6th Annual OIA Athletic Foundation Dinner Honoring "Donald M. Takaki"

Tonight, the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Athletic Foundation will be honoring Donald M. Takaki, Chairman and CEO of Island Movers at its sixth annual Education Through Athletics dinner at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Hawai'i Ballroom. Donald M. Takaki has been a leader since his days at Maui High School. He was a multi-sport athlete and the quarterback of his football team. He went on to serve as a leader and role model to youth as a coach and later President of the Kalanianaole Athletic Club.

As Donald built his privately held and operated business into one of the largest transportation service companies in Hawaii, he continues to serve as a leader in corporate citizenship using his resources to support youth leaguers through high school and college level student athletes to give them the opportunities and exposure to enhance their life and athletic skills. For nearly 30 years, Donald has been the driving force behind Pacific Region Baseball and the Hawaii Island Movers team. Through Pacific Region Baseball, thousands of student athletes have had the opportunity to travel to the United States and Asia to learn about different people and cultures and be ambassadors for Hawaii.

Through these experiences, many of these players have gone on to become coaches and role models for athletes in our schools and communities. Donald's vision, drive and determination have touched many people throughout the world through sports, education and business. The above information provided by The Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) Athletic Foundation.

Mr. Rick Blangiardi was the Master of Ceremonies, special guests were Honoree Donald M. Takaki, Mayor Peter Carlisle, Senator Donna Mercado Kim, UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw, Gary Cabato, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Skippa Diaz (representing Governor Abercrombie). On behalf of the Governor and Lt. Governor Brian Schatz, they hereby

proclaimed March 31, 2011 as Donald "Don" Takaki Day and a Certificate was presented by Senator Donna Mercardo Kim honoring Donald Takaki as a Patron of "Education through Athletics" and a Certificate of Appreciation, by Mayor Peter Carlisle.

Also, Meredith Maeda (photo right), Principal, Castle High School and President of the OIA Executive Council, and the Sports Commissioners were presented a One Hundred Thousand dollar check to OIAA from Hugh Yoshida, former UH Athletic Director. Also acknowledged were the past Honorees, Dr. Larry Price (not present), Dr. Edison Miyawaki, Calvin Say, Speaker of the House, Mitzi Lehano, VP of Programing Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Keith Amemiya, former HHSAA Executive Dirrector and special recognition to Charles Na'umu, Principal of Anuenue Pre-School who gave the invocation, the Nanakuli High School Performing Arts, the Moanalua Orchestra. I would like to thank Mr. Joel Kawachi, Athletic Director Moanalua High School, and Chairperson, Board of Athletic Directors, and also Mr. Richard Haru, Athletic Director, Castle High School for inviting me to this special event. Event photos "Click" here.