Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center to Hold Recognition Dinner

(L–R) Barry Taniguchi, Judge Glen S. Hara, Newton J. Chu, Esq. Courtesy photo.

The Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, in participation with the Hawai‘i County Bar Association, will host its Eleventh Annual Recognition Dinner in Hilo to support Finding Solutions, Growing Peace, on Sunday, Nov. 13.

This year, Ku‘ikahi is giving its Peacemaker Award to Barry Taniguchi, chair and CEO of KTA Super Stores; and Newton J. Chu, Esq., director of the Hawai‘i Island office of Torkildson, Katz, Moore, Hetherington & Harris.

In addition, The Honorable Glenn S. Hara is being honored by the HCBA for his many years of service.

“Judge Hara is a circuit court judge who participated in the highly successful Foreclosure Mediation Program, plus, he’s one of the founders of Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center,” said Board President Jeff Melrose.

Chu and Jeri Gertz will emcee the gala event, which features a cameo appearance by Harmony on Tap, guitar music by Unzan Pfennig and door prizes.

Items up for bid in the silent and live auctions include rounds of golf, adventure tours, entrance to local attractions, overnight stays, gift cards to restaurants and retail stores, artwork, gift baskets, flower arrangements and more.

No-host cocktails will be served at 5 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

The buffet will feature three entrees—prime rib, Furikake salmon and shrimp scampi over fettuccini—as well as salad, side dishes and dessert.

This fundraiser provides a significant portion of the funds that Ku‘ikahi needs to provide free and low-cost dispute prevention and resolution services to the East Hawai‘i community.

Over half of Ku‘ikahi’s mediation clients live at or below the poverty level, and are unable to pay even modest fees for their mediation sessions.

“Our mission is to empower people to come together—to talk and to listen, to explore options and to find their own best solutions,” Melrose noted. “Ku‘ikahi means a treaty, covenant, agreement, feeling of unity, peace, reconciliation.”

Tickets for the annual dinner are $90 per person (of which $45 is tax-deductible) and are available from Ku‘ikahi’s board of directors, Ku‘ikahi’s office in The Hilo Lagoon Centre at 101 Aupuni St., Ste. PH 1014 B-2, and Day-Lum Rentals at 2 Kamehameha Ave.

To reserve tickets or tables, donate to the auction, or become a platinum, gold, or silver sponsor, contact Jenifer at 935-7844, ext. 1, or [email protected].