spacesuit worn by Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise are among the artifacts in the Ellison Onizuka Remembrance.

Karleen C. Chinen

Beloved Hawai‘i astronaut Ellison Onizuka’s 71st birthday was remembered and celebrated on June 24 with the opening of “The Ellison Onizuka Remembrance” at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. The collection is now part of the center’s “Okage Sama De: I am what I am because of you” permanent exhibit.

The remembrance includes a collection of photographs and artifacts celebrating the life of Hawai‘i’s first astronaut — and America’s first astronaut of Japanese and Asian ancestry. Among the artifacts are a nine-foot model of the Challenger space shuttle, a spacesuit worn by Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise, a piece of moon rock and a bust of Onizuka, who inspired countless children to dream big and work hard to realize those dreams.

Onizuka and his six Challenger crewmates were killed instantly when their space shuttle exploded 73 seconds after lifting off from Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Jan. 28, 1986.

For more than 24 years, the collection had been displayed in the Ellison Onizuka Space Center at Kona International Airport on Hawai‘i island. However, plans to expand the airport forced its closure in March 2016. (Earlier this year, the airport was officially renamed the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keähole.) The artifacts were placed in storage while the Onizuka Memorial Committee searched for a new venue to share Ellison’s story with the public.

With the late astronaut’s Hawai‘i family members in attendance — brother and Onizuka Memorial Committee chair Claude Onizuka and sister Shirley Matsuoka, along with other family members — the remembrance was opened to the public at JCCH.

The Onizuka-JCCH relationship was facilitated by JCCH’s Hawai‘i island board member Daniel Kamitaki; University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa American Studies professor Dr. Dennis Ogawa; businessman Duane Kurisu, a Big Island native; and Mililani optometrist Dr. Ron Reynolds.

In a phone interview with the Herald, Reynolds said he was dismayed to learn that the Ellison Onizuka Space Center was being shuttered, so he called Kurisu, his longtime friend. “It’s not right that they’re not going to have anything on Ellison Onizuka for the kids,” he told Kurisu.

Empathizing with Reynolds’ disappointment, Kurisu contacted Ogawa, who had gotten to know the Onizuka family intimately while writing the book, “Ellison S. Onizuka: A Remembrance,” with the late Glen Grant. Ogawa, in turn, contacted Claude Onizuka. The four met and agreed that they needed to find a new home to display the tangible reminders of Ellison’s life, passion and work. They felt the JCCH would be the ideal place and approached its president and executive director Carole Hayashino, who was very interested in accepting the collection for JCCH.

Everyone whose kökua (help) they sought came through, said Reynolds — the Shiotsuka family, owners of Kona Trucking, which stored the collection until it was ready to be shipped to Honolulu; Young Brothers, who shipped the crates to O‘ahu; Hawaii Air Cargo owner Brian Suzuki, who stored the crates in his warehouse until they were ready to be transferred to JCCH — all because they believed in the project. The Sekiya of Fukuoka/Hawai‘i Endowment Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and the HouseMart Family Foundation provided additional funding for the design and installation of The Ellison Onizuka Remembrance.

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Former Gov. George Ariyoshi holds the photograph of his family that Ellison Onizuka took aboard his ill-fated Challenger mission in 1986. NASA returned to the photo to Ariyoshi, cleaned and framed, after the Challenger tragedy.

WHO/WHAT:  The Hawaii Japanese Center presents an exhibition of contemporary mokuhanga
(moku = wood and hanga = printing) by some of the Big Island’s finest woodblock print artists — Hiroki
Morinoue, Lonny Tomono and Glenn Yamanoha.

Mokuhanga differs from Western methods in that it uses natural materials such as wood, paper, bamboo, rice paste and water. A woodblock is carved with a relief image, ink is applied, paper is carefully positioned and pressure is applied with a printing pad to create a print. A unifying element is the use of water. The blocks, paper and brushes are dampened and water-based inks are applied. The ink literally stains the fibers of the moist washi (Japanese handmade mulberry paper). The resulting image has a distinctive, soft feel, unlike Western printing in which oil-based inks sit on the surface of the paper. The art of mokuhanga reflects the artists’ reverence for the spirit in the wood and earth’s natural elements.

WHEN/WHERE/COST:  Through Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Hawaii Japanese Center (751 Kanoelehua Ave.). The center will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 7. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. For information, email contact@hawaiijapanesecenter.com, or call (808) 934-9611 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday.

WHO/WHAT:  The Japanese American soldiers who served in World War II as members of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service and 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion will be remembered and honored at the 12th annual Joint Memorial Service presented by Nisei Veterans Legacy. Ken Inouye, son of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, a 442nd RCT veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, will be the keynote speaker.

The annual observance is held on the Sunday closest to Sept. 29, the day in 1943 when Sgt. Shigeo “Joe” Takata of the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) became the first Japanese American to be killed in combat in Europe.

WHEN/WHERE:  Sunday, Sept. 24, at 9:30 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The service is open to the public.

WHAT: Maui Okinawan Kenjin Kai, along with co-sponsor Maui Mall, present the Maui Okinawan Festival, themed “Chibariyo!” meaning “do your best!”

Continuous Okinawan music and dance performed by homegrown talent from Maui, as well as performers from O‘ahu. Also, performances of Okinawan dance, sanshin music, taiko and iaido. Headlining the day is the dynamic Chinagu Eisa from Honolulu, performing eisa taiko to both traditional and modern music.

Lots of delicious food, including pig’s feet soup, Okinawan plate lunch, chow fun, andagi and, something new and yummy this year — Taco Rice (taco goodies on rice!).

Plus, a craft fair and country store with lots of homemade and home-grown goodies (bring your reuse bags!). Professional photo sessions in traditional Okinawan wear by Nagamine Photo Studio for children and adults, with all proceeds benefiting Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai. Mahalo to co-chairs Janet Miyahira and Christine Hondo!

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Maui Mall in Kahului.

COST: Free admission, with charges for food and booths. For more information, call the Maui Okina-
wan Cultural Center at (808) 242-1560.

Ann Suzuki Ching (left), 1965 Cherry Blossom queen, and current queen Heather Omori model outfits by designer Allison Izu.

Hui Makaala held its 48th annual Scholarship Fund Luncheon and Fashion Show on July 30 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. The show featured fashions by three Hawai‘i designers — Allison Izu, Janice Tsujimura and Jeanie Chun. The audience was also treated to a program of cultural entertainment that included Okinawan dances by Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy, led by grandmaster and artistic director Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone-Sensei; Okinawan music by Ryukyu Koten Afuso-Ryu Ongaku Kenkyu Choichi Kai USA, Hawaii Shibu, led by Grant “Sandaa” Murata; and energetic eisä drumming and dancing by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii, led by Akemi Martin-Sensei and Melissa Ching.

All nine of the new Hui Makaala scholarship recipients attended the event. It gave them an opportunity to see how the scholarship monies they received are raised each year. In 2017 alone, Hui Makaala awarded $20,000 in scholarships to the following nine students.

• Briana Campbell, daughter of Paul and Roxanne Campbell. Briana, a Mililani High School graduate, is a student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, where she plans to major in kinesiology. She hopes to become a physical therapist assistant.

• Nikki Chinen, daughter of Stephen and Emi Chinen. Nikki graduated from Mililani High School and is currently a student at Creighton University in Nebraska, majoring in psychology, with her eyes set on becoming a clinical psychologist.

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Japanese and Okinawan dancer Dazzman Toguchi models a costume created for him by Janice Tsujimura.

The U.S. Army plans to open the National Museum of the United States Army — NMUSA — near Washington, D.C., in 2019 that will include recognition of World War II AJA soldiers of the Military Intelligence Service, 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Work on the three-story, 185,000-square-foot facility is underway on 83 acres at Fort Belvoir in northern Virginia, located about 20 minutes by car from the nation’s capital. See https://armyhistory.org/

Information about the project was presented by officials of the National Veterans Network and NMUSA at a July 26 briefing at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans clubhouse. About 70 people attended, including World War II MIS veterans Herbert Yanamura and Ted Tsukiyama, both of whom initially volunteered for the 442nd RCT and were then transferred to the MIS.

Speakers included retired Army Gen. Eric Shinseki, a board member for the Army Historical Foundation, which is raising $200 million for the museum; NVN executive director Christine Sato-Yamazaki; NMUSA director Tammy Call; and Dr. Charles Cureton, chief curator for the Army’s Center for Military History.

Call introduced a brief video about the museum and described its layout. She said the Nisei soldiers would initially be featured in three locations within the museum. One location is a set of 10 pylons, each telling the story of an AJA soldier. Dick Hamada, who served with the Office of Strategic Services in Burma and China, has been selected to represent Hawai‘i MIS soldiers. Another Nisei special exhibit will highlight the Congressional Gold Medal, which was awarded to the veterans of the 100th, 442nd and MIS in 2011. That exhibit will have additional display space for artifacts the museum hopes to obtain from the AJA community

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WHO/WHAT: Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha – Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu celebrates Shichigosan, a custom that originated in the Heian Period (794-1185) among court nobles celebrating the passage of their children into middle childhood. The ages 3, 5 and 7 are consistent with Japanese numerology, which dictates that odd numbers are lucky — ages 3 and 7 for girls, and age 5 for boys.

Jusan-Mairi, (literally, “thirteen-year-old visit to a temple or shrine”) is a traditional coming-of-age event when 13-year-olds participate in a ceremony to be blessed with good health; knowledge and strength of character; and to affirm the emotional, psychological and physical changes challenging young teens. School is more challenging, bodies are changing, relationships with parents are different and new issues arise with friends.

Rituals are important because they provide patterns of consistency and connectedness. The consistency creates a feeling of safety. The connectedness creates a feeling of security — being connected to your immediate family, community, and your ancestors and their traditions.

WHEN/WHERE: From Oct. 22-Nov. 19 at the shrine (1239 Olomea St.) from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Reservations are now being accepted.

COST: $60 donation for each blessing. The Shichigosan blessing includes the Shinto blessing, Chitose-ame candy, omamori and a gift. For both blessings, complimentary kimono use and dressing is offered on weekends upon request. Reservations are required.

For more information, visit http://www.e-shrine.org/shichigosanjusanmairi.html, call 841-4755 or email kotohira@hawaiiantel.net.

WHO/WHAT:  JN Productions, Inc. and Generation Kikaida partner with Japanese goods retailer Sanki, to celebrate Sanki’s fifth anniversary in Hawai‘i.

Kikaida, Hakaida, and scary monsters will be available for free picture-taking, and Ban Daisuke, star of the 1970s tokukatsu (live action) TV series, “Jinzo Ningen Kikaida,” will make an appearance and hold a free autograph session.

The event will features games, Kikaida-Oke (karaoke of Kikaida songs) and DVD giveaways by Generation Kikaida.  Fans are encouraged to dress in their favorite Kikaida-related costumes.

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, Oct. 15, from 2-3 p.m. at Sanki Hawaii (Pearl City Shopping Center, next to Chuck E. Cheese).

COST: Free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.generationkikaida.com or email info@generationkikaida.com.

A special obon service was held at Honouliuli National Monument to celebrate the finding of a taiko drum earlier this year at the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii. The taiko was inscribed with the word “Honouliuli.”

This past February, Professor Naofumi Annaka and Dr. Naomi Sasaoka of Rissho University in Tökyö were doing research at Nichiren Mission of Hawaii. They looked at all of the artifacts in the temple storage room, including the numerous taiko drums kept there. As Professor Annaka looked at each drum, he discovered one with writings on the bottom that said “Prayer at Obon Service, on August 15, 1944, at Honouliuli Confinement Camp.” It also included three people’s names and a Chinese-style poem.

The taiko was donated to Nichiren in 1921 by Masao Sakamoto. When World War II broke out, Japanese ministers were among those interned at Honouliuli Camp. They included Bishop Kanryu Mochizuki of Nichiren Mission and Bishop Zenkyo Komagata of Soto Mission of Hawaii. Before Bishop Mochizuki was sent to a Mainland internment camp, he gave Bishop Komagata the taiko for safekeeping. While in the camp, the taiko was used for obon services, as was customary in Buddhist worship.

Upon finding the taiko in storage, Bishop Chishin Hirai contacted the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, hoping to hold a special obon service at Honouliuli. The service, held at the site of the mess hall, was attended by ministers of the Hawaii Buddhist Council, Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i volunteers, and representatives of the National Park Service and Honouliuli landowner, Monsanto.

The service was conducted by Bishop Shugen Komagata, grandson of Bishop Zenkyo Komagata, and his Hawai‘i-born son, Rev. Shuji Komagata.

Following the service, the Rev. Shuji Komagata and Charlie Fukada, both descendants of Honouliuli internees, read poems written by the internees. Fukada’s grandfather, Kyuzo Fukada, was interned at Honouliuli. Flower petals were scattered by those in attendance while a recording of “Honouliuli Song,” written by Alvin Okami, was played.

Members of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel on July 19 for the organization’s 13th Annual Inauguration and Generational Award Luncheon.

Brian Nishida, president and CEO of Step Stone Business Development, was installed as president, taking over the reins of the 117-year-old organization from Dave Erdman.

The 2017 Generational Award was presented to Marian Harada Enterprises, Ltd., parent company of Marians Island Wide Catering, Dots Restaurant in Wahiawä and the Manoa Grand Ballroom. Scott Harada, Marian Harada’s grandnephew and the company’s vice president and secretary, spoke on behalf of the Harada family.

Marian Harada’s Issei parents, Yujiro and Shio Harada, moved to Wahiawä in the 1920s and raised their seven children. To supplement the family income, eldest daughter Marian worked at the Schofield laundry during the day and then as a waitress at Sukiyaki Inn at night. She then worked at Kemoo Farms restaurant, learning table etiquette, food service and the restaurant business in general.

In 1935, the owner of Sukiyaki Inn approached the Haradas, asking if they were interested in buying the restaurant. Shio owned the restaurant while Marian, then 20 years old, managed the day-to-day operations. That venture launched what would become Harada Enterprises.

The Haradas went on to build Dot’s Drive Inn in 1939, Marigold Market in 1947 and Marians at Haleiwa in the 1950s. In 1954, the family purchased a banquet hall behind Dot’s Drive Inn and used it as a venue to showcase Japan and Mainland entertainers.

Catering eventually became one of the restaurant’s specialties and in 1980, a state-of-the-art kitchen was built behind Dot’s Inn. In 1982, Marian recruited and trained her nephew James to take over the family business. She has since passed away. Dot’s Inn continues to be a favorite dining spot for Wahiawä residents. In 1988, Marians Catering was named the exclusive caterer for the Manoa Grand Ballroom at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i.

Duane Kurisu, chairman and CEO of aio delivered the luncheon’s keynote address. Kurisu, who is prominent in Hawai‘i’s real estate, publishing and philanthropic communities, shared his philosophy of business and employee development.

He took the stage to the sound of Grover Washington Jr.’s “Soulful Strut” and then explained that the song had inspired his speech. “When someone says you have soul, that’s a compliment.” Kurisu then explained the meaning of soul as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Of a leader, it means “a moving spirit.”

Kurisu’s company, aio — pronounced ai-o — is
Japanese for “love big.”

“We in Hawai‘i have that evolved soul that can help bridge Japan with the rest of the world,” he said.

Kurisu explained that the way to grow the soul of a company is through its employees. He said employees come first at aio, followed by customers and then shareholders. He said he encourages his employees “to be the best that they can be and to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.”

One of the company’s employee programs is aio Discovery, whereby employees have the opportunity to travel to a developing country such as Ethiopia or Kenya and help the community by teaching its youth or building water purification systems. The employees come back with a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. Kurisu said many go back on their own to continue helping those communities.

The 28th annual Hiroshima peace ceremony to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima was held on Aug. 7 at the peace bell fronting Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii.

The bell is a replica of the one in Hiroshima’s Peace Park. It was presented to the City and County of Honolulu by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government in 1985 to recognize the longstanding relationship between Honolulu and Hiroshima, which established a sister-city relationship in 1959. The bell was dedicated in 1990 and placed next to Izumo Taisha Shinto shrine. Since then, a commemoration and peace service has been held annually at the site.

Bishop Daiya Amano of the Izumo Taishakyo Mission presided over the service. He purified and blessed the bell as well as those in attendance.

Rev. Takamasa Yamamura of the Honolulu Myohoji Buddhist Temple presented a musical prayer in “Ave Maria.” Edwin Hawkins spoke on behalf of the City and County of Honolulu. Greetings and messages were offered by Bishop Eric Matsumoto of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, who shared a Buddhist message; Dr. Gregg Kinkley of the Congregation of Sov Ma’arav, who delivered a Jewish message; and Dr. Kahu Kaleo Patterson of the Pacific Justice & Reconciliation Center, who shared a Christian message.

Retired Punahou School Japanese language teacher Hiromi Peterson, who was born in Hiroshima after the war, spoke on the topic, “Let’s Become Peace Builders.” Peterson’s parents and older siblings experienced the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and suffered health issues as a result of radiation exposure. She said she shares the concerns of others who want to abolish nuclear weapons and reduce nuclear arsenals and has decided to become a peace builder.

As a teacher, she said she felt that “students should see history with their own eyes” and “learn the importance of peace and become young peace builders.” Peterson published a Japanese textbook for students. She included information on the damage caused by the atomic bomb and about promoting peace. With proceeds from the book, she established a fund and, in 2009, began sending two high school students and one teacher to Hiroshima to learn more about peace.

Kai Uyehara, a past participant in the YMCA of Honolulu’s “Let’s Get Together” program, spoke about his experiences in Japan and about visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park. The Let’s Get Together program was started in 1960 when then-mayors Neal Blaisdell of Honolulu and Shinzo Hamai of Hiroshima met to strengthen international understanding and friendship. Their vow to work for peace led to a sister-city relationship. The student exchange began in 1961 when the first group of teens from Hiroshima visited Honolulu.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and the ringing of the peace bell by those in attendance.

WHO/WHAT: In 1967, the University of Hawai‘i and Chubu Hospital in Okinawa entered into a partnership at the request of the U.S. Army and the U.S. State Department. UH students were recruited to take part in an American-style postgraduate clinical training program, which helped to train hundreds of physicians in Okinawa and its neighboring islands of Miyako and Yaeyama. (Dr. Satoru Izutsu, vice dean of the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine, profiled the partnership in the Aug. 19, 2016, edition of The Hawai‘i Herald.)

The 50th anniversary of that successful and ongoing collaboration will be celebrated with guest speakers from Okinawa and Hawai‘i, including Dr. Izutsu, who will share their knowledge, experiences and memories of the program.

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. at the Center for Korean Studies on the UH-Manoa campus. Parking is free.

COST: Free and open to the public. For more information, call (808) 956-5754 or email cos@hawaii.edu.

WHO/WHAT: Manoa Valley Church (United Church of Christ) presents its 47th Harvest Fair with proceeds earmarked for church facility maintenance and renovations.

New attractions this year are a silent auction and keiki talent show. Shoppers can browse the White Elephant area, which includes books, clothing, household goods, collectibles and toys. There will also be a boutique and novelty gift item section, plants and produce.

Food offerings include KC Waffle Dogs, barbecue chicken, Italian sodas, bento, sushi, kim chee chili cheese fries and baked goods.

While the adults browse and shop, keiki can enjoy games and activities and win prizes, including live fish.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m-1 p.m. at the church, 2728 Huapala St. (across from Manoa Marketplace and behind Starbucks). For more information, call 988-3271 or visit www.manoavalleychurch.org.

WHO/WHAT: Japan Studies librarian Tokiko Bazzell will speak on these topics relating to war in this second installment of “Treasures at UH Hamilton Library,” an educational initiative aimed at showcasing Hamilton Library’s special collections, promoting student research and engaging the Hawai‘i community. The initiative is co-sponsored by the College of Arts & Humanities and Hamilton Library.

WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 3 pm. in Hamilton Library, Room 401.

WHO/WHAT: “Holiday Trees and Treasures” is Kuakini Foundation’s major fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will help Kuakini purchase new high-tech equipment, fund capital improvement projects, develop new services and programs and further it biomedical research.

Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, holiday market, silent auction and a display of beautifully decorated trees, while being entertained by Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner Bryan Tolentino and friends.

The silent auction will feature unique handcrafted trees and wreaths as well as restaurant gift certificates, hotel accommodations, adventure coupons and other special items.

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m., Coral Ballroom of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort and Spa.

COST: Tickets are $200 per person. Reserved tables for 10 guests range from $2,500 to $10,000 and include special table-sponsor gifts. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible. Reservation deadline is Nov. 3. For tickets or more information, call 547-9296 or email kuakinifoundation@kuakini.org.

WHO/WHAT: The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s Department of Theatre and Dance, in partnership with Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific, present “Taiko Drum & Dance: Hana Hou!”

This production is directed by Betsy Fisher and features Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific Ensemble in a collaborative effort with UHM faculty choreographers of such dance forms as hula, Okinawan, Japanese, Bollywood, Hip–Hop and contemporary moves.

WHEN/WHERE: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. on the Kennedy Theatre Mainstage, 1770 East-West Rd.

COST: Ticket prices range from $8 to $25. Tickets are available online at etickethawaii.com, by phone at (808) 944–2697, at participating outlets and at the Kennedy Theatre box office. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday during show weeks, with extended hours on performance dates.

WHO/WHAT: A fall/winter 2017 fashion presentation by Hawai‘i artists Rumi Murakami and Laurie Sumiye that answers the question: “What does fall in Hawai‘i look like?” Sumiye and Murakami envisioned the lush landscapes, wide vistas and thriving farming communities of Hawai‘i Island’s Hamakua (northeast) coastline. Sumiye, an eco-artist and filmmaker, created textile artwork inspired by the wild and agrarian landscapes of Hamakua, while clothing designer Murakami envisioned a collection that embraced the easy serenity of Big Island upcountry living combined with sophisticated silhouettes and modern Hawai‘i-Japanese style.

WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30) at fishcake (307c Kamani St.). Parking available at 331 Kamani St.

COST: Free admission. For more info, call 593-1231, or email info@fishcake.us.