An aerospace engineer, a bowling enthusiast and a theater director recently were given Distinguished Kama'aina of Kane'ohe awards by the Ko'olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club.

Art Machado, who has organized the Käne'ohe Christmas Parade for 38 years, Ron Bright, a stage director for more than 50 years, and Hank Iida, who has supported community projects for 37 years, were recognized for exceptional service and making a difference in the history and heritage of the Käne'ohe Bay area.

"They deserve to be honored," said Mahealani Cypher, club president, acknowledging that none of the awardees is a member of the club. "They're people who do a lot. They're quiet, behind-the-scenes kind of people.

The T. Iida family was also given the award for its notable construction projects under T. Iida Contracting and for the publication of "Partial History of the Japanese in Kane'ohe, 1898 to 1959."

The awards were given at a dinner Dec. 12 at Windward Community College.

"We felt it was important for the civic club to recognize people who had done a lot for the community," Cypher said, adding that awardees do not have to be Hawaiian or do things for Hawaiians but that many Hawaiians live in Käne'ohe. "They all benefit from the good works of these people."

Machado, 70, said he and his family started decorating the lawn at the police station before 1971 and it has grown, with more people and organizations involved. He said he'd like to do more.

"My goal is to do the medial strip from the Toyota dealer all the way into Käne'ohe," Machado said.

Recently, he organized a coalition against drug dealing in Kahalu'u, but Machado has been active in the community since moving there in 1960.

His long list of service includes Pop Warner, bowling, the Käne'ohe ho'olaule'a, the Miss Käne'ohe pageant, basketball, the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board, the Käne'ohe Bay Regional Council and the Exchange Club of Käne'ohe.

"Art's whole life has been about community," Cypher said.

Bright, 75, is a household name in Käne'ohe where, as a Castle High School teacher, he forged an acting program that has attracted students from all over the island.

In his 50-plus years of directing and nurturing lives of the young and old, he has directed more than 100 musicals and play productions.

Bright, who retired 16 years ago, has won numerous state and national awards and recognitions but the civic club thought he didn't get enough recognition from the community he served the most, Cypher said.

"Even though he's from Kailua, his impact was greatest in Käne'ohe," she said.

Iida, 74, is known best for heading T. Iida Contracting and the Castle High School Alumni Association. But his talents extend into the Kaneohe Rotary Club, Waikalua Loko Fishpond efforts, Hawaii Carpenters' Health and Welfare Trust Fund and Minami Community Foundation.

He also chaired the 1997 H-3 Run/Ho'olaulea fund-raiser and Castle High School's 50th anniversary fundraiser.

Not everyone knows that Iida is an aerospace engineer who worked on the Apollo and space shuttle projects, Cypher said.

On returning to the Islands in 1972, he became immersed in his family business and the community, she said.

"He's very dedicated to the community," Cypher said. "And he's so humble, he didn't want to be honored. He said he would only come if it were a family thing."

The T. Iida family moved to Käne'ohe in 1937 and began a construction business. Among their many projects are the Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai'i, the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center on Ha'iku Road, and the Olympic-size swimming pool in Kailua.

Two years ago, the family was inspired to create a collection of stories about the history of the Japanese people who lived in Käne'ohe. The book was compiled by Florence Iida Fanning and her husband, Harry.

Cypher said the awardees leave a lasting legacy.

"They went beyond," she said. "They did more for the broader community, not just for their own group."