Updated at 7:02 a.m., Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Korean American Foundation Hawaii honors 5 leaders
Advertiser Staff
HONOLULU — The Korean American Foundation Hawai'i paid tribute to five key community leaders including Mayor Mufi Hannemann at the third annual "Light of the Orient" Banquet Jan. 13, according to a news release from the organization.The foundation honored Hannemann for his generous and endless contributions to the Korean community in Hawai'i.
"Mayor Hannemann has been a driving force in Hawaii's Korean community," said Taeyong M. Kim, president of Korean American Foundation Hawai'i. "On behalf of the Korean American Foundation Hawai'i, we thank him for his undeniable generosity and tireless efforts of supporting our community."
In acknowledgment of their professional accomplishments and community contributions, the foundation also honored Dr. Kwan Jay Cho, founder and president of International Mid Pac College (IMPAC); Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto of the Hawai'i Department of Education; Kathryn Whang Inouye, chief operating officer of the Kobayashi Group LLC; and Chief Justice Ronald Moon of the Hawai'i State Supreme Court.
Sony Open Champion K.J. Choi made an appearance at the event, after his victorious win that same day, to congratulate all the honorees and to thank the Korean community for supporting him throughout his golf career and journey to triumph.
Nearly 500 people attended the evening event at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, which raised funds for the foundation's community grants and scholarship program. Hawai'i joined 49 other states across the nation in celebrating 105 years since the first arrival of Koreans to America on January 13, 1903.
The Korean American Foundation Hawai'i was founded to promote understanding and appreciation for Korean culture, history and heritage, while enhancing and encouraging education and community activities to benefit persons interested in Korean culture, history, and heritage. The Korean American Foundation Hawai'i is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
