At its annual meeting at JJs Bistro, the Kaimuki Business & Professional Association recognized Representative Barbara Marumoto for her support of the organization during her tenure in the House.
In thanking the members, Rep. Marumoto pointed out that she is actually a 40 year member of the KBPA. “I’ve had fun dressing up in a Statue of Liberty costume to emcee the Hallowe’en contests. I’ve enjoyed riding Bill Green’s (of Kahala Shell) classic Mustang in the annual Christmas Parade. I’ve attended numerous Easter Egg Hunts at Kaimuki Park. “
She related how the Christmas Tree above the Fire Station was saved a few years ago. Originally erected by Mayor Fasi, Mayor Hannemann thought City workers were too busy putting up holiday lights downtown and declined to have them help in Kaimuki.
“The KBPA, that had always paid for the supplies, bulbs and wiring, the Neighborhood Board, and elected officials lobbied Mayor Hannemann to allow the Tree on city property. I enlisted Joyce Fasi to contact the Mayor and he finally consented. But, primarily the lights were re-installed by HECO workers and their cherry-picker trucks working on a volunteer basis. The Kaimuki Lions helped, the Kaimuki Fire Fighters were on hand. Kaimuki Playground personnel were active participants. Many community volunteers, chiefly straw boss Leonard Tam, shepherded the project. The lights go on after every Christmas Parade, so now you know the story behind the Tree.”
Marumoto presented a certificate from the House of Representatives to the new KBPA president Dan Yokoo that recognized the activities and scholarship program of this 66 year old civic organization.