University of Hawaii alumni have distinguished themselves from the courtroom to the carnival midway. UH will recognize
7 outstanding alumni
at its annual banquetThe late showman Kane Fernandez
Star-Bulletin staff
is among the honorees
The UH Alumni Association will honor seven outstanding alumni at its annual awards dinner Wednesday. For tickets and information, call 956-ALUM (2586).
The late Kane Fernandez will be presented with a special UHAA President's Award for his achievements as a businessman, showman and community leader. Fernandez ran his family's entertainment business until he died in January. A noted philanthropist, Fernandez included UH among his other causes: the Boys and Girls Club, Hawaii Theatre Center, Bishop Museum and the Variety School.
Edwin S.N. Wong, who also died recently, will be honored as the co-founder of Na Koa, the official UH football booster club. Wong, chairman, president and chief operating officer of Waterhouse Inc., started the club with the late Alexander Waterhouse. He served as past chairman of the UH Foundation board of trustees, member of the Executive Committee and advisory board for the School of Travel Industry Management, member of the UH Presidents Club and life member of the UH Alumni Association.
Naleen Naupaka Andrade, chairwoman of the John A. Burns School of Medicine Psychiatry Department, will be recognized in part for her commitment to the health needs of native Hawaiians. Andrade helped persuade Congress to pass the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act.
Jack S. Fritz came to UH from Micronesia in 1973, leaving in 1979 as one of the first Micronesian graduates from the William S. Richardson School of Law. For the past 20 years, Fritz has served in the Federated States of Micronesia Congress and he is currently the speaker.
Haruyuki Kamemoto, professor emeritus of the UH Department of Horticulture, has contributed to dendrobium orchid breeding and helped Hawaii's orchids become a $15.4 million industry in 1997, up from $150,000 in 1970.
Robert N. Katayama, president of Kapolei Holding Corp., served in the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. He earned his bachelor's degree from UH in 1950 and his law degree from Yale before returning to the Army to join the Judge Advocate General Corps. Katayama holds leadership positions in the 442nd Veterans Club, the Oahu AJA Veterans Club and the Japanese Cultural Center.
Lydia L.W. Tsui, president of Panda Travel, the state's largest wholesale travel company, has been recognized by the alumni association for her contributions to UH athletics programs and her community work, which includes generating more than $100,000 for the Hurricane Iniki Relief Fund and the McKinley High School Scholarship Fund. She has also served on the police commission and helped to initiate neighborhood watch programs.
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