West Oahu Roundup
The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation Inc. has awarded $97,000 in scholarships to 61 students throughout the state, including some from West Oahu. Campbell High’s Sharmaine L. Sibayan won a $3,000 scholarship for qualifying as a district finalist – one of seven students in the state to so qualify. She is the daughter of Carlos and Lucia Sibayan.
Other area winners include Kapolei High’s Penina Lima, Nanakuli High’s Ronald Ramo-nes, Pearl City High’s Kara Lynne Ogawa, Waipahu High’s Hannah Beltran and Waianae High’s Joey-Anna Chevalier. These five students each received $1,000 scholarships.
All of the winners were nominated by their schools and were evaluated based on academic achievement, community service and financial need.
Speaking of academic achievement, Kapolei High School students cleaned up at the fifth annual Internet Safety Awards May 11 at Farrington High School. The Internet Safety Contest had students create their own public service announcements on Internet safety issues centered around three topics: Cyber Bullying, Online Piracy and Plagiarism, and Online Predators and Social Networking Precautions. Kapolei placed first in two of three categories, took second place in one category and also tied with Waianae High for the Best In Show award.
“The level of quality and creativity in these student-produced PSAs is really quite impressive,” stated event co-founder Chris Duque. “Not only are students challenging their filmmaking skills, but they’re also addressing real-life issues that affect them and their peers.”
The winning PSAs will run on various cable channels during the next few months.
Chansonette F. Koa (RA) of Kapolei has rejoined Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (CBP) in its Leeward office. Koa first joined the company in 2008 as a Realtor-associate, and also has worked in that position at Properties Unlimited. Koa is studying business management at the University of Phoenix.
CBP also has announced that two employees of its Leeward office – Mikiko Terahira (RA) of Halawa Heights/Aiea and John M. Kagimoto (RA) of Waikele – have been designated previews team members (sales associates who have been accepted to the program and are working toward earning the previews specialist designation. This refers to agents who meet a certain criteria of luxury market experience and have completed a series of training sessions. It is a prestigious international designation granted by Coldwell Banker.
CBP also announced that Janine Chang (RA) of Pacific Palisades has rejoined the firm’s Kahala office. Chang first joined the firm in 2007 as a Realtor-associate and rejoined in March.
Chang also brings experience from her career as a payroll professional and has owned her own printing company. Most recently, she worked as a Realtor-associate at Distinctive Homes.
Central Pacific Bank recently promoted Joy Agni to assistant vice president and Waipahu branch manager. Agni, a Waipahu resident, has more than 24 years of banking experience, primarily in leadership positions. She previously served as customer service manager and branch manager. Most recently, she was manager at the Pearl Highlands branch.
In her new position, she is expected to lead, coach and inspire her team to meet the needs of CPB customers.
Gennyrose Contaoi and Hermana Kenyel, both of Ewa Beach, were promoted recently by Taco Bell.
Contaoi, who has been a member of the Hawaii Taco Bell team since 1997, is now general manager of the Navy Exchange Taco Bell – a promotion from assistant manager.
Kenyel is now general manager of the Pearl Harbor eatery. She has been with Taco Bell since 2005 and previously worked as assistant manager in charge.
Air National Guard Airman Chase C. Cary (Aiea High 2010) recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Cary is the son of Bryan Cary.
Air Force Airman Michael L. Williams (Aiea High 2011) graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Luther Williams.
Army Pvt. Agaluma S. Filoialii (Kapolei High 2008) has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Makatara Filoiali.
Air Force Reserve Airman Andrew R. Abila (Kapolei High 2010) graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Robert Abila.
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Anjanette M. Vendiola (Waipahu High 2009) graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Vendiola is the sister of Alisha Vendiola, also of Waipahu.
Army Pvt. Ernesto B. Visitacion Jr. of Waipahu has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the brother of Melvin Visitacion, also of Waipahu, and is a 2008 graduate of Waipahu High School.
Lauren Fujisaki of Pearl City joined 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students who earned their degrees from the University of Northern Colorado this spring. Fujisaki earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition.
