Scholarships reflect family's love of Kahuku

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser North Shore Bureau

KAHUKU — Members of the Hamashige family haven't lived in Kahuku for half a century, but for the past six years they have returned to attend high school graduation in honor of their parents and to award scholarships to some deserving seniors.

Travis Ostrem, a senior at Kahuku, hopes to have his name on the plaque listing the Hamashige endowment award recipients that hangs on the wall of the Kahuku administration building Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

When Dr. Shinichi Hamashige, 74, established the Shinkichi and Tona Hamashige Endowment six years ago, he wanted a memorial to his parents that reflected the family's commitment to the community and the ideal of people helping people.

"Even though I haven't lived in Kahuku for 50 years, basically my home community is still there," said Hamashige, an Irvine, Calif., resident. "I feel like it's my home."

The endowment has awarded 75 scholarships since 1995, said Lisa DeLong, principal of Kahuku High and Intermediate School.

When the Hamashiges moved their parents' remains to Nu'uanu, they said they wanted to leave a memorial in Kahuku, DeLong said.

"They wanted to leave a footprint of their parents in the community, so they created this endowment," she said.

Kahuku seniors actively pursue other scholarships, said DeLong, and they have received more than $2 million a year in the past. But students say the Hamashige award is special.

"The Hamashige scholarship is the most meaningful scholarship because it is offered by Kahuku alumni," said Travis Ostrem, who has applied for one of this year's awards. "So it is an honor to be considered."

Twelve recipients will receive $500, $600 and $1,000 awards in graduation ceremonies today.

Hamashige's original gift of $50,000 in 1995 quickly grew to $80,000 as his brothers and sisters added to the fund in that first year. Today, the endowment is worth $150,000 as the family — including Hamashige's brother Nobuichi Hamashige of Japan and sisters Tsutayo Ono of Salt Lake, Toshie Shishido of Maui and Tatsuko Fujimoto of Kaua'i as well as some of their children — and a few friends continue to contribute.

From left, Dr. Jack Brandon, 15-month-old Aimee Schriber, Susumu Ono, Jane Hamashige, Dr. Shinichi Hamashige and Tsutayo Ono look at Mrs. Ono's yearbook. Ono and the Hamashiges contribute to an endowment at Kahuku school. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

"Mr. Jacques' name is synonymous with sumo in Hawai'i, and he is also an extraordinary math teacher and teacher of teachers at our school," said DeLong, adding that he uses his sumo club to help students excel in their education as well as in life. He also tutors students every day.

Jacques' students say he has changed their attitude about math.

"When students fail, he feels like it's his fault," said Tupu Taele. "He makes us want to learn in math."

Others say Jacques is a teacher they recommend to others because he can break lessons down into simple-to-understand pieces.

"He cares that you understand," Jennifer Turner said. "He doesn't go on until you understand."

Jacques said he was happy to receive the award but would only accept it on behalf of all the people at the school who work hard for the good of the students.

"I was totally shocked because there were so many good teachers that are a lot more deserving," Jacques said, adding that his daughter was also a Hamashige recipient several years ago.

Having lived in the Kahuku area for so long, Jacques said he understands the Hamashiges' fondness for the community.

"It's like a family," he said.

John Jacques, a math teacher at Kahuku High and Intermediate School, has been named the 2001 outstanding teacher by the Hamashige endowment. Jacques has taught at Kahuku for 32 years. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

"My sister is an ex-teacher, so there wasn't any resistance," he said, laughing.

Hamashige and his seven siblings were born and raised on the Kahuku Plantation, where his father worked after arriving from Japan in the late 1800s. Their mother, a picture bride, came 20 years later.

"We were quite poor," said Hamashige's sister Tsutayo Ono. She said her parents stressed education at a time when many children left school to help support their families. "My father and my mom never said we had to leave school to go to work," she said.

Of the eight children, six attended college. The two oldest boys didn't continue their education because there was no high school when they finished eighth grade 12 years ahead of Ono, who at 70 is the youngest in the family, she said.

Ono recalled that the community was close knit and very supportive of one another, even helping to find jobs for the students. But mostly she remembers the encouragement from teachers, friends and neighbors.

"It was a simple but warm place to grow up," she said. Giving back to the community is the family's way to show its appreciation and continue that encouragement, she said.

After graduation, Hamashige will treat the scholarship recipients and their parents to brunch and present the students with a gift.