Hot Shots – 12/13/23
A Celebration Of Unity, Friendship
On Nov. 21, Christine Aiko Kubota (right) was conferred the 2023 Foreign Minister’s Commendation by Consul General Yoshinori Kodama. Kubota served in various leadership roles at Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, United Japanese Society of Hawai‘i and Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. During the ceremony, Kodama expressed his gratitude for Kubota’s long-standing contribution in promoting friendship between Japan and Hawai‘i. PHOTO COURTESY CONSULATE GENERAL OF JAPAN IN HONOLULU
Donation To Radiothon Makes Some Noise
UHA Health Insurance recently donated $250,000 to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children during its Radiothon for Kids — the single largest donation in the event’s 17-year history. Funds will support Kapi‘olani’s Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center. Pictured are (front row, from left) Marcie Dela Cruz with children, Makaio, Kamali‘i, Kapena, Kupono, Keahi, Keolu and husband Ray; (middle row) Dawn Dunbar, senior vice president of philanthropy, Hawai‘i Pacific Health; Suzanne Eugenio, director of marketing and communications, UHA; Stevette Santiago, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, UHA; Gidget Ruscetta, chief operating officer, Kapi‘olani Medical Center; Dave Underriner, CEO, Kapi‘olani Medical Center; and Ray Vara, president and CEO, Hawai‘i Pacific Health; (back row) and local entertainer Karen Keawehawai‘i, and KSSK radio hosts Michael W. Perry and Sweetie Pacarro. PHOTO COURTESY KAPI‘OLANI MEDICAL CENTER FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN
Tournament Held ‘Fore’ Good Cause
Hawai‘i Restaurant Association donated more than $4,000 to HRA Educational Foundation. Funds were raised during HRA’s 15th annual golf tournament. The contribution will benefit those in the restaurant and food service industries through education, community engagement and career opportunities. Pictured are (from left) James Idemoto, HRA golf tournament presenting sponsor and Hawai‘i Medical Assurance Association chief revenue officer; Andy Huang, HRA incoming chairman; Sheryl Matsuoka, HRAEF executive director; and Nathan Okinaka, HRAEF chairman PHOTO COURTESY HAWAI‘I RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
Gala Lifts Disadvantaged, At-risk Women
Hawai‘i Women’s Legal Foundation celebrated its annual fundraising gala “MASKED” Oct. 28 at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Proceeds were distributed to grassroots organizations across the state to help disadvantaged, disenfranchised, and at-risk women and children. Pictured are (from left) Melissa Lambert, event chair; Aimee Lum, sales chair; Tricia Nakamatsu, event chair; and Joy Barua, the event’s honorary chair and president and chief operating officer of Finance Insurance Ltd. PHOTO COURTESY HAWAI‘I WOMEN’S LEGAL FOUNDATION
