The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii has received support from several notable Japanese Americans in Hawaii and on the mainland to help save the Moiliili building from foreclosure. Dignitaries, 'Sulu'
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Star-Bulletin staff
Dignitaries helping in the fund-raising effort include U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, former Gov. George Ariyoshi, former Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, former U.S. Rep. Pat Saiki and the Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.
Actor George Takei, best known for his role as "Sulu" on the hit television series "Star Trek," and George Aratani, board chairman of Mikasa Inc. and Kenwood Americas Corp., have also extended their support to the cultural center.
"We are delighted that these two distinguished leaders of the Japanese-American community on the mainland recognize the importance of saving the center," said Colbert Matsumoto, chairman of the Committee to Save the Center.
Takei and Aratani, who sit on the Los Angeles Japanese-American National Museum's board of directors as chairman and vice chairman, respectively, "are indisputable community leaders, and their support is very welcome," Matsumoto said.
Nearly $2.7 million in pledges and donations has been collected to stave off foreclosure on the Moiliili building at 2454 S. Beretania St.
