Whatever happened to Hari?
Hari Kojima may have left television, but he hasn't gotten far from fish.
The longtime host of KHON-TV's "Let's Go Fishing" is now in charge of marketing and business development for Fresh Island Fish, a seafood wholesaler.
Hari Kojima accepted Leeward Community College's Hall of Fame award Friday.
But it was in celebration of his 29 years hosting "Let's Go Fishing" and 10 with the groundbreaking cooking show "Hari's Kitchen" that Leeward Community College awarded Kojima membership in its Culinary Hall of Fame during Friday night's Taste of the Stars benefit.
Also inducted were Zippy's founders Charles and Francis Higa, Helen Chock of Helena's Hawaiian Food and travel industry executive Myrtle Lee. The event raised about $70,000 for LCC's culinary programs.
Kojima accepted his award with words of support for young chefs, but also the advice to work hard and respect their parents.
He said he has tried to keep his good fortune in perspective. "Thirty-five years ago, when I first started television, my mother told me, 'You don't forget what your last name is!' -- meaning, 'Don't let it go to your head.' "
Does he miss TV? "Yes and no." The frequent traveling, not so much, he says, but the opportunities to connect with people -- that was nice. "They think they know me, because we grew up together. I was in their homes. I like that."
He says he's still easily recognized. "I bet you if I run for political office now, I win."
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