State Rep. Marcus Oshiro has been named to a second term on the National Conference of State Legislatures' executive committee. Oahu legislator gets
national recognition[TAKING NOTICE]
Star-Bulletin staff
"I am committed to my original goal of persuading NCSL to hold a major meeting in Hawaii," said Oshiro (D, Wahiawa-Whitmore Village), who is the House majority leader.
For each of the past two years, about 5,000 participants flocked to the group's annual meeting in Chicago and San Antonio, Texas. Oshiro said Hawaii would attract even more because of its worldwide reputation as a quality destination.
The bipartisan national conference is a research and consulting resource for the 50 state legislatures and U.S. commonwealths and territories. It works to improve interstate cooperation and to provide a strong voice for the states in Washington, D.C.
>> Ryan Kakuda, a graduate of Waimea High School, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by McDonald's Corp. In addition, McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii also awarded $1,000 scholarships to the following students: Rachel Aquino, Farrington High School; Elmer Bonilla, Farrington; Sunny Cerelijia, Moanalua High School; Jewelrica Elegino, Maui High School; Robert Howard II, Campbell High School; Mary-Margaret Kamikawa, Sacred Hearts Academy; Brent Kobayashi, Punahou School; Tracey Kubota, Pearl City High School; Tiana Lau, Waianae High School; and Jessica Oshita, McKinley High School. The national scholarship winner is selected by an independent scholarship-administrating firm. Regional winners are selected by an independent judging panel composed of educators and community leaders. Since 1995, McDonald's scholarship programs have awarded more than $70,000 to Hawaii students.
>> The Hawaii Government Employees Association recently awarded the following students 2001 Charles R. Kendall Scholarships worth $1,200 for the 2001-2002 school year: Jennifer L. Ah-Kee, Baldwin High School; Kerri Ann N.T. Asamoto, Waipahu High School; Wendy D.P. Bartolo, Hawaii Community College; Thalia A. Bondaug, Hilo High School; Meredith M. Chee, Kealakehe High School; Gerona Raziel S. Garcia, Campbell High School; Stacie E. Hirota, Kauai High School; Adrienne S. Lee, UH-Manoa; Knewton K. Sakata, UH-Manoa; and Kelsey T. Soma, Maryknoll School. In addition, the following individuals were awarded 2001 Charles R. Kendall Scholarships worth $500 for the 2001-2002 school year: Colby L. Ayonon, Kapaa High School; Diana A. Ching, University of Northern Colorado; Shanlynn M. Chong, Maryknoll School; Joseph N. Diniega, Radford High School; Kevin T. Fuji, Mililani High School; Tiffany G.M.L. Heu, Creighton University; Loke M. Hill-Higgins, UH-Hilo; Cory K. Kaizuka, St. Joseph Junior-Senior High School; Lori M. Kajiyama, Kailua High School; Lynn N. Kajiyama, Kailua High School; Kyle K. Leong, Creighton University; Eric M. Matayoshi, Molokai High School; Brad J. Nakamura, UH-Manoa; Kenneth Sakata, UH-Manoa; Leah S. Stewart, Kealakehe High School; and Melissa M.M. Tam, Kalani High School. This year, 26 students were awarded $20,000 in scholarships. All award winners are HGEA members, spouses or dependents of HGEA members.
>> Detective Wilson Lau and officers Thayne Costa, Brian Taniguchi, Day Oshiro and Dean Terakawa were presented with the Warrior Bronze Medal of Valor during ceremonies at HPD Headquarters on July 11. In addition, officers Colby Kashimoto and Randall Rivera, Dr. Peter Lee, Neal Takamori and Robert Ryder were awarded Certificates of Merit.
Do you have items about Hawaii residents earning academic or professional honors, winning scholarships, awards or elections to professional or civic groups? Please send them in writing for Taking Notice to City Desk, Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813.