Big Brother's efforts applauded
By Kalani Wilhelm
Advertiser Staff Writer
When Dean Kakazu was a second-grader at Pearl City's Manana Elementary School, he couldn't wait for the school bell to ring so he could play baseball with his pal, Mr. Fujino.
'Big siblings' of the year • Community-Based Big Brother of the Year: Michael Berube • Community-Based Big Sister of the Year: Marvelle "Kuulei" Laughlin • Site-Based Big Brother of the Year: Dean Kakazu • Site-Based Big Sister of the Year: Linda Siu
Shigeo Fujino, 86, and his wife, Tsugie, would open their home to children around the neighborhood and watch them until their parents came to pick them up after work.
Dean Kakazu
"Dean was like a grandson to us," said Tsugie Fujino.
"He loved to play baseball. He was a very smart boy," said Shigeo Fujino.
Not only did the afternoons playing ball introduce Kakazu to America's pastime, it also taught him how important it is for children to have someone around. This, Kakazu said, inspired him to become a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hono-
lulu, which recently honored him as On-Site Big Brother of the Year.
"It's definitely rewarding to give back," said Kakazu, 27.
"All kids should have the kind of experience I had growing up," said Kakazu, one of about 400 volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu who dedicate one hour a week to mentoring children. On-site volunteers meet with children at designated local schools or community sites, while community-based volunteers plan their own activities for children.
Kakazu has been a volunteer for more than a year.
He meets his "little brother," Weon, at the Kukui Towers apartment building downtown where the 8-year-old lives with his family.
"We play card games, board games, sometimes we play basketball. It's up to Weon," said Kakazu.
Kakazu said Weon's shyness made the first few meetings difficult, but noted that he, too, is a quiet person.
It was a few months before the boy would even talk to him, but eventually Kakazu was able to turn Weon's blank stares into smiles and even laughter.
That's when he knew he was doing something special, Kakazu said with a smile. All it took was a little patience.
"It's real rewarding to me that he is more social. He was really reserved before," Kakazu said.
Weon said he's glad his big brother is there for him.
"Dean is my friend," Weon said. "I always talk about him. I like Dean because he always talks to me and always plays with me."
Case manager Eva Garcia credits Kakazu's patience and consistency in helping Weon break out of his shell. She also said she has noticed growth not only in Weon but Kakazu as well.
"They're both really alike," said Garcia. "It's awesome to see the change for me, personally and professionally. Both of them bring out the best in each other."
One day, Weon showed how much he appreciated Kakazu by making him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
For all the things he has done for Weon, Kakazu doesn't see himself as a role model or having done enough to deserve the attention. But the sandwich was proof that the impact of his time with Weon is greater than he had thought.
"I just show up and try to be his friend," said Kakazu. "It blows my mind that I really have become a part of his life."
