Hilo High School Foundation Distinguished Alumni Awards will be awarded by Foundation President Barry Taniguchi & Vice President Allan Ikawa at the Foundation’s 9th Annual Recognition Dinner at Sangha Hall on Friday, March 1, 2019.
Pualani Kanaka`ole Kanahele, PhD, Hilo High School Class of ’55, Kumu Hula of Halau o Kekuhi, was born and raised in Keaukaha on the Big Island. Aunty Pua is widely recognized throughout the State as a scholar, educator and practitioner of Hawaiian culture. She is an accomplished writer, musician, stage and film producer, dedicated community leader and a renowned kumu hula. She is a long time educator at Hawai`i Community College.
Nalani Kanaka`ole, Hilo High School Class of ’64, Kumu Hula of Halau o Kekuhi, was also born and raised in Keaukaha on the Big Island. Aunty Nalani is also a noted scholar, educator and hula choreographer as well as a recognized art and cultural designer at Sig Zane Designs.
Mark Yamanaka, Hilo High School Class of ‘98 is an award winning musician and singer. His first album, Lei Puakenikeni, was nominated for 10 Hōkū Awards in 2011. He took home five—including Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Most Promising Artist of the year. Mark’s musical calling began when he was 13 at Hilo Intermediate School. He learned how to play guitar while he was at Hilo High. He has since developed into a famous performer and singer of Hawaiian music. His second album, Lei Maile,” won five Nä Hökü Hanohano awards in 2014. Mark regularly performs internationally and is recognized as a true musical treasure of Hilo.
Please consider attending this dinner. Tickets are $50 and include a special dinner catered by Don’s Grill. Special tables for group sponsors are available: Platinum $1,500.00, Blue $1,000.00, Gold $750.00, and Viking $500.00. This would be a great time for alums to put together a table with classmates while helping Hilo High and the Foundation. The Hilo High Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt foundation dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities for students at Hilo High. For sponsors and purchasing tables, please contact Art Taniguchi at 987-0287, For individual or small group ticket information, please contact Foundation Secretary Newton Chu 961-0406.
For more information about our foundation, visit: https://www.hilohighfoundation.org