Shrine Celebrates 100 Years

Hawaii’s Plantation Village honors individuals who exemplify what it means to be a friend to the organization, and for the seventh year it continues to recognize those most deserving of its Plantation Legacy Awards, which takes place Sept. 27 at Honolulu Country Club.

Nominees this year include Douglas D. Chong, who authored the comprehensive written text “Ancestral Reflections: Hawaii’s Early Chinese of Waipahu,” which discusses early Chinese immigrants and is an important contribution to the history of plantation life.

Randall and Lynne Zane, who have deep roots within the Waipahu community, also will be recognized for their financial support of the organization.

This year’s awards also mark the 100th anniversary of the Wakamiya Inari Shrine — the plantation’s first structure.

According to executive director Jeffrey Higa, the shrine is being preserved through the efforts of The Inari Shrine Preservation Committee (composed of Higa, Charles Keever, Dr. Gail Okawa, Dr. Beverly Keever, Lorraine Minatoishi-Palumbo, Laura Ruby, Mike Molloy and Cassie Sherod). The committee works to maintain the old wooden structure.

New this year is the Memorial Award, which will go to the late Faith P. Evans, former president and board member of Hawaii’s Plantation Village, for her work and dedication over the years.

Festivities for the Plantation Legacy Awards run from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and those in attendance can expect a few (or many) laughs from comedian Frank De Lima.

Silent auction items still are needed and can be dropped off at the Plantation Village offices Monday through Saturday during office hours, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Plantation Legacy Award seats cost $100, and tables of 10 cost $1,000.

For more information, auction items or to RSVP (by Sept. 18), call the plantation village at 677-0110.