Patrick Ono of Matson Navigation said he stopped off at the hospital Saturday before arriving at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club.
“Pearl Nonaka is in the hospital,” Ono said. “I stopped by with a fairy to tell her that she is in all our thoughts today.”
Ono made an effort to find Pearl’s other half, Frank Nonaka, who were honored as one of the 2018 Kauai Museum Living Treasures during Na Hulu Kupuna Makamae luncheon. The Nonakas were recipients of the Ohana Award for Excellence in Business.
“I think there are onions in the microphone,” said grandson Chad Nonaka, who was emotionally moved during passages of his talk about the Nonaka family’s accomplishments.
Joining the Nonakas were brothers Robert “Bobby” and George Matsuda, who were recipients of the Ohana Award for Team Community Service. Valentine Ako was presented for Excellence in Service, Annie Hashimoto for being a Cultural Practitioner, James “Jim” Jung for Community Service, Clarence “Shorty” Kaona for Hawaiian Culture, Luella Lemn for Cultural Practitioner, and Dr. Charles “Sonny” Taba for being a Humanitarian.
“Mahalo, Kauai Museum,” said Haunani, Lemn’s daughter. “Mahalo for this opportunity. It’s not often that children get a chance to talk of their parents’ work, so mahalo.”
Ed Kawamura said there were three veterans who were being honored that he knew of, including Ako, who was recommended for the Purple Heart four times but refused it because he said the medal was for others.
Jung said the event felt like a funeral, except you’re listening to your eulogy.
“Last year, Council Chair Mel Rapozo said nice things about me at the Kauai Outstanding Elder Citizen awards luncheon,” Jung said. “It was strange to hear a former police officer say nice things about an ex-criminal defense lawyer. Also, it was spooky because it was like attending my own funeral and listening to my own eulogy.”
Jo Anne Kaona said Clarence Kaona almost didn’t attend the luncheon.
“He was going to pull taro to make his quota,” she said. “But this is a perfect example of why he is being honored. He is too shy and humble. This is special because he is being recognized for his contributions and now, we can put him on the spot.”
Annie Hashimoto follows in the footsteps of her husband Thomas who was a 2016 Kauai Museum Living Treasure.
Taba’s humanitarian aspect was brought forward by Erik Burkman, his son-in-law, who said after founding the Doctors on a Mission in 1987, Taba has traveled to more than 50 locations.
The recipients of this year’s Living Treasures award also earned special certificates and presentations from the governor, mayor and the Kauai County Council, represented by four of its members.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
