LACA April 2006 - The Lanai Connection

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
UTILIZATION OF LACA HAWAII BUILDING
APRIL 2006
Dear Fellow LACA Members,
Almost a year has gone by and being President have been very enriching and
fulfilling. I appreciate all your dedication, encouragement and compliments.
To my fellow board members thank you very much for enduring and putting up
with me for the past year. I could not have done my job without your hard work
and devotion to this great organization.
As I resign as your President on May 13, 2006 due to unexpected circumstances of
relocation and career advancement, my heart is saddened. I will continue to do the
May Annual Dinner Meeting.
Once again, thank you very much and may we continue to be proud alumni of
Lana’i High and Elementary School.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Niibu Zukeran
The LACA Officers and Directors were fortunate to have the use of
this facility for meetings this past year. In addition to using the building
for LACA meetings, Robert Kinoshita extends the use of the
facility to the alumni of LHES and other Lanaians. Robert will soon
announce the appointment of someone who will be coordinating the
use of the building. Until then, anyone desiring to use the LACA
building, can contact Robert at 845-7246 or at 291-1349. For outer
island calls, contact Robert at (800) 404-1122.
Positions Available
Volunteers are solicited for the following positions. The final selection for the
positions will need to be approved by the Board of Directors. For more
information, call Ruth Nakasone at (808) 455-3196 or
Jane Sakamura Nakamura at (808) 488-6318.
• President
• Editor, The Lana’i Connection
• Director
• Designer, The Lana’i Connection
The Lana’i Connection is
published three times a year
(April, August and
November) to enhance the
purposes of the Lana’i Alumni
and Community Association.
Designer:
Annette Niibu Tijerina
Webmaster:
Donna Shiroma-Nakasue
Contributing Writers:
Class Reps, Alumni,
Lanaians
Interested in membership?
Life membership to LACA
is only $10!
Cost to replace
membership card is $5.00
Log on to
www.lanaiconnection.com
for membership form.
Correspondence may be
directed to:
The Lana’i Connection
P. O. Box 515
Pearl City, HI 96782-0515

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
2006 LACA Las Vegas Connection
Plaza Hotel and Casino
October 7, 2006, 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Deadline to sign-up: July 1, 2006
PAGE 2
1. Members and spouses will each pay $40.
LACA
a. Please make check payable to LACA
Attn: LV Chairman
b. Mail payment and reservation form to:
P.O. Box 515
2. Non members will be assessed $50.
Pearl City, HI 96782
3.
Why not become a LACA member and apply the $10 towards a life time membership?
Membership form can be downloaded from www.lanaiconnection.com
Phone reservations will be unacceptable. Please do not request to be seated with specific individuals.
4. Each group of 10 must designate a Contact Person (CP).
5. Contact Person’s responsibilities include:
a. Mailing in names/payments.
b. Providing a self-addressed stamped envelope which the General Chairman will use to inform CP
when tables are no longer available. General Chairman will not be held liable if CP neglects to send
requested envelope and does not receive notification.
6. If you are unable to get a group of 10:
a. Fill out and send in the reservation form.
b. The Committee will assign your seating at a table.
c. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with reservation form and payment.
7. Early Sign In is on October 7 at the Plaza Hotel and Casino:
a.Time and Room will be announced in the August Newsletter.
b. Contact Persons will pick up table envelopes (name tags, etc).
c. Individuals not with a group can pick up name tags, etc.
8. Each table will be responsible for their own centerpiece.
Plaza Hotel and Casino Hawaiian Package Rates for Banquet Attendees
October 4 – 9, 2006
deadline: September 4, 2006
call: 1-800-634-6576 press 2
Three nights $175 Single Occupancy $110 per person Double Occupancy
Four nights $230 Single Occupancy $148 per person Double Occupancy
Five Nights $285 Single Occupancy $190 per person Double Occupancy

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
LACA OFFICERS
Jane Sakamura Nakamura, Vice President, class of 1951, is a retired
elementary teacher who taught all grade levels for 33 years. She then worked as
a financial advisor helping people with their financial planning needs for 15 years.
She is the eldest daughter of Hatsuko Matsuura Sakamura and the late
Masaru Sakamura. Her brothers are Ray, Ralph & Gerald. Her sisters are
the late Phyllis Rabang and Dora Sakamura.
PAGE 3
Jo-Ann Niibu Zukeran, President, is a LHES class of 1969 graduate. She is
married to her college sweetheart, Gary Zukeran for 36 years and has eight
children and five grandchildren. Jo-Ann graduated from Brigham Young
University-Hawaii with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Teacher
Education in 1993. She is the daughter of the late Ikuwo Niibu and Alice
(Tamashiro) Niibu, the tofu lady and the granddaughter of the late Tsuruki
and Ume Matsui Niibu.
Annette Niibu Tijerina, Corresponding Secretary, a LHES alumnus, class of
1981, daughter of the late Ikuwo Niibu, class of 1942 & Alice Tamashiro
Niibu and granddaughter of the late Tsuruki and Ume Matsui Niibu. Her
sisters are Jo-Ann Niibu Zukeran, Jean Niibu who passed away at the age of
4 days in 1951, and Shelley Niibu who passed away at the age of 4 years old in
1970. Her brother is Clayton Niibu, class of 1971. Annette earned her Master
of Science in Administration degree from Central Michigan University in 2003.
She is presently employed by the U.S. Navy as a federal employee at Pearl
Harbor.
Ruth Fukushima Nakasone, Recording Secretary, grew up in Hanalei,
Kauai and the oldest of 5 children. Her dad took care of the grounds of the
Waioli Mission House owned by the Wilcox family of Kauai. She graduated
from Kauai High School and Honolulu Business College (HBC). Mrs. Nona
Minami was one of her teachers at HBC. She retired from the State
Department of Transportation. Late husband James Hideki Nakasone of
Lana’i . Daughter married to Alan Terada and has relatives on Lana’i .
Donna Reyes Ching, Treasurer, daughter of Gloria (Obado) & Vincent
Reyes and granddaughter of Sue (Solidad) & Liberato Obado. Donna
graduated from Maui High School in 1979, although she attended many
different schools being an Army brat. Donna earned her degree in Accounting
from Heald College and Bachelors in Business degree from University of
Phoenix in 2002. Currently, Donna is taking an Auditing course at U-H
Manoa. Donna has three children and one granddaughter. She works at
Marriott in the Finance office for Construction and Development.

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
PAGE 4
1) For a tax-deductible contribution, please make your check out to Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation
(or just PSHF) and write “for LACA” on the bottom left corner of your check. PSHF gives your money directly
to the School for scholarships, awards, and grants.
2) For a non-tax-deductible contribution, please make your check out to: LACA. These
contributions stay in our treasury and pay for all the operational costs we incur.
Please mail either or both checks to:
LACA
c/o PSHF Coordinator
P.O. Box 515
Pearl City, HI 96782-0515
Detailed reports of Public Schools of Hawaii
Foundation (PSHF) and LACA contributions will be
included in the next newsletter. Thank you for your
continued support and patience.
LACA Annual Dinner Meeting
For more information, please contact Jo-Ann Niibu Zukeran at
joannzuke@yahoo.com or (808) 265-1508
Saturday, May 13, 2006
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Pearl Country Club in Aiea, 98-535 Kaonohi Street
$35 per person
Mail payment by April 22, 2006
Mahalo to Doris Anbe Quon for her
help with this April 2006 issue.
LANA’I ALUMNI LAS VEGAS
GOLF TOURNAMENT
One Day Tournament
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Proceeds to be donated to the Lana’i Alumni
and Community Association.
For more information, please contact
Doreen Salangron Burnham, Coordinator,
at (702) 633-0957.
MAHALO NUI LOA TO THE TAMASHIROS OF
RICHARD’S SHOPPING CENTER
For 60 years, this landmark store started in 1946 by Richard & Shizuko Tamashiro has served the needs of
the Lana’i community. Their children Wallace, Robert (Bobby), Colin and Carol grew up working at the
store. Carol currently resides in Nevada with her husband Richard Nunotani. When Richard Tamashiro retired,
eldest son Wallace (or Wally as everyone calls him) managed the store with the aid of Bobby and Colin.
Throughout all the years, the Tamashiros have been totally and commendably supportive of the community, school,
and LACA. Mahalo nui loa to Wallace and the entire Tamashiro family for all the support, encouragement, financial
contributions, and loyalty you have given us. Richard’s Shopping Center closed on Saturday, January 28, 2006.

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
Alumni News
Class of 1952 Classmates are reconnecting and together are enjoying their medicare status
through monthly gatherings in California at the Marukai Food Court in Gardena,
California and on Oahu. Richard Kawakami diligently records the California
proceedings. Kiyomi Akahoshi Kunishige and Suzanne Pascua Damian serve
as the contact persons on Oahu and inform the classmates where to meet for the
luncheon meeting.
Eddie and Mitsue Hokama
Classmates on vacation and LHES alumni are welcome at these gatherings.
Birthdays are celebrated, snacks, and homemade desserts are shared, goodies
from Hawaii are relished, and keepsakes and omiyage are big hits. At a recent
mainland meeting, “da guys” revealed the gals and faculty members they were
infatuated with decades ago!
After devouring the scrumptious meals, topics many times cover cholesterol levels, dieting,
and medical histories. Laughter, good humor, and talking stories abound and keep
this class young at heart.
Jane Okimoto, Polly Sorida Ah Cook
Marcellino Sugitan, Edith Kinoshita
Gikiu, Irene Bersamin Asuncion
PAGE 5
Almon Ah Cook.
Eddie Hokama, Mitsue Akiyama Hokama, David Funada,
Stanley Juan, Richard Kawakami

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
Class of 1953 Guests were treated to good food and a grand
time at Pete and Nita Remiticado Vergara’s
50 th wedding anniversary celebration on October 15
in California. Congratulations and best wishes in
reaching such a significant milestone!
Marian Recopuerto Ching
Alumni News
VERGARA MILESTONE
1st row: Rob, Nita, Derek
2nd row: Glenn, Pete, Wayne
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
PAGE 6
Class of 1959 On June 30, 2006, the class of 1959 will be celebrating their 65th Birthday Bash by going
back in time with a “Moonlight Picnic” at Manele Beach. This event will be a day before
Lana’i’s Pineapple Festival. For those
of you who cannot make it, we’ll be
celebrating again in October during
the LACA Reunion in Vegas.
Bottom L-R: Dot Nishiyama Takakura, Gloria
Obado Reyes, Ralph Sakamura. Top L-R: Mildred
Yagi Sakaue, Harold Sakaue, Roy Kimokeo
By Marian Recopuerto Ching - Winner Maui News Xmas Essay
Ah! going down memory lane of the good old days, late '40s and early
'50s on the island of Lana’i. Went to bed, 7:30-8p.m. Christmas Eve, to
be awaken at about 11 p.m. for midnight mass. Earlier during the day
mama started preparing several roast chicken which she killed and
cleaned from our chicken coop. Roasted pig head which was popular in
Filipino household for special occasions. And of course lets not forget
the goodies "bibingka", bodbod (sweet mochi rice wrapped in banana
leaves) loaves of sweet bread! Mama was a fantastic baker and cook!
After mass us kids rushed home to drink hot cocoa and feast on all the
delicious food. Look forward to the Filipino Serenader's and sing Christmas
carols in Filipino, they also feasted on the food and wine!
Went to bed in the wee hours on Christmas day. Unforgettable memories
of a special time on a special and unique island where life was carefree
and sheltered. LOVED IT!!!!

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
Class of 1958
Alumni News
Happy Birthday, Class of ’58!
By Jeri Hirayama Iba
PAGE 7
Members of the Class of 1958 met on Friday evening, October 7, 2005, at the Main Street Garden Buffet in Las
Vegas to celebrate their 65th birthdays. (No one would have guessed our age! Everyone looked so youthful!!)
Although many could not attend; the ones who did had a grand time, reminiscing about their days growing up on
Lana’i and sharing “remember when” stories. Others wanted to join us when they noticed all the goodies
classmates generously brought to share with each other…lei, Lana’i key rings and magnets, pineapple
cookies, pineapple shaped souvenirs and treats to eat. Each attendee received a special cookbook with recipes
contributed by classmates. Everyone also received door prizes. Attendees were: Rosalina Tadio Ballesteros,
Leroy Cabanilla, Monica Cockett, Carol Ann Tsumura Fujimoto, George Higa, Jeraldine
Hirayama Iba, Emidgio Jamero, Ernest Pagay, Irene Dalde Seawright and her husband, Jerry, and
Robert Viduya.
We want to thank those who donated monetary gifts and lei, shared goodies and mementos for our treat bag, and
donated door prizes. Special thanks to the contributors of the cookbook, especially to Blane Iba, Rosemarie
Daez, and James Iba for their invaluable help in the making of our cookbook.
The following night, we joined the LACA reunion held at the California Hotel’s Ohana Room. The Class of ’58
raffled their cookbook, What’s Cooking with The Class of 1958, and donated the proceeds to LACA.
Happy Birthday to all of our classmates! Hope more of you will be at our next 2006 reunion. We are also
looking ahead to the year 2008. Yes, it will be our 50th year. Please plan to be with us for a golden celebration.
Tentatively, it will coincide with the LACA reunion.

PAGE 8 THE LANA`I CONNECTION
A HURRICANE KATRINA VOLUNTEER
In a heartbeat, Dr. Daniel Anbe who resides in Flint, Michigan, responded to the request from the U.S. Public
Health Service to serve in a free clinic in New Orleans and administer to the medical needs of the hurricane Katrina
victims. Anticipating living on a cruise ship from December 9 to December 22, Dr. Anbe was instead housed in a
cabin 5 feet by 10 feet, on a car ferry cruise ship, without a bathroom.
The clinic was located in Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish which is about twenty miles down the Mississippi River
from downtown New Orleans. He worked with three local physicians, two local nurses, four volunteer doctors
and eight volunteer nurses. The clinic was a triple wide trailer situated in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart store. It
was open 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, seven days a week. St. Bernard Parish and the 9th Ward were the most
damaged by the flooding.
Dr. Anbe, a retired Cardiologist, assumed the role of a primary care physician. He sutured lacerations, drained
abscesses and saw most of the patients with chest pains. There were several cardiac cases. All those with serious
illnesses were transferred to a hospital in New Orleans. The local hospital had been destroyed.
Dr. Anbe comments, “I was not prepared for the extent of the devastation even though I had seen the pictures on
TV. The people lost not only their property but also their prior lives and for some their future. There were many
people with emotional problems. I also wonder about the impact this catastrophe has on the children. It took me a
while to decompress after two weeks of intense work. For me, it was like returning from a war zone. It was very
gratifying to work with a team of dedicated professionals in a situation of great need.”
Dr. Anbe, an LHES alumnus, class of 1952, was awarded LACA’S 2003 Distinguished Member award. He is one
of LACA’S generous benefactors and belongs to the Lana’i Hale Club. LACA proudly salutes Dr. Daniel Anbe for
his role in helping others in their time of need.
OUTSTANDING PARISH VOLUNTEER
By Gloria Obado Reyes
Sue Obado was one of 96 outstanding parish volunteers honored from parishes throughout
Hawaii at the Island Treasures banquet celebrated at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. More than
1,000 people attended the 9th Annual event, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities of
Hawaii.
Mrs. Obado was honored for her many years of service to her parish community. She has
been an active member of Sacred Hearts Parish, LANA’I & did multiple responsibilities
spanning decades of dedication. She is a kind, gentle, generous, humble & loving woman.
She is a member of the parish pastoral council & is actively involved in parish social ministry.
She is a lecturer, a greeter, helps clean the church, arrange flowers, before she discovered
buying shell leis by the bulk was easier - she use to sew leis every Saturday to present to tourist that attended mass
on Sunday. She coordinates rummage sales for parish fundraising every Saturday & Sunday & gives communion to
the home bound. With all her involvement with the church it has become her second home, despite her biggest
number one responsibility to her husband & my dad - Liberato who is 93 years old.
Granddaughter Sharon Reyes who lives in Colorado says "helping g'ma at the Food Bank is the
only way she can spend time with her whenever she visits." LACA is also blessed to have her on
our team because she is always there to help whenever we have a function on Lana’i. She took
charge of organizing a Food Committee for our last Homecoming Game get together which her
classmate Olivia Lopez Raquino was OUR HOMECOMING QUEEN!!!
Olivia Raquino

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
CALLED TO SERVE
By Rosita Viduya Hueu
PAGE 9
“Many are called, but few are chosen.” Among the chosen few who prevailed
and have walked in the way of the Lord for fifty years is Lana’i’s own,
Isabel Rabbon. On May 21 at the New York Sister Center she will join
the other Golden Jubilee Maryknoll celebrants and participate in the
Renewal Right. Up to mid July the Maryknoll sisters will be taking courses,
sharing their missionary experiences and revel in fellowship.
Family members from Molokai who will join in the joyous event will be the
Kula ohana: Rufina, Ronald, and Dennis.
In the midst of social upheaval and change, Sister Isabel has remained
constant in her commitment in touching and impacting the lives of people.
She has done missionary and social work in the Bronx, South America,
Molokai, Lana’i, and Oahu. Jean
and Carl Ajirogi remember how
their parents the late Annie and
Shige Ajirogi, Lana’i residents,
looked forward to Sister Isabel’s
weekly visits. They would say the
rosary, have a spiritually uplifting
time, catch up on community happenings, and partake of a delicious meal
prepared by Annie.
In her retirement years, Sister Isabel devotes her energies conducting
scriptural study sessions with a group called “Women Walking with Jesus”
and meets every Wednesday with a group of 10 – 15 people at Kaneohe State
Hospital.
Her desire to become a St. Joseph nun right after graduation in 1951 met
with disapproval from her dad the
late Dionisio Rabbon, proprietor
of the Lana’i City Store.
Subsequently, she enrolled at
Marymount College, a Catholic
women’s college, in Salina, Kansas
and majored in education. With a
plan in mind of teaching and still pursue her goal of becoming a nun, Isabel
accepted to be the fourth grade teacher at Lana’i’s elementary school. She
recalls having to share the use of one phonograph with four other classes.
Her former Lana’i Girl Scouts fondly recall the good times they shared and
the compassion, understanding and good sense of humor Isabel possessed.
Two years later with her dad’s approval, she entered the Maryknoll
convent as a postulant and ten years later accepted the final vows of
obedience, poverty and chastity.
LACA extends heartfelt 50th anniversary best wishes to Sister Isabel!

PAGE 10 THE LANA`I CONNECTION
2006 LACA Calendar of Events (Subject to change)
April 2006 Lana’i Connection distributed and on the web
12 Board of Directors Meeting
22 LACA Annual Meeting/Dinner form and payment due
May 2006 13 LACA Annual Meeting/Dinner
26 LHES Awards Assembly
June 2006 3 Lana’i High School Graduation Ceremony
July 2006 1 LACA Newsletter articles/photos due
August 2006 Lana’i Connection distributed and on the web
9 Board of Directors Meeting
12 LACA Hawaii Bazaar Participants’ Meeting, 1064 Sand
Island Parkway, 1:00 p.m.
16 2006 LACA Las Vegas Connection form/money due
19 Lana’i Invitational Golf Tournament at Olomana Golf Course
26 LACA Hawaii Bazaar—Come One, Come All!
September 2006
13 Board of Directors Meeting
October 2006
1 LACA Newsletter articles/photos due
6 Vegas Golf Tournament
7 Vegas Golf Tournament
7 2006 LACA Las Vegas Connection Reunion, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Plaza Hotel and Casino
November 2006 Lana’i Connection distributed and on the web
8 Board of Directors Meeting
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
December 2006 HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES
PLEASE
Mark Your Calendar
We apologize for not listing Wallace Nunotani, 1941 Alumnus, in the last issue under
Heartfelt Condolences. The late Wallace Nunotani was a staunch LACA member with a
cumulative donation of $1,000 plus and belonged to the Lana’i Hale Club.
We extend our deepest sympathy to those who lost a family member or a Lana’i friend.

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
If you know the following members' addressES
Please CONTACT US. Mahalo!
In filling out the Membership Form, please remember to include your maiden name, (if
applicable) class you belonged to, and spouse’s name. If you are unsure whether you
filled out your form completely, send in information or download a membership form from
our web site (www.lanaiconnection.com). Please indicate your preference in receiving the
newsletter, via internet or through postal service.. Mail information to: LACA
Membership, P.O. Box 515, Pearl City, HI 96782.
Addresses for the following members need to be updated to ensure delivery
of our newsletter, The Lana’i Connection. Please contact Jane Nakamura at
janenakamura@hawaii.rr.com or Gloria Obado Reyes at
obadoreyes@yahoo.com mail to:
Amby, Hennessey
Arnold, Claudia Lu
Awakuni, Clyde
Bagoyo, Megan
Cabuslay, Steven
Caluya, Danielle
Caluya, Myke
Dahang, Julian
Dela Cruz, Lauren
LACA, The Lana’i Connection
P.O. Box 515
Pearl City, HI 96782
Dela Cruz, Randy
Fujie, Nicole
Guntang, Jay-Ed
Ige, Joshua
Javier, Darwin
Kittelberger, Karen Kauo
Loughran, Mary Lynne
Messina, Josephine
Nakafuji, Ted
Nartatez, Jacqueline
Nishihira, Mori
Olson, Nolan
Ornellas, Jennifer
Sallave, Sonny
Schreiber, Hattie
Tabelisma, Janet
Tamashiro, Yaeko
Treutler, Eydie
PAGE 11
Newsletter Notes
The deadline to submit articles and photos for the next issue of The Lana’i Connection is July 1, 2006. Please
submit to Gloria Obado Reyes at obadoreyes@yahoo.com or to Jane Sakamura Nakamura at
janenakamura@hawaii.rr.com or by mail to:
LACA
The Lana’i Connection
P.O. Box 515
Pearl City, HI 96782

LANA`I ALUMNI &
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 515
Pearl City, HI 96782-0515
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LACA activities are formulated in accordance with the membership purposes:
1. To promote fellowship among the alumni and the community members.
2. To provide college scholarships to deserving graduates of Lana'i High and
Elementary School.
3. To honor the students of LHES for outstanding school or community services.
4. To honor the members of the Association for outstanding services to the school
or the community.
5. To keep in touch with former schoolmates and friends in the community.
6. To promote and participate in the civic, industrial, recreational, educational,
social, and cultural activities of the community.
7. To support specially deserving student activities and class projects.
8. To support specially deserving faculty activities.