Wayne Kawamura, Steve Kondo, Willy Matsuura, Paul Shigenaga , Harold Tanaka, Les Uyehara, Carl Watanabe, and Dave Yoshioka. Also joining them were other golfing club members, including Ron Harada, Miki Kaya, Jessica Kim, Ruby Miyao, Russell Sakamoto, and Linda Shiraishi. It was a great Christmas celebration with lots of delicious food, including a cake to celebrate the born-on-the-same-day birthdays of Steve Kondo and Ruby Miyao. Santa Les Uyehara again volunteered as master of ceremonies alongside his reindeer ladies, who gave away outdoor prizes he generously donated. Other prizes and pūpū dishes, donated by members of the club, were also enjoyed. ’ 61 From Robert Mumper : A photo of Harry’s Music Store taken on January 2, 1985, was featured in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s “Back in the Day: Photos from Hawai‘i’s Past” column on September 23, 2024. And who’s working the counter in the photo? None other than young Class of 1961 classmate Emmett Yoshioka ! Way to go, Emmett! Thanks to Milt Oshiro for the heads-up. Class Representative ROBERT MUMPER mumper.robert@yahoo.com (H) 808-261-4519 What a surprise! Several classmates from the Class of 1961 met me at Kāhala Nui for a wonderful lunch. I had the Cajun dish, which consisted of clams, sausage, shrimp, and crab legs in a spicy, buttery sauce. Afterward, I had apple pie à la mode, reminding myself midway that I shouldn’t eat this great dessert because of my diabetes. In attendance were Ken Lee, Dick Tsuda, Ken Nakasone, Milt Oshiro, Michael Hirakami, Stephen Fujikami, Steve Takaki, and Mike Chun. In addition to the fine lunch, I was given a card and monetary gift thanking me for being class representative.
Looking back, my first Class Notes was published in the Fall 2011 issue of the ‘Iolani Bulletin. As no one has since volunteered for the job, I will continue onward. If you have news, no matter how small, send me a short note and a photo. Being a class representative is one of the most important jobs I’ve done. I feel privileged to be class representative and thank those who send me stuff. Stay healthy and exercise regularly, guys. ‘Iolani One Team! Thirty-one classmates of the ‘Iolani Class of 1961 gathered at the former 3660 on the Rise building in Kaimukī on January 24, 2025, for a 64 th reunion organized through the hard work of Andre Dulce and his committee: Milt Oshiro, Ken Nakasone, Jim Miyashiro, Ken Lee, Dick Tsuda, and wife of Rodney Chun, Elaine Chun. Many classmates in attendance brought their wives as well. Also in attendance were Chris Shimabukuro ’85 and Shari Tapper ’90 from the ‘Iolani Advancement Office. Head coordinator Andre Dulce invited three calabash classmates who left ‘Iolani early and graduated from other schools: Wendell Wong (Punahou ’61), Les Hata (Kaimukī High School ’61), and Rodney Inefuku (Kailua High School ’61). All three expressed their appreciation for being included in the reunion. Attending the reunion were Emmett and Judy Yoshioka , Andre Dulce and Allison Garr , Dick and Cassy Tsuda, Ken and Jennifer Lee, Jim and Sue Miyashiro , Mark and Virgie Hayashi, Milt and Maddie Oshiro , Tom Campbell, Mike and Lorrie Chun , Ken and Lynn Nakasone , Bob Mumper , Chucky and Deanna Leong, Francis Wong and friend Joy, Mike Hirakami , Les and Betsy Hata , Richard Chung, Gordon KH and Annie Chun, Steve Takaki and friend Carol Ann Hayashida, Eric and Louise Yamamoto, Wes Tanaka, Elliott and Linda Lum , Allan and Joyce Kawada, Elaine and Rodney Chun , Leroy Lee, Don Watanabe, Warren and Anita Ho, Gerry
Wheeler, Miles and Lorene Ono, Allen Nako and Debbie Welding, and Wendell Wong. Shari Tapper volunteered to do the important task of checking in attendees and handing out name tags. Committee-assembled goody bags — packed with an ‘Iolani Alumni T-shirt donated by the Advancement Office, an ‘Iolani One Team license frame, a CD by Greg and Junko featuring music from the 1950s on steel drums, and a booklet titled, “Memories, Facts, Information About the ‘Iolani Class of 1961” — were given to each class member. It was a wonderful reunion, especially with the attendance of Chucky Leong, Allen Nako, and Elliott Lum — who flew in from California — and of course, Andre Dulce, who coordinated the entire affair from Washington. Andre welcomed everyone in his opening comments and Milt Oshiro offered a special tribute to our 36 classmates who have passed away. Following Milt’s blessing of the food, everyone enjoyed a wonderful luncheon of roast chicken, grilled salmon, beef stroganoff, rice, mashed potatoes, Asian coleslaw, edamame salad, broccoli salad, and tossed green salad. It was indeed a vegetarian’s delight with all the different salads. Dessert followed, featuring an apple crisp and other assorted cakes. Classmates shared some of their current activities at the reunion as well. Mike Hirakami was still flying drones. Francis Wong and Gordon KH Chun were still playing tennis on the weekends. Allan Kawada and Rodney Chun were still fishing. Warren Ho was still surfing. And Mike and Lori Chun were still dancing. Ken Lee was still managing his properties and gave fellow classmates a warning to keep an eye on their checking accounts to avoid being scammed. He explained that losses are covered by the FDIC only if the bank fails. Ken continues to go on walks every Sunday with Mike Chun and friend Dick Sutton (Punahou School ’63). Ken Nakasone was still “faking it.” Chucky Leong played golf several times a week. Allen Nako was happy to visit from California. Bob Mumper no longer jogs due to sciatica but swims daily in the Kailua YMCA pool. Don Watanabe summed it up by saying he was still living. Wes Tanaka was enjoying
L-R Michael Hirakami, Steve Fujikami, Steve Takaki, Bob Mumper, Mike Chun, Dick Tsuda, Ken Nakasone, Ken Lee, and Milt Oshiro.
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