Richard Kekuni Blaisdell, MD, founding chair of the Department of Medicine at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, was revered as a kauka, or healer, in our state’s Native Hawaiian community, and as a tireless advocate for learning and increased opportunities for Hawaiʻi citizens.
“Kekuni Blaisdell’s ultimate dream was to empower the Hawaiian community, enabling it to continue his goal of reaching the underserved so they might flourish and make Hawai‘i a better place to live. I know where his heart is, and this is why Edwina and I respect him so much.”
- Dr. Osamu Fukuyama.
In 1983, Blaisdell helped author a groundbreaking paper that called attention to declining health among Native Hawaiians in their native land. His scholarship and leadership eventually led to legislation and considerable funding from the U.S. Congress for programs that directly impact the health of Native Hawaiians.
A 1942 graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Blaisdell became an expert in the medical fields of hematology and pathology.
He served in the U.S. military and was appointed to the U.S. Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission in Hiroshima and Nagasaki following World War II, to study the effects of radiation on people exposed to the atomic bombs exploded in those cities.
While in Japan, he adopted a war orphan who was almost two years old. “I was single when I met little Mitsunori,” said Blaisdell. “I took him back with me to the University of Chicago where I was working. And within a year, I met a lovely nurse, Irene Saito, a Waimānalo girl. We were married and Mitsunori, we called him Mitch, was best man at our wedding.”
In 1966, Blaisdell was recruited from the University of Chicago to become the first chair of medicine at JABSOM. He served as chairman and professor of medicine, and then upon his retirement in 2010, he served as professor emeritus until his death in 2016.
In 2004, to honor Blaisdell’s career and his vision for improved education, access and health care for Native Hawaiians, Osamu and Edwina Fukuyama established the Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell Endowed Fund for Native Hawaiian Health. The fund supports JABSOM’s Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence.
“If Papa were here, he would express extreme appreciation to Dr. and Mrs. Fukuyama, and he would add that it was his privilege to teach such exceptional students as Dr. Fukuyama and others for 50 years at JABSOM. Our family owes a debt of gratitude to the Fukuyamas for keeping our father’s memory alive.” - Dr. Nalani Blaisdell, a JABSOM graduate and Kekuni’s daughter.
West Honolulu's sister club, The Rotary Club of Makati West celebrated their 50th Anniversary in Manila, Philippines. Joining the anniversary were clubs from Thailand, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. The West Honolulu members and wives named below represented our club well. Past President Derek Tenn was to have attended as well, but due to health reasons, was not able to - we are praying for you Derek!
West Honolulu's sister club, The Rotary Club of Nagoya Airport, celebrated their 45th Anniversary in Japan. The West Honolulu members named below, along with their family members, represented our club well, and enjoyed the anniversary celebration and "Connected the World" by meeting other Rotarians from Nagoya Airport, Makati West (our sister club), Kowloon West, and Chiang Mai.
Roland and Janice Chun
Mark, Yumi, Kiyora, and Kou Chun
Richard, Dana, Evan and Sarah Ing
Mike Kato
Jeff, Melissa, and Janelle Pang
Derek Tenn
Here are photos from the events (most photos were taken by a professional photographer hired by Nagoya Airport).
On December 4 and 6, West Honolulu Rotarians attended the Farrington High School Career Fair to share with the Senior Class about our professions. I would like to thank the following people that attended and to Youth Services Chair Matt Wong for organizing our team:
Speaker chair Wes Fong has secured a private tour of the UH Medical School and a demonstration of a life robot on 1/31/20.
Please plan for, as it should be an interesting and fun tour...see details below re Special tour of John Burns School of Medicine for WHR.
“Experience Sim Tiki – high fidelity life sized mannequins that talk, breathe, and respond to administered medications and procedure – a unique experience and a highlight of the medical school.” Non hosted lunch in the special med school cafeteria. Parking on street or behind school. Suggest car pooling. 12 -1:00p.
Please show your support by clicking onto the link to sign up and save the date!
Our sister club, Rotary Club of Taipei West will be celebrating their 65th Anniversary Ceremony on March 18, of 2020 and extents their invitation to welcome our participation in this celebration!
We received revised information from President Wilson of Taipei West Rotary Club!
Please click onto the following link to view updates:
I am the Point of Contact for the 2020 Rotary International Convention Host Organization Committee, HOC for short, and my job is to keep the Club up-to-date on the convention and also the HOC activities.
As a recap, the 111th international convention is well underway with about 18,000 already registered. Imagine Rotarians from all over the world coming to Hawaii to experience the Power of Rotary and enjoy our island hospitality! There will be lots of collaboration on projects and partnerships, lots to learn about Rotary and a lot of inspiration from awesome speakers. The convention will take place at the Hawaii Convention Center June 6 to 10, 2020. There will be great speakers, maybe 100 breakout sessions and several hundred booths in the House of Friendship. Rotary International is responsible for the convention logistics, the program, speakers, breakouts and the House of Friendship.
The HOC is responsible for the local events, which includes 2 lunch cruises, a windward fishpond service project, a walk for peace in Ala Moana park, host hospitality and a fabulous concert at the Waikiki Shell. We have a website for registrants to sign up for the HOC events and also tours and activities. In order to cover the expenses, we need your help with donations and sponsorships. If you would like to donate or can reach out to your company contacts, it would be much appreciated. If the amount is $6,000 or higher, please let Sonya Mendez, the Sponsorship Chair know, because we need to get Rotary International’s approval first.
We also need a lot of volunteers. If you would like to greet people at the airport, provide info at the Convention Center or just want to be in the thick of the action, sign up either on the HOC or District website. This is an initial volunteer registration. You’ll have a chance to choose your shift later this year.
This convention is an opportunity for you to see the Rotary big picture without having to pay a lot for airfare and hotel rooms. It will bring a lot of attention to Hawaii, not to mention revenue for the State. So, what are you waiting for, register now before the price goes up in December.
Here are web addresses for more information:
The HOC website is: rotaryhonolulu2020.org
The District website is: rotaryd5000.org
The Rotary International website to register is: riconvention.org
Thank you for listening and I hope you will take action to donate, volunteer and register for the convention. It’s going to be a memorable opportunity for us to share the Aloha spirit with Rotarians from around the world, make lasting friendships - and learn more about Rotary ourselves!
