Jere Choo was a retired Air National Guard non-commissioned officer and a devoted Karate practitioner and instructor. Jere’s grandmother was a “hanai” daughter of Hannah Gilman, who donated the property when Saint Michaels Church needed a cemetery that became the current site  of Pu`uiki. Jere’s grandmother and great grandfather are buried at Pu`uiki. In the early mid 90s, he started clearing the cemetery as part of his family duties, but along with a small group of volunteers, maintaining Pu`uiki became a full-blown community work. In an interview with KAFH in 2019, he described his work as a matter of giving back to the community he grew up in, as all people buried in Pu`uiki are neighbors, family, and church members – the entire cemetery is ohana.

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Michael Miura is currently working as a water treatment specialist for ChemSystems Inc., working to increase the water saving systems. In the past, he worked for Griffin Corporation, a chemical engineering firm as the General Manager of South East Asia and for BEI corporation as the Director of Industrial Chemicals.  Alongside Jere, Mike has been actively involved in restoring Pu`uiki and do so selflessly in the spirit of good community and in honor of their own relatives who rest there. In 2002, they worked with Andre Lee at the Korean Chamber of Commerce Hawaii to start a mass clean up that established much of the site we know now. However, all day-to-day maintenance is done by a small group of volunteers led by Jere and Mike. Mike still puts in countless hours weekly and hopes that others will be interested to continue this work.

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Gary’s grandfathers emigrated to Hawai’i in 1905. Both of his  grandmothers were picture brides. He is a Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, and has published six works of fiction and a book of poems. Growing up in Hawaii, Pak said his first language is Pidgin English, the culture that his parents’ and  grandparents’ generations helped create.  In his short story collection Language of the Geckos and Other Stories, Pak’s memorable portraits of Hawai’i’s Korean Americans, Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans, and Native Hawaiians increases cross-cultural understanding of  Hawaiian life and culture.

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Herb Schreiner, born in 1929, came to the Islands when he was two years old. He attended Roosevelt High school, graduating in the Class of 1948. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the armed forces and trained at Schofield Barracks. Soon Herb, wanting to be a pilot, joined the newly established US. Air Force. Earning his wings, he was sent to the Korean War in 1952 and 1953. Stationed at Kimp’o with the K 14, he carried out a number of sorties over the peninsula. He suffered a loss while in Korea when his younger brother Allen, just17, died in battle at Punchbowl.

On returning to Hawaii in 1953, Herb spent a short time in rehabilitation at Tripler. Dedicated to the cause of freedom in Korea, he joined Chapter One of the Korean War Veterans Association when it was founded in the mid-1980s. Herb has remained active in the association ever since, holding many leadership responsibilities and currently serves as president of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter One.

After he left the Air Force, Herb pursued a number of occupations. Initially, he worked in construction but soon found another calling in management. First, he became a manager with Liberty House (now Macy’s), then managed the Pearl City store of Holiday Mart (now Don Quixote). He later managed Paradise Cruises where also served as a lobbyist. Even in retirement, Herb has not lost his dedication to Hawaii and matters related to Korea. He has remained active as one of the key leaders of the Korean Veterans Association and takes seriously his responsibilities. Recently, when he discovered the Korean War Veterans Memorial by the State Capitol was looking run down and neglected, he interjected himself into its care. He personally and regularly inspects the memorial, and successfully marshaled the state and community to protect this hallowed memorial.

Unwilling simply to rest, Herb for a number of years has acted as a greeter at Tripler Hospital where he assists the infirm, widows, and others in need find a path through Tri-pler’s bureaucracy. Herb has immense Aloha for the people of Korea and the Honolulu Korean consulate and its staff. He has been moved by Koreans’ expressions of gratitude for the support and sacrifices he and other veterans extended to Korea in its time of crisis.

Herb Schreiner reminds all of us, “Freedom is not free.”

Many of us have seen Jeong Tae Lee around town for a number of years as he carries out his duties as producer with KBFD TV.

Born in Jeonju Korea, he started professionally as a documentary producer with Korea’s Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) working on documentaries and general programing. In 2011 he joined KBFD TV as a producer focusing also on documentaries and general programing. With his diverse assignments, he can be seen all over town capturing local events for KBFD TV.

For the last ten years he was selected as outstanding producer by the Korean Communications Agency to produce documentaries on various subjects of Hawaii’s Korean Community. His documentaries covered Hawaii’s Kookminbo, Korean Picture Brides, Big Island Koreans, Korean language classes, Washington Middle Schools’ Math Team and its teacher Sung Man Park, McCully Library’s Korean Section, and many more.

“Syngman Rhee’s Thirty Years in Hawaii” and “Picture Brides, the Great Legacy” were invited to premier in the Hawaii International Film Festival in 2022. Jeong Tae Lee’s “Picture Brides, the Great Legacy” received the Best Award for the International Team’s Documentaries by the Korean Communications Agency in 2022.

Director Lee has also been diligently working on documenting a gravestone rubbing project in which he follows members of our community in trying to capture through rubbings the tombstones of deceased prominent Korean Americans. These rubbings can be viewed both tonight at the lobby and at City Hall. Jeong Tae Lee, in his precious spare time, enjoys a full family life with his wife and two children.

Yong-ho Choe (최영호) was born on June 13, 1931 in Kyongsan, Kyongbuk, South Korea. In June 1950, within two weeks of entering Kyongbuk National University in Taegu, the Korean War broke out and in July 1950, he volunteered to join the Republic of Korea Army as a commissioned officer. He served for 8 years until 1958, when he was discharged honorably with the rank of major. In 1955, he was awarded with a Bronze Star Medal from the United States Army.

In 1958, Yong-ho Choe moved to the United States to resume his higher education (BA from University of Arizona, and MA and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago). From 1968-70, he became a Research Fell ow at East Asia Research Center at Harvard University. 1970, he was appointed as Assistant Professor of History at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Subsequently, Associate Professor, and Professor.

Present: Professor Emeritus

In August 1978, when the "Star-Bulletin" carried big headlines in what it called an "exposure series" under the title of "Korean Bars," the newspaper used the case of hostess bars in Honolulu, calling them "Korean Bars" in an extremely pejorative and prejudicial way to the Korean ethnic group in Hawaii. With the assistance of the Rev. T. Samuel Lee, Prof. Choe and several others met with the president, the chief-editorial writer, and the executive editor (who was quite hostile) of the newspaper, resulting in the "Star-Bulletin" formally apologizing in an editorial to the Korean community.

With the enactment of the new Federal Immigration Law in 1965, the number of Korean immigrants arriving in Hawaii increased suddenly, creating a number of social problems in Hawaii. One of the most serious issues was with the new immigrant youth. With the Rev. Dae Hee Park of the Christ United Church, Prof. Choe organized the Korean Youth Program in 1981 to offer remedial English lessons, counseling advice, sports and other recreations after the regular school hours. He took charge of this program and continued it with the assistance of the Honolulu YMCA for another 10 or 15 years. He also helped in starting the Korean Community School, serving in various roles, such as vice principal, teacher, board member, etc., for 40 years. Prof. Choe has also been active in the United Korean Association of Hawaii.

Other community related events include Prof. Choe's discovery of and authentication of Korea-related historical sites in Hawaii such as the work of Korean patriots and the site of their military activities in Ahuimanu in Windward O'ahu. Another important event he was able to shed light on was the Korean Prisoners of War in the Honouliuli Internment Camp. Through an article he published in 2009, he showed as many as 2,700 Koreans were also detained in the camp. In 2015, the Federal Government formally declared the Honouliuli camp as a national monument under the charge of the National Park, which in tum promised to remember these Koreans when a memorial monument is constructed later.

The year 2003 marked the Centennial year of Korean Immigration to Hawaii. For this occasion, with the assistance of the Center for Korean Studies of UH, Prof. Choe organized two academic conferences in 2001 and 2003. Selected papers of these conferences were published under his editorial charge under the title of "From the Land of Hibiscus: Koreans in Hawaii, 1903-1950," by UH Press.in 2007. In 2007, Prof. Choe started the Korea Forum in Honolulu with two objectives: promoting education and fellowship. Typically, at around noon time on Saturday, about 30 people would share a lunch and then listen to a presentation on an interesting topic.

Soon Young Kim was born in Seoul, Korea and immigrated to Hawaii with her family as a teenager. She graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Professional Diploma in Secondary Education in Science with a concentration in Chemistry. Soon Young began teaching Korean Language classes by chance. It was a late afternoon in December 2013 when two students asked Soon Young to teach them Korean the following year.

At the time, Moanalua High School required all students to take one more class the follow­ing school year and teachers to teach one additional class. Soon Young ran to the principal's office and asked her principal, Ms. Robin Martin, if she could teach a Korean language course the following school year. Ms. Martin approved the Korean class and Soon Young started to do research in preparation to teach Korean in the Fall of 2014 by going to the Mc­Cully-Moiliili Public Library in search of materials to use in teaching the Korean language.

In October 2014, with the help of Consul Sean Hyun-Oh Kim working with Consul General Walter K. Paik, Moanalua Complex Korean Language Program began receiving funds in the Fall of 2015 to teach the Korean language to elementary, middle, and high schools

students from the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea. Other supports locally and from Korea have included annual funds from the Korean Library Foundation, anonymously donated professional Korean drums for the Moanalua High School's Nanta Team, and live video conference systems to promote cultural and language exchange with students in Korea.

Soon Young is exclusively teaching Korean classes and sees herself continuing to teach and promote the Korean language in Hawaii.

Grace Terumi Ogawa is a 3rd generation Japanese American in Hawaii.  She grew up in a traditional Japanese family where her father was a Buddhist priest.  She has 2 grown daughters Taryn and Remi. 

Grace graduated from Chaminade University with a degree in elementary education  and is currently a Senior Underwriter with Primary Residential Mortgage in Honolulu.  She has been in the Lending Industry for 43 years.

Grace currently serves as Secretary for the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce where she has served on various committees during her tenure.  In 2016 and 2017 she was the Chair of the annual Korean Festival.   

Grace’s love for the Korean culture and people bloomed when in 2000 she watched Autumn Story and fell in love with Korean dramas. She decided to join K-Drama, a Korean drama club, where she made many friends who shared her enthusiasm and passion for all things Korean.  In 2007 an opportunity arose and Grace became President of Hallyu Friends a non-profit organization.  Hallyu Friends is a club which embraces all things Korean including dramas, music, culture and food! 

Through Hallyu Friends Grace has organized many events sharing the Korean culture with local residents.  She supports local Korean businesses by having them do presentations to promote their products/business.  A traditional tea ceremony, working with a Korean market to celebrate Chuseok, beauty demonstrations with physicians from Korea are just some of the events she has put together. 

Grace organized a fund raising event with the Korean Consulate and Chef Grant Sato called “Experience Korean Cuisine” and all proceeds benefited his scholarship program.  Grace also worked with Senjukai Hawaii and Lotus Spirits to promote “Uchinan Pocha”, Okinawan and Korean cuisine, featuring Chef Grant Sato. 

Korean drama and music are a big part of the culture and Grace was able to have Lee Jung and Kim Ji Hoon visit Hallyu Friends and most recently assisted in the Park Sang Min Love for Hawaii concert. 

Throughout the years, Grace has had the opportunity to meet many Korean people throughout the community in Hawaii as well as Korea.  The friendships she has fostered continue to be the reason for her passion to share this dynamic culture with the people of Hawaii.

Being the ultimate organizer Grace is always thinking of ways to give back to those around her including the Korean and local community. She continually works tirelessly and selflessly all year long to organize events to bring about awareness of the Korean culture and traditions. 

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Sung Man Park was born in Cheonan South Korea.  After his schooling was complete he moved to Guam, where he became a successful businessman.  This career path was profitable but ultimately unsatisfying.  By a stroke of luck one of his past professors asked him to help tutor some high school students and Mr. park found that he liked it.  He returned to college planning to become a pharmacist but  eventually ended up getting his teaching credentials in Hawaii instead.

Mr. Park's teaching career in Hawaii started with substitute teaching at public and private middle and high schools, followed by several years at one of Honolulu's “tougher” middle schools.  He eventually moved to Washington Middle School, where he has been  a math teacher for 14 years and coach of the Math Team for the last 12 years.  Under his leadership the Washington Math Team has been the State Champions for the last 8 years in a row.  He has been the State Math Coach and led his teams to the National Championships each year.  In 2017 he was selected Hawaii State Teacher of the Year.  In 2018 he took his team to an international math competition in Korea, where they won a number of medals.

Mr. Park's greatest satisfaction comes from seeing his students succeed.  Many of his students go on to win scholarships to prestigious private and public high schools and to great colleges.  In spite of getting offers to teach at many public and private high schools Mr. Park chooses to stay at Washington Middle because he feels that the students need him and are still young enough to be guided into making good life choices.

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Barbara Kim Stanton is a 3rd generation Korean-American in Hawaii whose grandmother was a picture bride from Pusan, Korea in 1908.

She holds an M.A. in public policy from Claremont Graduate University in California.

She has been the State Director of AARP since 2005. AARP is a non-profit organization committed to empowering Americans 50 and older to live the life they choose as they age. AARP Hawaii has nearly 150,000 members in Hawaii, and advocates on healthcare, financial security and livable communities.

She has over 32 years of experience in executive positions in government, academia, non-profits and community building—especially in diverse populations. For over 11 years, she held cabinet-level and leadership positions in Hawaii State and city departments, including the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, High Tech Development Corporation, Honolulu City & County Department of Planning and Permitting and Office of Waikiki Development. She was one of the first faculty members at the University of Hawaii’s Center for Labor Relations, where she taught labor relations.

She has served as the lead for numerous major state and county initiatives, including the $350 milllion development of the Hawaii Convention Center, the $50 million revitalization of Waikiki, and the recovery and reopening of the island of Kauai after Hurricane Iniki in 1992. She has also served as chief clerk of the Senate Ways and Means Committee at the Hawaii state legislature. As director of Hawaii’s statewide voter education program, she worked closely with over 400 ethnic, labor and business groups to achieve record high voter registration and participation on all major islands.

She is on the Board of Directors for the Maunalani Nursing Center, is a Past President of the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce, Korean Centennial, and is a Life Member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association. She was the founder of the Governor’s Film and Video Council and served on the Board of Directors for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, the Honolulu Theater for Youth, the Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau, and numerous other boards.

Awards include:

• 2017- The Daniel Kahikina Akaka Award for AARP community contributions.

• 2010 Ten Who Made A Difference Community Award (Honolulu Star Advertiser)

• 2009 Advocate of the Year, Elderhood Project (KHON TV and Family Caregiver Coalition)

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Ki Un Lee was born on August 27, 1938, in a rural area of Namwon city, about 6 hours south from Seoul. He spent most of his adolescence time on his own when his father, mother and oldest brother passed away in his teen years. After serving four years in the Republic of Korea Army, he married Ms. Kum Ja No on November 23, 1967 and has been together for 50 years. Encouraged by his brother-in- law, he along with his family, Ms. Lee and two sons at age 3 and 5, moved to Oahu on 15 January 1974 in search of better opportunity and better life for his family. With only $1042 in hand and spoke no English, he was not deterred. With hard work, patience, and eager to learn, he persevered and had a successful career as an automotive technician. Mr. and Mrs. Lee proudly became U.S. naturalized citizen in 1979. He retired in 2011 at age 66.

He recalled fond memories when he was 15 years old, marching along Korean folk village farm dancers (Nongak), one of the oldest dance forms in Korea, traditionally performed during crop planting and harvesting, Korean Thanksgiving Day (Chuseok), and Lunar New Year’s Day (Seollal).  He took lessons from Ms. Mary Jo Freshley and Jia Kim at Halla Huhm Studio. His enjoyment turned into passion and established the Hawaii Nongak Dance Club in 1995 with only four members. He renamed the club to Hawaii Korean Farmer Music & Dance Club, a non-profit organization, and currently consists of twenty-seven members, ages ranging from 60 to 85 years old. His club has been very active in the community sharing and perpetuating the Korean culture. As you may have seen them performing at various events such as the Annual Hawaii Korean Chamber Commerce Korean Cultural Festival, East-West Center Korean Cultural Day, Korean Consulate events, Hawaii State Capital, Korean Community Sports Festival, and many parades at Kaimuki, Kailua, and Hawaii Kai Christmas parades; Japan Honolulu Festival Grand Parade, Pan Pacific Parade, and the great Aloha Festivals Floral Parade. He has been awarded the Community Enrichment award from the Korean American Society of Hawaii, Appreciation Award from the United Korean Association of Hawaii, and the Co-Operation Award from GCS Club, Hawaii Chapter for his contribution and unselfishly promoting Korean community and culture to mainstream Hawaii. He is honored to be recognized by the Korean American Foundation Hawaii and grateful to receive the Light of the Orient award.

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Toni Lee was born on July 2, 1937 in Busan, Korea. As a toddler, Ms. Lee was taught the traditional Korean dance extensively and later became an instructor herself. She also pursued a teaching career within the elementary school system. In 1969, Ms. Lee’s sister invited her to continue her studies in Virginia. Before heading to Virginia, she decided to visit a friend who lived in Hawaii and it was during this visit, Ms. Lee was introduced to her future husband. It was at this very moment where destiny intervened and realigned her traveling plans and life’s journey. She was blessed with a beautiful daughter whose name is Lillian. Unfortunately, her marriage eventually dissolved and Ms. Lee raised her daughter as a single mom and became heavily involved with community service. Coupled with her inner love of and interest in Hawaii’s culture and its people, Ms. Lee has dedicated most of her life serving her community through educating and inspiring children and seniors who cross her path by sharing her expertise in life skills. She is known for her delicious Korean dishes, traditional Korean dance and hula. She advocates active and healthy senior living and promotes peace and appreciation for nature’s beauty and life itself while maintaining a strong cultural identity to her beloved Korea.

The first organization that Ms. Lee actively participated in was Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. She has been invited as a feature chef on the Electric Kitchen and several other cooking shows locally. Since 1987, Ms. Lee continues to serve as the President of the Lanakila Korean Cultural Club. From 1997, she serves as the Chair of the Waipahu Plantation Village Heritage. From 2003 - 2011, she served as the Vice President for the United Korean Association of Hawaii. Ms. Lee currently teaches cultural dances, cooking classes, sewing and arts and crafts to adults and seniors with special needs at Helemano Plantation in Wahiawa.

Leadership, selflessness and devotion are just a few words which describe Ms. Lee’s tenacityand life dedication to sharing her Korean traditions with Hawaii’s children, young adults, seniors and retirees.

She has been recognized by Hawaii’s Governors Linda Lingle and Ben Cayetano, the HawaiiState Senate and House, Honolulu Mayors Jeremy Harris and Mufi Hanemann, Honolulu City Council, Korean Consul Generals Heung Sik Choi and Dae Hyun Kang, and numerous non-profit organizations.

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Hyon Cha Koga and Garrick Koga married in 1967, the same year Hyon Cha immigrated to Hawaii from Korea. This union was the start of a dynamic and productive partnership. 

Mrs. Koga received her B.A. from the University of Hawaii. Mr. Koga received his B.S. from LA State College, School of Engineering and his M.S. from the University of Southern California, School of Engineering.

Mr. Koga is a licensed structural engineer. He has worked for a number of companies before retiring in 2003 as the Vice President at Engineering Design Group.

Mrs. Koga's professional experience ranged from working as a bilingual caseworker for both Susannah Wesley Community Center and the State of Hawaii Judiciary Branch to reaching Korean language and culture with the Department of Education and Leeward Community College. She fully retired in 2015. She also served as teacher and Principal at the Aiea Korean Culture School from 1995 to 2003. During this time, Mr. Koga also supported the school by working as a volunteer custodian.

Despite her busy professional career, Mrs. Koga made the time co serve as a volunteer bilingual inter­preter for many international events, such as the I 988 Seoul Summer Olympics and 1993 Daejeon World Expo-Korea.

Mr. Koga volunteered to design the new sanctuary at the Haleiwa Jodo Mission and has served on the Mililani Town Association Design committee. He has been an active partner with Mrs. Koga in her many volunteer positions. Truly a great 2 for I deal!

The Koga's most significant and sustained contribution was with the Korean Festival's Cultural Exhibition committee. Mrs. Koga served as chair from 2001 to 2015 and Mr. Koga supported her as part of the committee. At the cultural tent, they had the opportunity to interact with thousands of festival guests, both locals and tourists. The Kogas patiently introduced and educated the festival guests about Korea's rich cultural heritage via exhibits that contained many of their own extensive collections.

Mrs. Koga has been recognized and honored by the Korean government and the Honolulu City Council for her work in promoting Korean language, arcs, and cultural traditions.

Congratulations to Hyon Cha and Garrick Koga on their upcoming 50th wedding anniversary and KAHM SA HAHM NI DA for their many years of joint community service.

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Donald Chang Won Kim was born on December 14, 1928 in Seoul, Korea by Yu Ho and Sook Kyung Kim, and is the youngest of their 6 children. He graduated from Kyunggi High School in Seoul, then attended Seoul National University and the University of Hawaii. He is a registered professional engineer who is licensed to practice in the State of Hawaii and Guam.

He started working at R.M. Towill Corporation in 1958 as a design engineer. By the time he retired in the year 2000, R.M. Towill Corporation was the largest and oldest consulting engineering company in the State of Hawaii, and he was its chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He was also the chairman of the Board and CEO of Kilohana Corporation, which is the parent corporation of R.M. Towill Corporation. In 1988, he also founded and was the chairman of the Board and CEO of Keahole Associates, Inc., which was an architectural and engineering company. IN 1982, he founded and is the chairman of the Board and CEO of AMKOR A&E, Inc., an architectural and engineering company which has offices in Hawaii and in the Republic of Korea. He currently serves as the chairman of the Board of Ohana Pacific Bank, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Mr. Kim's lifelong commitment has been the driving force behind his involvement in such varied organiations as the Bishop Museum, the Pacific Rim Society, the Navy League of the United States, the Korean Dong Ji Hoe Society, the Rotary Club of Honolulu, the Association of the U.S. Army, the YMCA, and the Honolulu Symphony. He chaired the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, presided over the Hawaii Alumni Association, served as a trustee of the University of Hawaii Foundation, and as a trustee of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and is an honorary trustee of the Mid-Pacific Institute.

He has guided and generously given to dozens of worthy, charitable causes and organizations, such as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Inha University (located in Incheon, Korea), the University of Hawaii, Kyunggi High School Alumni Association, Hanahauoli school, Korean Christian Church, Pacific Asian Affairs Council, the Syngman Rhee Society, The Korean War Veterans Association (Aloha Chapter), the ROK Naval Academy Alumni Association, the 60th Anniversary Celebration Committee of the Founding of the Republic of Korea, the Hawaii-Korea Coordinating Council, the Korean Community Council of Hawaii, the Korean Pacific Weekly, and the U.S. Army Friendship Mission to Korea.

In recognition of his invaluable services and contributions to the communities, he has been honored by numerous organization. Listed below are some of his awards and designations:

• The Republic of Korea's highest honor, Order of Civil Merit, First Class (Mugunghwa Medal), December of 2003

• General chairman of the 2003 Centennial Committee of Korean lmmigration to the United States of America

• Presidential Outstanding Community Service Award from the President of the Republic of Korea, 1991

• 1995 Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) Award-Distinguished Overseas Korean in Industry and Technology

• Honorary Citizen of Special City of Seoul, 1995

• Emeritus Regent of the University of Hawaii, Board of Regents

• The University of Hawaii 75th Anniversary Rainbow Award for Distinguished Alumni, 1982

• The University of Hawaii Alumni Association-1990 Overall Distinguished Alumnus Award

• The University of Hawaii Regent's Medal Award-2001

• The University of Hawaii College of Engineering Centennial Award-2008

• Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering from the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)-2010

• Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2001 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Aloha Chapter

• The Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year Award

• The Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award (first one awarded) - 2015

Mr. Kim has lived in Hawaii since 1952 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Hawaii in 1958.

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Senator Donna Mercado Kim is a graduate of Farrington High School, an undergraduate of the University of Hawaii and a graduate of Washington State University. In 1982, she was elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives where she served from 1982 to 1985. In 1985, Senator Kim was elected to the Honolulu City Council and served until 2000. In 2000, Senator Kim was elected to the Hawaii State Senate from the 14th Senatorial District. She has chaired the Committee on Tourism, the Special Committee on Accountability, the Commit­tee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs. Senator Kim presently has a prominent role as the 13th President of the Hawaii State Senate. She has been involved in community service for many years including serving as a member of the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Korean Millennium Commission, and the Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials. She supported the visa waiver program for Koreans.

Senator Kim's awards and honors include Hawaii Jaycee's Three Outstanding Persons and the American Society for Public Administration's Outstanding City and County Administrator. Her other accomplishments include receiving the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Fellowship, member of the Board of Directors for the Bank of America, and co-hosting a radio talk show.

Senator Kim is a third generation Korean; her father's families were from Pusan and Seoul, South Korea. Her father was a boxer who taught her to never to give up. She has learned well, as evidenced by the many successes achieved in her life.

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Mary Jo Freshley (aka Myung Sa Pai in the Pai Tradition) was born on September 25, 1934 in Homeworth, Ohio. She earned her M.S. in Education from Bowling Green State University. In 1961 she was recruited by Kamehameha Schools (KS) as a health and physical education teacher. In the 1960's, she incorporated Korean dance into the physical education curriculum. She taught at KS for 33 years until her retirement in 1994.

In 1962 Ms. Freshley took her first Korean dance class from Halla Pai Huhm. This resulted in a life long association with the Halla Huhm Studio. She has served as instructor, financial administrator and with the death of Ms. Huhm in 1994, the Studio director. Ms. Freshley has been instrumental in establishing the Halla Huhm Foundation whose mission is to maintain the Korean music and dance performance tradition established by Halla Huhm.

Ms. Freshley has made numerous trips to Korea to study with renowned instructors, including Ms. Huhm's teachers. Ms. Freshley has studied at the National Classical Music Institute and the Traditional Performing Arts Institute. Notable teachers include Kim Chon Heung and Lee Hyun-ku (dance/court dance), Kim Tae Sop (Changgo), Choe Chung-ung (Kayageum), Lee Hyun-ku (Pongsan T'alChum) and Kim Pyong Sop (Sol Changgo). In 1972 Ms. Freshley won 3rd place for Sung-Mu in the Foreigner's Contest in Seoul In 1985 she won 1st place for Sol Changgo.

In addition to countless performances at various Korean and non-Korean events in Hawaii, Ms. Freshley has performed both nationally and in Korea. Ms. Freshley has deservedly been recognized by Korean and local community groups, the Honolulu City Council and the Korean Government for her commitment to preserving and sharing Korean culture via dance and music. Haole by birth, she is truly Korean in spirit!

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Jong Chan Lee was born on April 29, 1936 in Shanghai to a patriotic family. His father was the independence fighter Gyu-hak Lee and his mother, Gae-jin Cho. Many other family members fought during the independence movement and served the Korean government from its inception. For example, his great-uncle Shi-young Lee served as the first Vice President of the Republic of Korea alongside President Syngman Rhee.

Mr. Lee is a graduate of the 16th class of the Korean Military Academy (1960). He also earned a master's degree in public administration from Seoul National University.

Mr. Lee has strived to keep up with the changes globally as well as in Korea and has published many works including, Reform and Moderatism, Strife for a New Era, Towards a Digital Korea, and Dominating the Junction of Globalization.

Mr. Lee is a distinguished civil servant, having served in government: Diplomat in London as Counselor in 1973; 4 terms as National Assemblyman from 1981 - 1996; Democratic Justice Party's Floor Leader from 1981-1985; Minister of Political Affairs in 1988; Secretary-General of Democratic Justice Party in 1988-89; Democratic Liberal Party's Candidate for President in 1992; Director-General of National Intelligence Service in 1998-1999; Chairman of Board of Directors, International Business Center Forum 2003- present.

Mr. Lee played a critical role in the centennial celebration of Korean immigration to US in 2003 as the Chairman of Korea Committee, Centennial Committee of Korean Immigration to United States. He has made a signifi­cant contribution by bringing awareness of 100 years of Korean-American history to our motherland Korea. Perhaps this is attributable to his love for Hawaii as it goes way back to his researching days at the East-West Center, and many subsequent visits to the Islands. He's almost a Kamaaina!

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Esther Kwon Arinaga is a retired public interest lawyer, writer, and community worker. Her father, Doin Kwon, was among the first wave of Korean immigrants to Hawaii, arriving in 1905, and her mother, Hee-kyung Lee, was an early picture bride. Her parents were active in the Korean independence movement in Hawaii and were recognized as Independence Patriots by the Republic of Korea in 2004. A graduate of Roosevelt High School, Arinaga attended the University of Hawaii, where she received her undergraduate degree in Government, graduate degree in Asian Studies, and law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law.

She has served on many boards and commissions, including the first State Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Council for the Humanities, the Judiciary History Center, Hawaii Bar Foundation, and ACLU-Hawaii. She was active in planning and fund raising for the 2003 Centennial Celebration of Korean Immigration to the United States. Currently, she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hawaiian Historical Society.

Arinaga is coeditor of Allan Saunders: The Man and His Legacy and a contributor and consultant to many other books, including Montage: An Ethnic History of Women in Hawaii ("Contributions of Korean Immigrant Women") and Century of the Tiger: One Hundred Years of Korean Culture in America 1903-2003.

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At the twilight of my chronological years, and as a second-generation American Korean, I would like to first reflect on the great opportunities and privileges that our country, the United States of America, has given me and others by allowing the early immigration of our parents to seek a better future for themselves and their children.

Today, we can all be very proud of the many well-known American citizens of Korean ethnicity who have and are contributing their talents and expertise in all areas our lives---not only to the well-being of our great country, but also throughout the world, many of whom are directly related to the early immigrants.

For me personally, my life's involvement were with the federal and state judicial systems , and in the corporate world of banking and retailing. In addition, through the years, I have been involved in conversational Korean language classes which have given me a more intimate understanding of our ancestors cultural achievements.

In the new year, may you all receive bountiful blessings in all areas for you and your loved ones!

Kam Sa Ham Ne Da !

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Nam Young Chung was born in 1916 in Waialua to Doo Ock Chung and Bong Ah lee Chung, a picture bride. His father was a store clerk at the Waialua plantation store, which was managed by Yu Ho Kim, father of Donald C.W, Kim. later Doo Ock Chung became a merchant tailor through a correspondence school and apprenticed under Won Kiu Ahn, grandfather of Judge Karen Ahn.

Nam Young, meaning South Dragon, graduated from Leilehua High School. He received a BS degree in agriculture from the University of Hawaii in 1938 and taught on Kauai before joining army where he served from 1941 to 1948. He was assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture and later to the Korea Agriculture Association under the U.S. Military government in Korea.

While he was serving in Korea, Nam Young married Sook Cha Oh in the Throne Room of the Capitol Building and had a wedding reception in Kyunghoiru in Seoul before returning to Hawaii. After discharge from the army, Nam Young attended veterinary school at Iowa State University. He graduated in 1953 and set up practice in Kaimuki where he and his wife raised 4 children. Nam Young Chung has been a member of the Rotary Club of West Honolulu and the Korean University Club. Pastimes include marathon running, golfing, and fishing in Alaska.

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Dewey Hongwoo Kim is Chancellor Emeritus University of Hawai'i, for service as chief executive of the seven college State community college system. He served for over a decade on the Center for Korean Studies Building Fund Group. Like other group members, he was an early large financial donor. He financed a Center's post-doctoral program for Korean university English faculty who spent a year in residence at the University of Hawaii.

In 1994 he was honored by the University of Hawaii Alumni Association by being included in its first class of Distinguished Alumni.

After retirement from the University of Hawai'i, he served as Director, Pacific and Asian Affairs for the Washington-based, largest non-profit governmental consulting firm, the Public Administration , Service. One of its commissions was development of a water works computer program for the Korean government. He also served several years as a Director for Island Federal and its successor, First Federal Savings and loan, and as President of Pacific Food Services.

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Sung Kun (Joe) Kim was born in North Kohala as the fifth child and only son of Hung Soon Kim and Park Young Chin. When he was one year old, his family moved to Wahiawa in 1924. After graduating from Leilehua Intermediate and High School, Sung Kun joined the U. S. Army and served until 1948. Upon his discharge from military service, he started farming but gave up after seven difficult years. He then ventured into the television industry and worked as a broadcast technician until his retirement in January 1980. Sung Kun Kim married Duk Hee Chung in Seoul in 1959 and they raised 3 children in Wahiawa. He has been a member of the Wahiawa Korean Christian Church and Liliha Korean Christian Church. As a Dong Ji Hoi member since 1974, Sung Kun Kim served as vice president and president. He has also chaired the Dr. Syngman Rhee Scholarship committee for 17 years. From 1989 through 2002, Sung Kun Kim was president of the Tae Guk Club which was established in 1936 as an athletic club for boys of Korean ancestry. As the boys matured and married, their spouses were invited to join them. Thereafter, the Tae Guk Club became a social cultural club. The club also started to support a Korean orphanage. At the present time, Tae Guk Club is supporting the Aikwangwon, home for physically or mentally disabled.

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Bob Ko's mother, Park Mal Soon, was a 17-year old picture bride when she married Ko Chi Woon in 1923, and raised four children practically single-handed through her ingenuity and hard work, even though she didn't know a single word of English. She was a born entrepreneur and ventured into several small businesses throughout her lifetime, including a rooming house, a few vegetable stores, two carnation farms, and a Korean food manufacturing business. Starting in 1972, upon his mother's retirement, Bob and his siblings incorporated the food manufacturing business and ran the operations for thirteen years as Park's Brand Products, which was then bought out by Mike Irish.

Bob graduated from McKinley High School in 1949 and later earned an Associate Degree in Business/Marketing from Kapiolani Community College. He was a City employee and later an insurance agent. He was also a part-time National Guardsman rising to the highest enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major. After a stint in active duty (Vietnam call-up), he worked for R.M. Towill Corporation. Donald Kim has been instrumental in Bob's involvement in various Korean organizations and events over the years. After retirement from RMTC in 1995, Bob and June Yoshida, his wife of 49 years, both volunteered as delivery persons for Hawaii Meals on Wheels and currently they are volunteer drivers with the American Cancer Society for cancer patients.
110th Anniversary of Korean Immigration to the United States

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Henry Nung Ju Lee was born in 1930 to father Gil Talk Lee of Pyongyang who arrived in Hawaii in 1903, and mother Varno Lee, a picture bride who arrived sometime before 1915. Gil Taik Lee was inducted into the U.S. Army on August 6, 1918 and was assigned to Company K, 1st Hawaiian Infantry. Gil Talk lee was honorably discharged on July 10, 1919 on demobilization. like his father, Henry Lee pursued a military career and served 24 years in the U.S. Army. Henry Lee was awarded the General Patton Distinguished Award for Excellence and the General McArthur leadership Award.

Henry lee was the first Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army of Korean ethnicity. He was Sergeant Major of the 7th U.S. Army Noncommissioned Academy. He was wounded during the Vietnam deployment and retired from the Army in 1969. Henry earned a degree in teaching from the University of Hawaii in 1974 and taught public school for five years. He, then, worked for the State of Hawaii, Department of Regulatory Agency as an Executive Officer for the Professional and Vocational Licensing Boards and Commissions and retired in 1989. In 1983, Henry lee was elected President of the Wahiawa lions Club after being a member for over 35 years. Henry was elected as President of the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce in 1984 and was elected Chairman of the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board.

Rose Lee was born on the island of lanai on September 15, 1932 to Choon Sik Park and Clara Sung Me Yoon Park. Choon Sik Park was a field foreman at Dole Pineapple Company and Clara Park was a housewife, sewing for a living. Clara Park came to Hawaii at age two and worked as a seamstress on Lanai, at McInerny Department Store in Honolulu, and at Schofield Barracks during the WW II era. In 1966, she was fortunate enough to own a tailor shop at Fort Shafter.

Rose lee graduated from Leilehua High School and attended Cannon's School of Business. After helping her mother for many years, Rose took over her mother's shop in 1986. Rose Lee was the last Korean to continue the family legacy from WW II and operate a tailor shop in Wahiawa's "Korean Town." Rose lee served military and civilian customers as owner, operator, manager of 'fi Rose lee's Alteration Inc. for 45 years.

Henry lee and Rose lee have been married for 59 years. They have raised four wonderful children together.

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Francis Chin Chan Pak was born in Wahiawa in 1921 to Pak Ho-byeong and Kim Sook-ahn. Because of his mother's death six months after Francis' birth in December 1921, Francis was raised in the Salvation Army's Children's Home in Waialua, where Pak Ho-byeong served as a captain. Pak Ho-byeong with Francis returned to Korea in 1927 and Francis lived in Kimhae and Seoul until 1938. Upon his return to Hawaii in 1938, Francis worked on a California Packing Company pineapple plantation in Kunia. He attended Mills College (the present Mid-Pacific institute) in Manoa for 2 years from 1939. Francis started working at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard as an electrician's helper for 6 years from 1940. He married Etta Chung Hee Young in 1941.

Francis Pak worked as a translator/interpreter for the U. S. Army Intelligence in Gwangju, Korea from 1946 through 1949. He held various jobs in Hawaii from 1949 and retired in 1992. Francis Pak taught at the Korean language school run by Wahiawa Korean Christian Church in 1939 and organized young men's sports team in 1942. He served as a program director of the Korean­language radio program at KHON for 2 years from 1949. He has been a member of the Korean National Association (Kook Min Hur) and served as president in 1966-1967. He attended both Korean Christian Church on Liliha Street and the First Korean Methodist Church on Keeaumoku Street. A talented musician, Francis has participated in various musical events.

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JEFF CHUNG graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1986. He was student body president and played varsity football. After completing his bachelor of science degree at Willamette University, he started working at KBFD-TV in Honolulu. As the general manager, he guided KBFD to become one of the most-watched stations in Hawaii during prime time with Korean dramas, and he expanded KBFD statewide.

As chairman of the board of the Hawaii International Film Festival from 2005 to 2007 and continuing as honorary chair from 2008 to 2011, Jeff Chung successfully marketed HIFF in Asia. He has written a weekly column in the Sunday Today section of the Honolulu Advertiser and the Star-Advertiser since May 2005.

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When violinist IGNACE "IGGY" }ANG arrived in Hawaii, little did he know how much the Islands would help him understand his own Korean. heritage. Born in Grenoble, France, he moved to Honolulu as the concertmaster of the Honolulu Symphony in 1997. Although a full-blooded Korean, Iggy Jang did not have a chance to "realize" his Korean identity growing up in Paris. What he came to understand about living in Hawaii is the inclusiveness of all cultures.

Iggy has performed throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. Hawaii has brought much to his musical life. Iggy feels that he became a better musician right here: from practicing and performing with the Honolulu Symphony, playing music with his wife pianist and musician friends, and from listening to local artists of all genres. In return, Jang feels a sense of responsibility to share his knowledge as an educator. He has been involved with the University of Hawaii, Brigham Young University Hawaii, Punahou and Iolani Schools, and the Hawaii Youth Symphony, among others. With the Honolulu Symphony, he visited countless elementary schools throughout the State. He gave several benefit recitals in Korea and performed at many Korean functions in Honolulu.

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Incheon-born artist So Suk Song Ko joined the Korean Artists Association of Hawaii in 1990. As vice-president of KAAH, she oversaw the Korean Children's Art Competition in 1997 and steered KAAH from 1998 through 2005 as its president. Through her efforts, KAAH started international art exchange exhibitions between Incheon and Hawaii.

Following the celebration of the centennial of Korean immigration to America, Mrs. Ko was instrumental in establishing a sister-city relationship between Incheon Metropolitan City and the City and County of Honolulu. She was appointed by the Incheon government as an Overseas Honorary International Advisor in 2003. Under her guidance, artists from Hawaii and Incheon have steadfastly maintained an exchange exhibition program. Through her efforts, the name of the city's Pawaa Neighborhood Park was changed to Pawaa In-Ha Park in commemoration of the historical relationship between Incheon and Hawaii.

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Bill Kwon was born in 1935 to Korean immigrant parents Sung Chai and Choo Soo Kwon in Honolulu. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Hawaii. Bill was hired full-time by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 1959 and retired after forty-two years, including thirteen years as sports editor-the first Korean American to hold that post on a national daily newspaper. As the Star-Bulletin's senior sports columnist and golf writer, he kept busy introducing the Korean women golfers who dominated the LPGA for ten years from 2001 until his full retirement in 2010.

Becoming a sports writer fulfilled a lifetime dream for Kwon. He told nurses at Shriners' Hospital that it was what he wanted to be from the time he was a seven­year-old listening to the 1942 World Series between the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals. It truly turned to be a "dream job" as he went on to cover six World Series, fifteen Super Bowls, and numerous professional golf tournaments, including the Masters and the U.S. Open. He also reported from three Olympic Games in Montreal, Los Angeles, and Seoul, calling the latter especially significant because of his Korean heritage.

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Busan-born Semo Suh arrived in Honolulu as an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Hawaii in September 1972. One month later, he was sent to Okinawa as a medical specialist and consultant of the UH Post-Graduate Medical Education Program. Following his ten-year service in Okinawa, Suh established the bone and Mineral Research Laboratory at the Shriner's Hospital, while teaching pediatric endocrinology and metabolic bone diseases at UH.

As a Korean-speaking physician, Dr. Suh tried his best to serve the medical needs of the Korean community from 1982, not only as a care provider but also to facilitate preventive measures and provide educational programs such as a medical talk series at Korean TV and radio, as well as writing medical columns for newspapers. He has also been a frequent speaker on pertinent medical topics to various Korean organizations in Hawaii.

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FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT INTERNATIONAL MIDPAC COLLEGE (IMPAC)

Born in Kyungnam, Korea, Dr. Kwan Jay Cho is the founder and president of International Mid Pac College (IMPAC) in Honolulu, which teaches thousands of business professionals and students from Asian countries to learn American management practice, and speak and use English effectively since its inaugural in 1992.

Dr. Cho served in the Korean Army as first lieutenant, and came to the United States to study as a foreign student in 1981. He earned a masters degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 1986, and returned to Korea to teach at Busan Women's College for a year. He obtained a doctoral degree from the University of Southern California in 1991 with a major in Educational Administration. In 2003, he received an award from the President of Korea for his study and research.

He is currently the co-president of the Hawai‘i Korean Cultural Center (HKCC), which brings together related organizations to work in a common effort to preserve the legacy and history of the pioneers who came to Hawai‘i from Korea. Dr. Cho helps lead the Center promote harmony and mutual understanding between Korea, Hawai‘i and the U.S. Mainland. He has also been largely responsible in the creation of the Hawai‘i Korean Cultural Center. He has helped gather support and raised funds from various Korea-related organizations in Hawai'i as well as in Korea.

Since 2005, Dr. Cho has also been the president of the Hawai‘i Korean Literature Association which promotes novels, poems and essays about the Korean experience. The association has published books that reflect Korean immigrants' lives through epic, lyric, dramatic, pastoral, and symbolist poetry. Dr. Cho also published his own poetry book On the Way of the Beyond in 2001.

Dr. Cho is the former president of the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC) Hawaii Chapter. NUAC offers advice and suggestions to the Korean president to help work towards Korean unification. The NUAC serves as the focal point for efforts to achieve peaceful unification. The NUAC supports the advisors' outreach campaigns aimed at raising public awareness of the significance of peaceful unification. As a member of the NUAC for the last 10 years, Dr. Cho also participates in speech and quiz contests for Korean children and voter registration campaigns to enhance the political power of the Korean community.

He is a member of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors, Teaching English as Second Language, and the Academy of International Business. He was president of the Korean Artist Association of Hawai‘i and has attended annual group exhibitions and international exchange shows since 1974.

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SUPERINTENDENT HAWAI'I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Ms. Patricia Hamamoto has held the helm at the Hawai'i Department of Education (DOE) as superintendent since 2001. She is intimately familiar with the challenge facing public education, having served as deputy superintendent, principal of McKinley High School, and classroom teacher.

As superintendent, Ms. Hamamoto oversees the nation's 1 01h largest public school system with more than 182,000 students in 285 schools with an annual operating budget of more than $1.7 billion. Under her leadership, the DOE is aggressively adopting standards-based curriculum while implementing significant reform measures under the state's Reinventing Education Act of 2004 and the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Ms. Hamamoto is a career educator with more than 29 years of teaching and administrative experience. She began teaching in 1975 at Highlands Intermediate, and also taught at Ilima Intermediate and Pearl City High. She entered school administration as vice principal at Maui High in September 1983, and also served as vice principal at Nanakuli High & Intermediate. Her first principalship was at Pearl City Highlands Elementary in 1987. After working at the DOE personnel office from 1989 to 1991, Ms. Hamamoto returned to school as principal of Likelike Elementary. She became McKinley High principal in 1992.

This Korean-American superintendent is active ,vith many educational organizations. Her affiliations include: Council of Chief State School Officers (member), Hawai'i Teacher Standards Board (board member), Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (board di.rector), Teacher Education Coordinating Committee (co-chairperson), Joint Venture Education Forum (cochairperson), University of Hawai'i College of Education Advisory Conncil (member), Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (member), and American Association of School Administrators (member).

Ms. Hamamoto has a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, and a bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach. She is a graduate ofMaryknoll High School.

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Office of the Mayor
City and County of Honolulu

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CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
KOBAYASHI GROUP, LLC

Ms. Kathryn Whang Inouye is the chief operating officer for the Kobayashi Group, LLC. She has more than 25 years of real estate development experience, managing various residential projects; master-planned residential and luxury resort communities; hotel-condominiums; schools; and office buildings. Her recent projects include Hokua at 1288 Ala Moana Boulevard; the exclusive Kukio Golf and Beach Club Re sort on the gold coast of the Big I sland; Capitol Place in Downtown Honolulu; the Baccarat Wailea Resort and Residences on Maui; and the lifestyle shopping malls known as Kapolei Commons and Kona Commons.

Ms. Inouye h as served on numerous professional and non-profit boards, commissions and fundraising committees. She served two four-year terms on the Board of Land and Natural Resources, appointed by the former Governor Ben Cayetano; and Board member of the Aloha Stadium, appointed by Governor Linda Lingle.

She currently serves o n the Board of Directors for Child and Family Services, Malama Learning Center, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Korean American Foundation Hawai'‘i, and several professional organizations.

Ms. lnouye's professional background includes serving as director of product development for Castle & Cooke Homes, Hawai'i, Inc., where she oversaw the planning and development of more than 2,200 units in three master-planned communities. From 1984 to 1987, she was employed by the Housing Finance and Development Corporation (State of Hawai'i) where she managed both sale and rental projects, and played an instrumental role in structuring various innovative affordable housing programs for the State. Ms. Inouye got her start in the real estate development field at Haseko (USA), Inc.

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CHIEF JUSTICE
SUPREME COURT OF HAWAI'l

Chief Justice Ronald T. Y. Moon is a third-generation Korean-American. His grandparents were among the first wave of Korean immigrants who arrived in Hawai‘i in the early 1900s, and he is the first Korean-American to become chief justice of any supreme court in the United States.

Chief Justice Moon was sworn in to the Supreme Court of Hawai'i on March 31, 1993 after having served as an associate justice for three years. Prior to this, he served as a circuit court judge for eight years. He received his undergraduate degree from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is a 1965 graduate of the University of Iowa School of Law, He served a one-year term as law clerk to then-Chief Judge Martin Pence at the United States District Court for the District of Hawai'i, and was subsequently employed with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu from 1966 to 1968. After four years as an associate, Chief Justice Moon became a partner in the law firm of Libkuman, Ventura, Moon & Ayabe . He left private practice in 1982 upon being appointed to the circuit court bench.

As a graduate of the University of Iowa Law School, Chief Justice Moon was featured as one of the first alumni honorees in its Gallery of Honor display at the entrance of the Boyd Law Building in 1999 . In 2001, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Coe College and the Hawai'i State Bar Association's Golden Gavel Award for his outstanding contributions. In 2003, the National Center for State Courts presented Chief Justice Moon with its Distinguished Service Award for his longstanding contributions to the improvement of the justice system and his support of the mission of the National Center. In August 2006, Chief Justice Moon was honored with the Pursuit of Justice Award from the American Bar Association for his lifelong devotion to the legal profession and for his significant contributions to the pursuit of justice.

On the international level, Chief Justice Moon received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from lnha University (Korea) and the Grand Prize Award given by Kyungmin Mission Schools (Korea) in October 2003 for his dedication and efforts to the betterment of the international community.

Chief Justice Moon has served as an, adjunct professor of Pretrial Litigation for the University of Hawai‘i’s Richardson School of Law; National Secretary of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); and as President of the Hawai'i Chapter of ABOTA. He has been a member of the Conference of Chief Justices' (CCJ) Access to and Fairness in the Courts Committee since 1993 and has served as Chair of that committee since 1995. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts and has served as the CCJ’s representative on the Board of Trustees for the American Inns of Court Foundation.

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Dewey Kim was born on July 4, 1928 in Washington, D.C. His father, Henry Cu Kim, was an active participant in the Korean Independence Movement and was designated a Korean Patriot by the Korean government.

Kim graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he played an active role as student body president. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, and graduated with honors. He received highest distinction from Syracuse University's Maxwell Graduate School, where he earned a Masters in Public Administration.

Kim served as director, executive development for the IRS headquarters in Washington, D.C. He was also chancellor of the community college system and held various executive positions with the University of Hawai'i, including: associate dean and director of the Center for Governmental Development and assistant vice president for academic affairs. Upon retirement, the Board of Regents awarded him the prestigious title of Chancellor Emeritus.

During Kim's University of Hawai'i tenure, he taught management for the College of Business, the State Department of Education, the East-West Center, American Banker's Association, and the American Savings and Loan League. He also lectured in Korea and other Asian nations. He was the University president's representative on the Planning and Fund Raising Committee for the establishment of the Center for Korean Studies Building.

During the 1980's, Kim and his late wife established the Dewey and Lila Kim Fellowships for English professors at Korean universities, who would undertake a year of post-doctoral studies at U.H. and mainland institutions. Professors were selected through a nationwide competition and received a monetary stipend, on site support, and several actually lived with the Kims to gain intensive cross-cultural Insights. Each professor returned to assume leadership roles at their respective institutions, and several published English and cross-cultural textbooks, The Kims traveled frequently to Korea at their own expense to conduct functional English workshops for college students and others, such as government officials and their wives.

For many years, Kim was director of Island Federal Savings and Loan, and First Federal Savings and Loan Associations.

Kim and first wife Lila, now deceased, has a daughter, Melissa, and two sons, Dewey, Jr. and Michael. He has been married to his current wife, Marian Wong, of the renowned Wong Restaurant family, for 10 years and currently assists her as President of Pacific Food Services, Inc.

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In May 2002, Earl Woosung Lee was appointed president of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. to oversee the development, strategy and vision for this leading real estate network of more than 1,800 offices and approximately 68,000 sales professionals. He is responsible for initiating programs and tools designed to help sales professionals exceed their customers' expectations and create a better real estate transaction, in addition lo enhancing brand awareness, overseeing the network's growth, and servicing existing network members.

Prior to Lee's appointment as president, he functioned as executive vice president of operations for Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, where he led the service delivery infrastructure of the Prudential Real Estate Network throughout North America and directed the company's strategies to enhance the profitability, productivity, recruiting, and retention of network members. During this time,
Lee also managed the company's Alliance Management division.

Prior to joining Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Lee served as senior vice president, principal broker and partner of Prudential Locations in Hawai'i. Before his 30-year career in real estate, Lee held positions as a financial analyst for Dole Pineapple and assistant controller for Aloha Airlines, as well as the executive vice president for the Honolulu Board of Realtors and the Hawai'i Association of Realtors.

Lee received his bachelor's degree in economics from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He formerly served as president of the Hawai'i Association of REALTORS, and of the Hawai'i CRB chapter. Lee is currently the national director for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and for the National Association of REALTORS.

He was named one of the 100 most influential individuals in real estate in 2005 and also received the Inman Innovator Award at the Inman Conference held in July 2005. Lee is a frequent speaker at industry events, such as the National Association of Realtors, Inman Real Estate, National Title Insurers Association, and various national real estate associations.

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President of the Korean Library Foundation and owner of two retail stores In Waikiki, Sook Ki Moon grew up in Seoul, Korea where the after-effects of the Korean War and poverty forced her to drop out of Baehwa Middle School and go to work as an office clerk.

The third eldest of six children, the former Sook Ki Kim was born on February 19, 1941 . Despite adversity, she continued her self-education by avidly reading newspapers and history books, eventually becoming a highly successful businesswoman. She never forgot what the love of reading did for her, and wanted others to discover the joy and benefits it provides.

While vacationing in Hawai'i, she met Eugene Moon, and they were married in October 1981. In 1986 she opened her first retail store, followed by a second the following year.

Ever the avid reader, Moon was dismayed by a Korean newspaper article's mention that the State budget cutbacks eliminated $2,300 for the purchase of Korean language books for local libraries, claiming Koreans were the least-read minority in Hawai'i. In response, she donated $2,500 to the Slate and started working as a library volunteer. 

In early 1997, Moon secured a commitment from Korean Airlines to transport books from her native land to Hawai'i at no charge. She purchased $5,000 worth of Korean language books in Seoul. However, when the first 700 books arrived in Hawai'i, she learned that they would not be available to readers until the titles were translated into English, properly recorded, labeled, categorized and shelved. She subsequently founded the Moon Book Club and recruited volunteers to assist with the work.

In order to give her project a sense of community effort, Moon dissolved her book club and founded the Korean Library Foundation, a non-profit organization, in March 2005.

Through the Foundation's efforts, the Hawai'i State Public Library System has seen its Korean-language collection grow from less than 100 outdated items to more than 16,000 books. The collection is housed at the Makiki-Mo'ili'ili Public Library's Korean Book Center.

In addition to purchasing over $10,000 worth of Korean books annually, the Foundation is striving to satisfy the reading habits of younger-generation Koreans and reaching out to the local society by providing DVDs of Korean soap operas, which have become extremely popular entertainment among non-Koreans.

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Mary Hong Park was born at the Chungdong Methodist parsonage in Seoul, Korea on June 20, 1909. Her father was Reverend Han Sik Hong, who was sent to Hawai'i by the Methodist ministry in 1911. Park, her mother Heija Chung, and her brother Tai Hee, joined Rev. Hong in Hawai'i the following year.

Park was three years old when she arrived in Hawai'i in 1912. Even at an early age, Park was a role model. She participated in the bible school her father began on Maui. When her father was sent by the ministry to Kauai, she took a leadership role in the Girl Reserves. When Park's family moved to Oahu so that her father could serve as minister for the Korean Methodist Episcopal Church, she taught Sunday school. Park was in the first group of the Hyung Jae Club for Korean young women founded by Whang Ha Soo at the YWCA, and in 1932 was sent to represent the Club at a western regional convention for young women in Asilomar, California.

Shortly after graduating from the University of Hawai'i during the Great Depression,  Park worked at Palama Settlement as a clerk and, after two years, was promoted to the position of social worker. As a social worker, she touched the lives of thousands of indigent people, including members of the Korean community. The Director of Social Work at Palama Settlement encouraged Park to study for a Masters of Social Work at the University of Hawai'i, and provided her time off to pursue her studies. When WWII broke out, however, Park's additional wartime work on behalf or Palama Settlement required that she discontinue her gradual studies.

Park helped to close down the Palama Settlement when private hospitals took over the outpatient services at 1he facility. She was asked to become Leahi Hospital's first out-patient social worker when it began servicing tuberculosis outpatients. After the Korean War, there was a great influx of Korean immigrants. Because she spoke Korean, Park's services were of great importance to the staff. Park was able to help her patients learn how 10 adjust to life in America and how to obtain the social and financial services available 10 this new wave of Korean immigrants. She helped high school and university students continue their studies without interruption of their treatment. Park personally sponsored families to bring theirrelatives to the United States.

Throughout the years, Park has been a member and supporter of various Korean organizations whose purpose was to promote Korean culture and comradeship, such as the Delta Fraternity and Sorority, and the Korean University Club.

With her detailed memories of Hawai'i from the early 1900's, Park is a living cultural treasure. She has vivid memories of Hawai'i back to the 1920's: the streetcar routes, every building on every block in the downtown area, and Hawai'i's Korean political groups. She has been sought after by the Korean Broadcasting Station and various people doing research for books and papers for her wealth of information about the early Korean community in Hawai'i.

Today, Park is a perky 96-year-old mother of three adopted children and a grandmother of two.

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Jackie Young's record of civil rights activism has been acknowledged by several organizations nationally and in Hawai'i. The National Education Association honored Young with the Futrell Award for her lifetime work in advancing the rights of women and girls in education. The American Civil Liberties Union named her the Civil Libertarian or the Year in Hawai'i in 1999 and recently appointed her to their National Advisory Council. The Korean American Alliance of Washington, D.C. presented her with their Special Recognition Award for her work in helping to support the organization or a national coalition. The Union Institute in Ohio presented her with their first annual Humanitarian Award.

In Hawai'i, the YWCA named her one or Hawai'i's Outstanding Women Leaders. Hawal'i Women Lawyers also presented her with the Distinguished Service Award, as did the Hawai'i Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She has received the prestigious Fellow of the Pacific Award from Hawai'i Pacific University. In 2001, the Hawai'i Women's History Foundation named her an "Extraordinary Woman of Hawai'i."

Currently, Young is the chief staff officer for Mission at the American Cancer Society in Hawai'i. She was with the Hawai'i Department of Education for 12 years before becoming a state legislator in 1990 and subsequently Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives, the first woman to hold that position. She later held the position of director of affirmative action for the Stale of Hawai'i.

After the Los Angeles riots, Young produced a series or television shows on Koreans in Hawai'i and has appeared in several local and national documentary films such as the ABC TV Network Special, "Mothers and Daughters."

Young was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and has since spoken openly about her experience. She served on the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Cancer Care in Hawai'i, and is an advocate for the prevention and early detection of cancer.

She is a founding Board member of Hale Ola, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, and is also on the Board of the Los Angeles-based National Korean American Coalition and the San Francisco-based Asian and Pacific Islander Health Forum. She was recently appointed as a member of the Hawai'i State Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

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Agnes “Aggie” Rho Chun was born i n1925 of first generation Korean parents in Honolulu. She started her civil service career at age 16 as a messenger in the Supply Department on Ford Island. She held various clerical positions in payroll, accounting and budgeting, eventually becoming the comptroller for the Commander and Staff of the Third Fleet, United States Navy, Pearl Harbor. In 1978, Mrs. Chun learned of an exciting employment opportunity and applied for the position of Comptroller for the U.S. Army Garrison in Seoul, Korea. Within two months, she received a call from Korea, offering her the job. With the support of her husband and family, she decided to seize the opportunity to live and work in the country of her ancestors. She worked in Seoul for almost two years, until her husband’s failing health called her back to Hawaii to care for him. During her 38 years of civil service, Mrs. Chun advanced form the grade of GS-1 to GS-12, received numerous awards and recognitions, and was twice nominated as “Federal Employee of the Year.”

Mrs. Chun has always been active in the Korean community here in Hawaii, having served on the Junior Board of the Korean Christian Church, and as a member of the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Hawaii. In 1997, she received the Order of Civil Merit Citation from the President of The Republic of Korea for her great contribution to the social development of Korea. She was cited for her “behind the scenes” contributions to community service activities such as Dong-Ji Hoe, UH Korean Center Fundraising Campaign and Korean Immigration - 75th and 90th celebration activities.

Mrs. Chun has may culinary talents as well, and is known for her special Si-lu Duk cake and Ko Choo Jung recipes, both of which were passed on to her by her mother. Health issues over the last decade have forced her to pull back from some of her activities. A breast cancer survivor, she remains active with Tai Chi and spending time with her three children and two grandchildren.

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Mayor Harry Kim was born August 22, 1939 in Olaa, on the island of Hawaii. His parents, In Kee and Ya Mui Kim, immigrated from Korea to work as plantation laborers. Harry, a second generation Korean American, started working at a young age, weaving lauhala mats for the family's home business.

After graduating high school, he served as a medic in the U.S. Army at Schofield Barracks. He then continued his education by attending Southern Oregon State University where he earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in economics. He then became Civil Defense Director, County of Hawaii from 1977 to 2000. He was considered the · voice of calm" during emergencies and impending natural disasters on Hawaii. He was a Director of the Law Enforcement Assistance Agency (LEAA) from 1971 to 1976, and is a former teacher at public high schools and Hawaii Community College. He has served as resource and advisor on disasters for Mount St. Helens in the state of Washington, and for Hurricane lwa and Hurricane lniki on Kauai.

Mayor Kim was invited by the United Nations for a presentation and participation in an emergency management conference in Nagoya and Kagoshima, Japan. The United Nations also selected the Mayor to develop an emergency management handbook for international use in Paris, France. He also served as resource and advisor on disasters for the country of Honduras in 2000.

Harry Kim became Mayor of the County of Hawaii on December 4th, 2000. As his first bid for political office, he and his wife, Bobbie, alone ran a very modest campaign without formal structure. He declined generous monetary offers from big businesses and supporters willing to volunteer their time, accepting donations of only ten dollars or less. He ran a similar re-election campaign and was quoted as saying, "After four years of work, if I have to convince people I'm doing a good job or that they want me back, I shouldn't be mayor."

Shortly after taking office, Mayor Kim declared "war" on methamphetamine or "ice." The mayor implemented multiple drug program models on Hawaii for prevention and treatment. His efforts, and his partnership with Senator Daniel Inouye, made the programs a success, such that Hawaii County received more resources to combat crystal meth than any other county in the U.S.

From 1958 to 1990 Harry owned Kea'au Kim Chee, a family business started by his mother. Harry has also been a dominant, well-respected figure in the lives of many men today, who might have fallen by the wayside had they not come under the stern tutelage of “Coach Kim." He was a Pop Warner football coach for many years, and saw his own two sons through the program. He has coached the basketball and football teams at Waiakea High School, as well as the Hilo High and Honokaa football teams.

Hawaii has always been home to him and his wife, and their two sons, Garrett and Mark.

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Ann H. Kobayashi was born in 1937 in Honolulu and attended Roosevelt High School. She is a graduate of Pembroke College and Northwestern University. Ann's parents were active community members. Her father was involved with the Boy Scouts of America and her mother was active with the Red Cross. As a teenager, Ann began volunteering at Queen’s Hospital, as well as for other charitable organizations. As a young parent, she got involved with non-profit organizations and was told that if she really wanted to make changes, she should get into politics. She resisted this idea until 1971, when she accepted the position of administrative assistant in State Senator Eureka Forbes' Office. In 1975, she served as State Senator Wadsworth Yee's Administrative Assistant. She then served as a Hawaii State Senator from 1980 to 1994.

She was Executive Assistant to the Mayor from 1994 to 1997. In 1997, she was Special Assistant. Office of the Governor. a position she held until 2002. She has been a City Councilmember since 2002. In her own words, "I'm not in politics for any gain. I'm in it to advocate for women, children and senior citizens."

When her daughter married the son of the Korean Ambassador to the U.S., she became involved with the Korean community. Her involvement with civic, community and charitable organizations is extensive. She has served on the Board of Directors of numerous organizations, including Aloha United Way, American Red Cross, Ballet Theatre of Hawaii, Boys and Girls Club of Honolulu, Frank Delima's Student Enrichment Program, Keiki Heart Foundation, Fresh Start. Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Manca Paniolo Pop Warner Football Team, Soroptimist International of Honolulu, and the Windward Spouse Abuse Shelter, Seagull Schools, Moiliili Community Center; and is an Honorary Board Member of the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse, Hawaii Chapter. She has been Chair of the Hawaii Heart Association, Lyon Arboretum Manoa Neighborhood Board, Senate Women's Caucus, and served on the Advisory Board for the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. She has also been involved with the American Cancer Society, Arthritis Foundation, Hawaii Chapter. Elected Women of Hawaii, Hawaii Dental Association, Women's Auxiliary, Hawaii State Law Enforcement Association, Honolulu Police Commission, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, Pacific Conference, South Young Street Residents Association, Waikiki Business and Professional Women, Western Legislative Conference - Pacific States and Territories Ocean Resources Group.

She is currently active with Catholic Charities, CUSO of Hawaii, Inc,. the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse & Legal Hotline, the Hawaii Lupus Foundation, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, The March of Dimes, Shufu Society and the United Japanese Society of Hawaii. Ann has 3 children and six grandchildren.

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The Reverend Tongjin Samuel Lee, Pastor Emeritus of Christ United Methodist Church, has touched the lives of literally tens of thousands of God's children as a Christian Minister for nearly six decades. His service started in the Pacific Northwest and continued in Hawaii until his retirement in 1981.

Rev. Lee was born in Pyongyang, now the capital of North Korea, in 1915. He is a proud graduate of Sungsil High School, and Nihon University in Tokyo, Japan. As a result of the love and generosity of a haole missionary, Rev. Lee was given the opportunity to travel to the United States to study. Without more than a small suitcase, in 1938 he found himself on a steamship headed for the United States. Following graduation from the Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, Rev. Lee served the Nez Perce Indians in eastern Washington. Thus began his life's journey as a Christian Minister, Counselor, Advocate, Mentor and Friend.

In 1952 he was called to Hawaii from the Pacific Northwest to serve the Korean Methodist Church, now known as Christ United Methodist Church. While there is no mistaking his love and devotion to the Korean people, Rev. Lee's ministry and humble, yet strong influence has enriched the lives of the different cultures that make Hawaii the unique and special place that it is. Rev. Lee served a predominantly Caucasian congregation at Kilohana United Methodist Church in Niu Valley, a predominantly Japanese congregation at Parker United Methodist Church in Kaneohe, and a predominantly Filipino congregation at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Liliha, adding in at those churches, work with an emerging Samoan population. He has served as a community resource, counselor, and advocate who has come to describe himself as "A friend for, and to, all."

A master of languages, Rev. Lee is fluent in Korean, Japanese and English. His artistic skills as a practitioner with watercolor, oil, clay and photographic mediums are found in a handful of paintings, sculptures, and photographs that are of award winning quality. In 1993, the Republic of Korea recognized him with the Presidential Award for Exemplary Leadership of Koreans Living Abroad.

"The life of a minister is above all, one of service to others," Rev. Lee notes. "Thus, for all of the accolades that might be given for one's life as a minister, I am simply just one of God's children and I have been blessed a hundred times over."

Among his blessings, Rev. Lee counts his wife Sarah, and his children Earl Lee, of Newport Beach, California, Dale Lee, Chris Freas and Eunice Wakatsuki, all of Honolulu, and six grandchildren. An inspiration to all his life is indeed one that is deserving of special recognition.

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Frank K. Min, founder of Min Plastics and Supply, Inc. was born March 29, 1915, in Paia, Maui. He 1s a second generation Korean American, born to Eui Kyung Min and Sarah Yang Min. The oldest of four children, 16-year-old Min became caregiver to his younger siblings when his father died. He moved to Honolulu at the age of eighteen, and was called upon to serve his country in WWII. He was stationed in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, and served in the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. During lull periods there he wandered the island and saw downed Japanese Kamikaze airplanes. Curiosity led him to explore the planes more carefully. He noticed that the canopy of the airplanes was made of a glasslike material and this intrigued him. Using a chisel, a flame torch, a hammer. a saw, and whatever small tools he could find, he removed some of the glasslike material. In working with the material, he fabricated clear watch crystals for the soldiers, and eventually used tooth powder to polish them. He experimented with coloring using boiled roots and plants. Min later found out that this material was called acrylic plastic.

After the war. Min wanted to learn more about acrylic plastic, so he and his wife traveled first by boat and then by plane to New York City. He studied at New York Technical School and later enrolled at New York University. He spent five years learning, working with acrylics, and selling his products to specialty shops.

He returned to Hawaii in June 1950 and opened Min's Workshop & Supply with the intention of starting a hobby and craft shop teaching leather craft, metals, woodwork, and plastics. However, he found there was interest and a need for the acrylic material by the government and industry. In 1959, Min's Workshop was appointed an authorized distributor of Rohm & Haas products - Plexiglas® & Tuffak® sheets. In 1972, the company incorporated and changed its name to Min Plastics & Supply, Inc.

Frank Min has been an active community member and contributor since his return to the islands. He has been a member of numerous professional organizations and is a longtime member of Honolulu Civitan Group, (President 1976-78) served as President of the Korean Chamber of Commerce, and was a big contributor to the University of Hawaii's Korean Studies Building. He has also served as visiting instructor in plastic designing at various universities in Korea. He has biographical listings in "Who's Who in the West,” "Who's Who in Finance & Industry,” "Dictionary of International Biography,” "Personalities of the West and Midwest," "Personalities of America,” and "The Book of Honor." Frank is also a standing member of the University of Hawaii President's Club, an achievement of which he is most proud because he was never able to complete his schooling for his high school diploma or college degree. As a past board member of Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, he and his family devoted much time and many personal items toward the interior decor of a Korean plantation house. Mr. Min crafted much of the furniture that was once on display there.

He has been married 62 years to Elaine Nam Min, also a second generation Korean American. They have two children and seven grandchildren.

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Educated in Korea (Ewha University), at U.C. Berkeley, and University of Southern California, Mrs. Duk Hee Lee Murabayashi is an urban planner who has worked in private consulting and research for the State and City governments for more than 30 decades. She is married to Richard Murabayashi and is the mother of two successful adult children, Janice and Alan. In addition to being the President and Principal Planner for OHM, Inc, she has also held positions in the Office of State Planning, Office of the Governor, and in the planning department of the City and County of Honolulu. She was Vice President and Principal Planner of the internationally known planning firm, EDAW, Inc., and a planner with Urban 9. The wide range of clients and agencies that she has worked for across the state and throughout the world is evidence of her tremendous knowledge, experience, abilities, and effectiveness. No matter how challenging, she is known for “getting the job done.”

She has received numerous awards and accolades. For her accomplishments in fostering relationships between the U.S. and Korea, in 1990, Mrs. Murabayashi received the Presidential Award from the President of the Republic of Korea. She was also made an Honorary Citizen of the Province of Cheju in 1996 and has also been named the Most Outstanding Alumnus of the Year (1996) of Kyunggi Girl's High School.

Mrs. Murabayashi has been active in forging lasting relationships between the people of Hawaii and Korea. She sponsored the DHM Fellowships, which brought and trained planners from Cheju to the University of Hawaii's Department of Urban and Regional Planning. She has helped to organize conferences and meetings between Korean and American business and government leaders and has led various delegations from Hawaii to Korea.

Mrs. Murabayashi also played a central role in the Korean Centennial Celebration. She has helped to establish the Hawaii Korean community as one of the national leaders in terms of Korean-American identity.

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Evelyn Choi Shon was born March 21, 192 5 in Malaekahana, Hawaii. Her grandparents immigrated to Hawaii from Korea in 1904 as pineapple field laborers. A third generation Korean American born to pineapple field laborers, Evelyn and her four sisters grew up on the plantation. Her father. Yong Song Choi, was a second head "luna" and her mother, Anita Chun Choi, was in charge of filling 100 tin pails with rice from huge cast iron caldrons boiling over wood fires. She was educated at Leilehua High School and the University of Hawaii, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. While studying at the University of Hawaii, Evelyn thought it unfair that there was both a Japanese and Chinese social club, but no such club for Koreans existed. She and a few Korean American friends took it upon themselves to form Beta Beta Gamma, the University's first Korean sorority. She served as the sorority president during its inception in 1944. The sorority exists today, with membership extended to those not only of Korean ancestry, but also to those interested in Korean culture. She takes great pride in being Korean, and feels indebted to her grandparents and parents for affording her the opportunity to be raised in Hawaii.

Mrs. Shon started as a teller with Bank of Hawaii in 1948 and worked her way up through the ranks to become Vice Pres ident, a position she held until her retirement in 1989.

She has been an active community member all her life, having served as Treasurer for the Korean University Club, a social club that provides four annual academic scholarships. Her efforts were directed toward fundraising and scholarships for students of Korean ancestry demonstrating financial need. Because education is foremost among her concerns, it is not surprising that she has also been involved with fundraising for the Center for Korean Studies since 1974. Her fundraising ability, along with the Shon family's financial generosity were so instrumental to the Center. that a number of its rooms bare the Shon family name. Mrs. Shon is so grateful that her mother lived to see its inception, and was especially proud of her daughter's commitment to the Korean com munity. She has chosen to focus on these two organizations because of her commitment to education, and to the Korean community. She has consciously "limited her outreach· over the years to a few organizations, so her efforts would not be diluted.

Her defining moment as a Korea n American came to her upon her first trip to Korean in 1971 . She was so impressed with its rich culture and wonderful museums, but above all, the tight-knit and loving nature of Korean families. It was that significant period in her life that solidified her devotion to her Korean community, to the extent that she embraces and truly wants to help Korean immigrants who come to Hawaii. With her late husband, Isaiah Shon, family always came first Along with family gatherings during the holidays, the Choi clan gathers annually and remains a tight-knit group.

In the 1950's, she helped initiate the original Garden Cafe at the Honolulu Academy of Art. She was chairperson of the 70th Korean Immigrant Festival in Hawaii, and assisted with the fashion shows for the 90th and 100th celebrations as well.

Mrs. Shon is a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. Her youthful appearance belies her near 80 years of life. Her strong sense of pride in being a Korean helping Koreans, giving of her time and boundless ene rgy, make her an obvious honoree for th is occasion.

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