LIHU‘E — Dennis Fujimoto has had such a profound impact on everyone on this island that the mayor of Kaua‘i has made it official by proclaiming July 27, 2012, Dennis Fujimoto Day. Almost everyone on Kaua‘i — and more than
LIHU‘E — Dennis Fujimoto has had such a profound impact on everyone on this island that the mayor of Kaua‘i has made it official by proclaiming July 27, 2012, Dennis Fujimoto Day.
Almost everyone on Kaua‘i — and more than a few folks on the Mainland — knows that Fujimoto, aka The Happy Camper, is the prolific photojournalist and staff writer at The Garden Island newspaper.
His photos and stories have graced practically every issue every day since he started at the daily paper — “between Hurricane Iwa and Hurricane Iniki,” is how he responded when dating his first day.
His response is fitting, coming from an intrepid journalist who has covered anything and everything of significance on this island.
Even when not of historical value, Fujimoto’s reporting and photography bring to light the island’s intricate human tapestry.
“Whereas some of Dennis’ attributes includes his compassion and resourcefulness as a member of the community and how he portrays and touches the community in such a ‘pono’ way through his professional role in the newspaper,” the County of Kaua‘i Proclamation states.
This announcement was made on Friday as part of the Samuel Mahelona Hospital’s 95th birthday and volunteer appreciation celebration in Kapa‘a to honor a “special person that exemplifies the highest qualities of a community service leader,” the proclamation states.
Upon hearing of this award, Fujimoto, in his usual humble demeanor, said, “It’s nice to be appreciated, but we get appreciated every day when the people read our stories.”
Fujimoto added, “I’m just doing my work. We are the watchdogs. Not everyone can go to the places we go. If people plan something, it’s important and that’s the reason why we do it.”
The proclamation is associated with Fujimoto being named the recipient of the 2012 Community Service Award by the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i for “exemplifying community service by advocating for or bringing attention to the benefits of home care, hospice, acute care or long-term care; for demonstrating an understanding of health care issues; for working to improve the quality of health care; and for demonstrating dedication to sound policy aimed at improving or enhancing health care delivery in Hawai‘i,” the proclamation states.
Fujimoto will be honored at an awards banquet on O‘ahu on Aug. 25 by the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i.
