2025
Concert Series
Symphony Winter Concert
Sunday, November 30, 2025 ❄ 2:00 pm
Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center
Jazz Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 ❄ 6:00 pm
Studio 909, Musician’s Association of Hawai‘i
Academy Strings Winter Concert
Saturday, December 13, 2025 ❄ 12:30 pm
Michael Nakasone Performing Arts Center
A Message from the President
Aloha and Welcome
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to our Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony Winter Concert Series. These performances are the result of months of dedication, curiosity, and hard work from our students; aspiring young people who show up week after week with a commitment to growing their craft and supporting one another through music. Their passion fuels everything we do.
Behind the scenes, our outstanding faculty and staff have poured their expertise, energy, and aloha into shaping this season. From the earliest rehearsals to their concerts for you today, Team HYS nurtures every student’s potential and creates experiences that are rigorous, joyful, and deeply meaningful. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to our Concert Parents and volunteers, whose steady encouragement and hands-on support make our program possible.
This Winter Concert Series brings together the full breadth of our offerings: Academy classes that build strong foundations; Jazz ensembles that spark collaboration and leadership; and our Symphony orchestras that challenge young musicians to reach new heights. Each program plays a vital role in helping Hawaiʻi’s youth grow into confident artists and compassionate community members.
Thank you for being here and for championing the belief that music education matters. Your presence affirms the value of these young musicians and strengthens the community that surrounds them. As you listen today, I hope you’ll feel the joy, the hard work, and the heart that each student brings to the stage.
Enjoy the music, and happy holidays!
Randy Wong President & CEO Hawai‘i Youth Symphony
Support our programs with a donation today.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to our community partners, whose generous support and special talents are invaluable to
State of Hawai’i
Dr. Josh Green, Governor
Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
Karen Ewald, Executive Director
City & County of Honolulu
Rick Blangiardi, Mayor Accounting
KMH LLP
Robert Loke, Charles Gilmour, Daniel Lott
Audio Engineer
Duane Padilla
Halekulani
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra
Amy Iwano, President & CEO
Printing
Edward Enterprises
Sanford Morioka, Justin You Program Design
Mark Nakamura
Public Relations
Becker Communications
Susan Wright, Taryn Wells, Laura Young
Social Media
Vibe Creative Marketing
Erica Mau-Schank, Lauren Nakashima, Alyssa Kawamura
University of Hawaiʻi Music Department
Dr. Laurence Paxton, Chair
William Watson, Facility Coordinator
Niu Valley Middle School
Jeffrey Shitaoka, Principal
University Laboratory School, PCS
Keoni Jeremiah, Principal
Ira Wong, Band Director
ʻIolani School
Melanie Pfingsten, Interim Head of School
Jamie Sanborn, Technical & Production Manager
Boys and Girls Club of Hawaiʻi
Paddy Kauhane, President & Chief
Executive Officer
Claudia “Lala” Fernandez, EVP & Chief Operations Officer
Danielle Trinidad (Spalding)
Kekoa Tupua (Nānākuli)
Le Jardin Academy
Earl Kim, Head of School
Joshua Masagatani, Primary Dean of Experiential Education and Community Partnerships
Katy Nakayama, Director of Auxiliary Programs
Faith Butterfield, Administrative Assistant to Auxiliary Programs
Moanalua High School
Robin Martin, Principal
Andrew Ching, Music Director
Cavin Takesue, Associate Music Director
Todd Oshima, Associate Music Director
Rhona Barbosa, Associate Music Director
Landon Mauricio, Moanalua Performing Arts Center Manager
Studio 909
Robert Shinoda, Sonya Mendez
Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center
Joseph Halfmann, Principal
Layton Taguchi, PAC Manager
Symphony Program Coaches
Christopher Cabrera, YSI Percussion Coach
Jeremy Lawi, CO Percussion Coach
Academy Program Coaches
Stefanie Lawton, BSE/ISE Cello Coach
Sayuri Yamamoto, BSE/ISE Bass Coach
Concert Parent Volunteers
Youth Symphony I
Margret Arakaki, Coren Kajioka, Kathryn Kajioka, Wade Nobuhara
Youth Symphony II
Jill Kawaguchi, Heather Oshiro, Debbie Petilos
Concert Orchestra
Sandy Nishimura, Leslie Serapion-Perez, Reyna Sueoka
Jazz Program
Michelle Funai, Wade Nobuhara
Academy Strings Program
Sharon Ameen, Yanyu Huang, Noelia Paez, Jasmine TaketaTran
2025–2026 Board of Directors & Staff
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Erica Mau-Schank, Chair
Lauren Yoo, Vice Chair
Lorrin Hirano, Esq., Secretary
Richard Ing, Interim Treasurer
Directors
Ben Gutierrez
Sharon R. Himeno
Collin Hoo
Martin Hsia, Esq.
David Imanaka, Esq.
Richard Ing
Robin Kobayashi, Esq.
Malcolm Lau
Michael Onofrietti
Aaron Salā, PhD
Jean Tsukamoto
Hawai‘i Youth Symphony
1350 South King St., Suite 201 Honolulu, HI 96814
Tel. (808) 941-9706
admin@hiyouthsymphony.org www.HIYouthSymphony.org
Federal Tax ID #99-0119771
ADMINISTRATION
Randy Wong, President & CEO
Rachel Schultz, Chief Operating Officer
Joseph Stepec, Director of Orchestral Activities
Hannah Watanabe, Programs Director
Lauren Sergent, Operations Manager
Wailani Kontic, Philanthropy & Outreach Manager
Brent Ramos, Receptionist
McKenzee Espiritu, Music Librarian
FACULTY
Symphony Program
Joseph Stepec, Conductor, Youth Symphony I
Alexander Peña, Conductor, Youth Symphony II
Wayne Fanning, Conductor, Concert Orchestra
Jazz Program
Dean Taba, Director
Ryan Howe, Instructor
Noel Okimoto, Instructor
Academy Program
ʻAlohi Igarta, Academy String Program Coordinator
Michael Lim, Conductor, String Orchestra Ensemble & Concert String Orchestra
Carissa Miyamoto, Conductor, Beginning String Ensemble & Intermediate String Ensemble
Laurie Shimabukuro, Super Strings Instructor
Music in the Clubhouse
Abraham “Abe” Lagrimas, Jr., Honolulu Music4Kids
Jake Lui, Windward Rock Band
Maia Mayeshiro, Windward Music4Kids
Kauʻiokalani Mead, Nānākuli Music4Kids
Daniel Kawaiʻaeʻa Shaver, Nānākuli Violins
Mahalo to Our Schools
HYS is grateful to the many public, private, and home schools that play their part in helping to advance music’s role in their communities. The following schools are represented in our various HYS programs this year. We are deeply grateful to all the music educators and private music teachers whose expertise, encouragement, and support mean so much to our students. Every attempt has been made to publish a complete listing of schools for the 2025–2026 season and we regret any errors or omissions that have been made.
‘Aiea High School
Acellus Academy
‘Āina Haina Elementary School
Alaka'i O Kaua'i PCS
Āliamanu Elementary School
Āliamanu Middle School
Campbell High School
Castle High School
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
Damien Memorial High School
Einstein Middle School
Enchanted Lake Elementary School
Fletcher Middle School
Haha‘ione Elementary School
Hanahau‘oli School
Hawai‘i Baptist Academy
Hawai‘i Technology Academy
He‘eia Elementary School
Hickam Elementary School
Highlands Intermediate School
Hilo High School
Homeschool
Hongwanji Mission
Honolulu Waldorf
Honouliuli Middle School
‘Iolani School
Island Pacific Academy
Jackson Reed HS
Jarrett Middle School
Jefferson Elementary School
Ka Waihona o Ka Na‘auao PCS
Ka‘elepulu Elementary School
Kāhala Elementary School
Kailua High School
Kailua Intermediate School
Kaimukī Christian
Kaimukī Middle School
Kaiser High School
Kalāheo High School
Kalāheo High School
Kalani High School
Kamehameha Kapālama Campus
Kamehameha Schools Big Island Campus
Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus
Kāne‘ohe Elementary School
Kanu o ka ‘Āina NCPCS
Kapolei High School
Kapolei Middle School
Kawānanakoa Middle School
King Intermediate School
King Kekaulike High School
Kulia Academy
La Pietra
Lanakila Baptist Schools
Le Jardin Academy
Liholiho Elementary School
Ma‘ema‘e Elementary School
Mānoa Elementary School
Mary, Star of the Sea School
Maryknoll Schools
Maui High School
McKinley High School
Mid-Pacific Institute
Mililani High School
Mililani ‘Ike Elementary School
Mililani Mauka Elementary School
Mililani Middle School
Mililani Waena Elementary School
Moanalua Elementary School
Moanalua High School
Moanalua Middle School
Momilani Elementary School
Myron B. Thompson PCS
Nānāikapono Elementary School
Newport Mill Middle School
Niu Valley Middle School
Noelani Elementary School
Nu‘uanu Elementary School
Orange County School of the Arts
Pauoa Elementary School
Pearl City High School
Pearl City Highlands Elementary School
Pullman High School
Punahou School
Radford High School
Roosevelt High School
Royal Elementary School
Sacred Hearts Academy
Saint Louis School
Salt Lake Elementary School
Sierramont Middle School
St. Andrew’s Schools
St. Mark Lutheran School
Stevenson Middle School
Trinity Christian School
University Laboratory School PCS
Waiākea High School
Wai‘alae Elementary School PCS
Waikīkī Elementary School
Waipahu High School
Washington Middle School
Webling Elementary School
Wilson Elementary School
Woodbury Elementary School
Winter Concert
Sunday, November 30, 2025 ❄ 2:00 pm
Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center
Concert Orchestra
Wayne Fanning, Conductor
Procession of the Sardar Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov arr. by Merle Isaac
Cumberland Cross Carl Strommen
Nutcracker Ballet – Set II
Pyotr Tchaikovsky
I. March arr. by Merle Isaac
II. Trepak
How to Train Your Dragon John Powell arr. by Sean O’Loughlin
Youth Symphony II
Alexander Peña, Conductor
Sailors' Dance from "The Red Poppy"
Reinhold Glière arr. Belisario Errante
Im Herbst, “In Autumn” Edvard Grieg
March to the Scaffold from “Symphonie Fantastique” Hector Berlioz
Overture from “Le Roi d'Ys” Edouard Lalo
Youth Symphony I
Joseph Stepec, Conductor
Second Essay for Orchestra, Op. 17
Samuel Barber
Oblivion Ástor Pantaleón Piazzolla
Sevastyan Swan, violin solo
Merry Mount Suite Howard Hanson
I. Overture
II. Children's Dances
III. Love Duet
IV. Act II Prelude and Maypole Dances
Concert Orchestra
Wayne Fanning Concert Orchestra Conductor
Wayne Fanning is a graduate of Hilo High School and participated in HYS Concert Orchestra and the Pacific Music Institute as a student. He received his Bachelor of Education and Master of Arts from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Fanning has performed with numerous professional and community ensembles throughout Hawai‘i. Prior to his current position at HYS, he served as director of the Music in the Clubhouse Band and a clinician for various HYS Orchestras. He has served as guest conductor for the Maui District High School Massed Band and the Central District Beginning Honor Orchestra, as well as several school bands and orchestras. He has been teaching band and orchestra at Niu Valley Middle School since 1998, where his musical ensembles have performed for music conferences in Honolulu, Denver, and
Concert Orchestra
Violin I
Maya Chow
Quincy Higa
Kazuo Hirakami
Noah Kim
Annaka Lau
Gabriel Li
Kaylee Liang
Eliana Lin
Lilian Polley
Noah Swan
Elena Tjoeng, Concertmaster
Lucas Wong
Violin II
Yinyi Chen
Shayla Ching
Mariko Colaianni, Principal
Gina Esaki
James Joyner, III
Suyoung Jung
Austin Kamemoto
Kaimiloapono KawazuArmstrong
Sophia Kimura
Anna Kobayashi
Sue Lee
Ava Morgan
Samuel Tarn
Isaiah Wane
Runxin Wang
Abigail Wood
Jana Wu
Jeannie Wu
Viola
Seoyeon Byun
Hadriel Goo
Esther Kim
Na Hye Kim
Asa Thompson, Principal
Cello
Luca Arnone
Brian Baik
Audrey Branner
Eliana Chang, Principal
Madeline Ebisu
Lilja Kikuhara-Talvala
Jacob Kim
Olivia Kim
Yuna Kim
Ethan Lim
Evelyn Mui
Avery Pendergraft
Joseph Perez
Lincoln Sueoka
Bass
Mika Fong, Principal
Liv Gomez
Hunter Quitazol
Flute
Kallie Kiriu
Airi Nishimura
Jada Ann Oshiro, Principal
Cheryl Tamura
Tobi Tengan
About Concert Orchestra
Concert Orchestra (CO) is the third most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras and the entry point into the Symphony Program. This year, Concert Orchestra is composed of 92 students from 29 public, private and homeschools across O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island. This season’s concertmaster is Elena Tjoeng, a 7th grade student from Niu Valley Middle School.
Oboe
Aryn Elyse Kojima, Principal
Isabelle Quay
Arianny Sakagawa
Malina Sautter
Ryder Sue
Clarinet
Faith Eom
Yubeen Ha
Alison Kim
Ethan Navarro, Principal
Myla Yamatsuka
Bassoon
Zack Abernathy
Lincoln Davidson
Joshua Kim, Principal Horn
Shoshana EsmondSchadel, Principal
Jonathan Horinouchi
Jayden Lamayo
Sloane Powell
Michael Sung
Trumpet
Kobi Inouye
Aven Kim
Souma Kishishita
Vincent Lassoff
Jaymes Lau, Principal
Kasen Yue
Trombone
Maia-Joy Akagi
Justus Shitaoka
Kento Wong, Principal
Euphonium
Lacey Royce
Tuba
Ka'eo Hardy, Principal
Samuel Schulberg
Percussion
Gabriel Averion, Principal
Atsushi Harada-Collier
Hiilani Simeona
Elizabeth Ujimori
David Yoshioka
Alexander Peña
Youth Symphony II
Youth Symphony II, Conductor
Mexican-American violist/conductor, Alexander Peña, serves as the Director of Orchestras at ‘Iolani School in Honolulu. An active violist with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Peña also performs regularly across the Hawaiian Islands with the Kauai Concert Association, Maui Pops Orchestra, Early Music Hawaii, and First Monday Concert Series at Lutheran Church of Honolulu. As an educator, clinician, and chamber musician, Mr. Peña loves engaging with programs including the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony, Pacific Music Institute, and University of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Peña currently serves as the President-elect of the Hawai‘i-Chapter of the American String Teachers Association as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the Hawai‘i Music Teachers Association.
In addition to his work in Hawai'i, Mr. Peña is a founding-member and violist with the Lakes Area Music Festival Orchestra in Northern Minnesota, where he also directs the Explore Music! program, a day camp for youth that is now celebrating its 16th year. Alexander earned an Arts Leadership Program Certificate, the Robert Oppelt Viola Prize, Bachelor and Master of Music from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. In 2019, he also received an Executive Graduate Certificate from the Global Leaders Music Program, where he was awarded the Global Humanitarian Entrepreneur Prize from the Hildegard Behrens Foundation.
Youth Symphony II
Violin I
Douglas Chan
Dominic Chi, Concertmaster
Airi Choy
Alina Evanoff
Charles Haring
Elizabeth Huang
Olivia Kawashima
Victoria Lu
Mihn Chau Ngyuen
Lacey Park
Chloe Petilos
Zuri Phung
Owen Presting
Tenley Tanigawa
Lantana Widana
Shion Yamasaki
Ichiro Yeh
Violin II
Frida Boeker
Lucas Chew
Sydney Chung
Elena de Lima
Jinghuan Dong
Clara Elham
Brad Giang
Claire Ito-Saysamon
Cole Jackson
Kian Jackson
Tara Krishnagopalan
Cheyna Murakami
Bryce Nouchi
Jeff Pitathawatchai
Kolleen Roessig
Phoenix Shelton, Principal
Dylan Tsushima
YiJia Wang
Lillian Yim
Viola
Ashten Taylor BonillaCuizon
Rui Han, Principal
Sophia Kawashima
Daphne Lawton
Melody Luo
Alyson Wong
Cello
Rose Bozeman
Aria Chan
David Chan, Co-Principal
Princeton Co
Otto Ferguson
Rex Lin
Bronwen Nagayama
Jedi Si Ming Ng
Paisley Sagadraca
Mathayus Scherling, Co-Principal
Daniel Schoen, Co-Principal
Benjamin Ter
Hannah Zhang
Bass
Leila Settsu Hernandez
Ian Taira, Principal
Flute
Chloe Choi
Eunice Kim
Anna Motohashi
Baiyi Wang, Principal
Qinglin Ye
Oboe
Ian Cho
Charlotte Gimber
Jaslyn Kwock, Principal
Kalea Starr
Clarinet
Ayden Aggabao
Lauren Chen, Principal
Bonnie Lee
Hunter Navarro
Yoshiki Yamada
Bassoon
Yuto Mata, Principal
Connor Wasano
Horn
Emie Hinazumi
Maile Judd
Morten Kjos-Hanssen
Taeja Takahashi, Principal
Eva Tramuto
Trumpet
Andrew Arceo
Micah Kim, Principal
Zachary Rooks
Erin Wong
Trombone
Caleb Chinen, Principal
Maiara Dutra Elliott
Evan Shiota
Tuba
Matthew Oshiro
Charles Schulberg, Principal
Percussion
Keira Ida Ayu
Mia Kim
Nanami Mata
Isaac Matsumoto
Trinity Vong
All winds & percussion rotate parts & seating
About Youth Symphony II
Youth Symphony II (YSII) is the second most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras. For the 2025–2026 season, YSII is composed of 92 students from 29 public, private and homeschools across O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and Hawai‘i Island. This season’s concertmaster is Dominic Chi, a ninth grade student from Punahou School.
Youth Symphony I
Joseph Stepec Director of Orchestral Activities & PMI Artistic Director Youth Symphony I Conductor
Joseph Stepec came to Hawai‘i from Cleveland, Ohio in 2016. He is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Orchestras at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Music Department. Under his direction, the University of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra has premiered works of new composers, represented underperformed masterworks, and has collaborated with ensembles as diverse as the United States Marine Band and more. He is an active clinician that has guest taught many ensembles visiting Hawaii, on the mainland, and abroad in Shanghai, China. .
Mr. Stepec studied violin with Gregory Fulkerson at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and conducting at the Eastman School of Music with master teacher, Neil Varon. Mr. Stepec additionally studied with Michael Jinbo at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and pursued doctoral studies at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In 2017, he was a conducting Fellow at the Menuhin Gstaad Music Festival where he worked closely with Jaap van Zweden, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic and noted conducting pedagogue, Johannes Schlaefli. In 2019, Mr. Stepec premiered a new translation of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat set in colonial Hawai‘i with members of Chamber Music Hawai‘i to very favorable reviews.
As the Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hawaii Youth Symphony, Mr. Stepec conducts the top orchestra, Youth Symphony I. With that ensemble he has premiered new works by living composers and has worked with countless Hawai‘i based artists. He has toured with the ensemble to the outer islands and has been featured in concert at the Waīkikī Shell and Blaisdell Concert Hall. His work with the Hawaii Youth Symphony was recognized in 2024 with an induction to the Pacific Business News magazine’s “40 under 40,” which recognizes leaders in Hawai‘i
Youth Symphony I
Violin I
Eric Camacho, Co-Concertmaster
Nicholas Chi
Leia Choi
Elizabeth Fink
Ymin Guo
Jayden Kim
Lily Nomura
Alexis Phansaithong
Max Shinno, Co-Concertmaster
Sevastyan Swan, Co-Concertmaster
Katherine Wu
Eileen Zhang
Violin II
Geon Cha
Ethan Chow
Yanling Guo, Co-Principal
Coco Kim
Riya Krishnagopalan
Vincent Lau
Brian Lim
Shiloh Mitsui
Christopher Oyama
Maria Swan, Co-Principal
Sherry Taguchi
Noah Tanaka
Rylan Terayama, Co-Principal
Viola
Hyunwoo Chang
Haaon Cho, Co-Principal
Leala Florendo
Eun Ha
Swan Kim, Co-Principal
Albert Ko, Co-Principal
Hannah Kwak
Kyla Miyamoto
Lulu Wang
Cello
Anson Akemoto
Sophia Chan, Co-Principal
Ashlyn Ito, Co-Principal
Ian Jun, Co-Principal
Cody Kajioka
Jibhum Lee
Lucas Sanford
Isabella Santos
Evangeline Tjoeng
Reese Walther
Bryan Wood
Taigo Yuen
Bass
Andrew Izumi, Co-Principal
Chloe Quiddaoen, Co-Principal
About Youth Symphony I
Youth Symphony I (YSI) is the most advanced of HYS’s seven orchestras and is one of the finest youth symphonies in the country. In its history, YSI has performed with renowned guest artists, was a finalist in the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and had the special honor of performing on From the Top, a nationally-broadcast radio show. For the 2025–2026 season, YSI is composed of 85 students, grades 9–12, from 17 public, home and independent schools across O’ahu. This semester, YSI has three co-concertmasters, Eric Camacho, a senior from ‘Iolani, Max Shinno, a senior from Punahou, and Sevastyan Swan, a senior homeschool student.
Flute
Hope Bayudan, Co-Principal
Flora Liao
Jason Okutani, Co-Principal
Henry Rhee
Jessica-Holly Wiemer
Oboe
Kenton Chan, Co-Principal
Maya Hokada, Co-Principal
Nainoa Tindle
Brandalyn Tran
Clarinet
Yuto Kawaguchi, Co-Principal
Jeannie Kim, Co-Principal
Pyeonggeun Kim
Ellie Obara
Bassoon
Jerry Gao
Daniel Kim, Co-Principal
Humi Yoshizawa, Co-Principal
Horn
Matthew Meinert
Tanner Millard, Co-Principal
Jake Miyakawa, Co-Principal
Kobe Miyamasu
Kai Takenouchi-Amador
Nicholas Xu
Trumpet
Kainoa Alcain
Paige Kawana
Javis Phan, Co-Principal
Christopher Yara, Co-Principal
Trombone
Kolten Hamana, Co-Principal
Xyon-La'Jount Jury
Cy Kaneshiro
Andrew Li, Co-Principal
Tuba
Sara Roper, Principal
Percussion
Camden Funai
Mani Kovacich
Carter Nobuhara
Ian Pak
Taitum Tanouye
Harp
Arabella Tan, Principal
Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 ❄ 6:00 pm
Studio 909, Musician’s Association of Hawai‘i
Dean Taba, Jazz Program Director
Ryan Howe, Jazz Instructor
Noel Okimoto, Jazz Instructor
Program to be announced from stage.
Jazz I
Tenor Saxophone
Kyle Nakagawa
Trombone
Erin Kawamura
Alto Saxophone
Verily Coryell
William Dennis
Koh Garibaldi
Zachary Yeung-Yang
Trumpet
Hana Swanson
Keyboard
Lorence Dumalan
Drum Set/Percussion
Mani Kovacich
Carter Nobuhara
Jazz II
Trombone
Daniel Wen
Electric Guitar
Xyon-La’Jount Jury
Bass Guitar
Robert-John Heck
Scharsch
Liam Lihalakha
About Jazz Program
Keyboard
Arthur Fowers
Drum Set/Percussion
Camden Funai
Makana Labuguen
Burton Ueda
A relatively new HYS program, HYS Jazz celebrates its sixth anniversary this year! Under the leadership of HYS Jazz Director Dean Taba, and with the support of our dedicated faculty including Dean, Noel Okimoto and Ryan Howe, HYS Jazz offers two levels for students ages 14–18. Jazz II for students who play an instrument but have little to no experience in jazz, and Jazz I for students who are advancing in their jazz and improvisation skills. HYS Jazz students are taught the skills necessary to play as a rhythm section, accompany others and improvise. We are proud to have guitarists, keyboardists, drummers, saxophonists and brass players among our student body, though HYS Jazz is a wholly inclusive environment and welcomes students from all orchestral instruments. HYS Jazz frequently collaborates with highly-respected artists, and in its short history has already performed with Jake Shimabukuro, trumpeter Eric Miyashiro, saxophonist Steve Treseler, vocalist Shari Lyn, and John Valentine! Though the focus of HYS Jazz is music performance, many entrepreneurial facets of being a professional musician or working in the music industry are addressed throughout the year. Students have direct access to top audio engineers, influential musicians, and music business gurus. Learn more about all that HYS Jazz has to offer at https://hiyouthsymphony.org/hysjazz/.
HYS Jazz
Dean Taba
Jazz Program Director
PMI Jazz Intensive Director
Ahighly regarded studio and freelance musician, Dean Taba began his musical studies on the piano at the age of 6 and played French horn in the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. It was a desire to play in the high school jazz band that introduced him to the bass and improvised music. After extensive studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and a refinement of his skills on both the acoustic and electric bass, Dean relocated in 1984 to Los Angeles to become one of its most in demand musicians.
Also a respected clinician and educator (Los Angeles Music Academy, Musician’s Institute, Cal-Poly Pomona, Grove School of Music) Dean has recently performed/recorded with Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Mark Murphy, Jake Shimabukuo, Andy Summers, Sadao Watanabe, The San Francisco Symphony, Hiroshima, Rick Braun, The American Jazz Institute Orchestra, Dave Koz, Jeff Richman, Pauline Wilson, The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniel Ho, Bill Watrous, and many others as well as playing on countless CDs, TV shows, and movie soundtracks.
Ryan Howe Jazz Instructor
Ryan Howe graduated from Maui High School and completed both his Bachelor’s in Music Education and Master’s in Bassoon Performance at the University of Hawai‘i. He currently teaches middle school band at Moanalua Middle School.
Mr. Howe says: “I have two things that I love to do in life, teach music and cooking. Both are great ways to express one’s self and a great medium to change people's perspectives in life and to teach humanity and good fellowship. Other than music, I like to play sports such as tennis, basketball, and golf. I believe that in order to be a healthy and effective teacher, you must have a balanced life. Mind, Body and Soul. I look forward to working with all students and parents. Please feel free to ask questions, because I believe that everyone is important and they deserve to be heard.”
Noel Okimoto
Jazz Instructor
Born and raised in Honolulu, Noel Okimoto has been playing professionally since the age of ten. Noel’s primary instrument is the drum set, but is also an accomplished orchestral percussionist, vibraphonist, composer and clinician. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Percussion from the University of Hawai‘i. Noel has played in Hawai‘i, the mainland USA, and internationally with Freddie Hubbard, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Richie Cole, Bill Watrous, Ernie Watts, Bud Shank, Barney Kessel, Lew Tabackin, Sadao Watanabe, Wynton Marsalis, Ronnie Cuber, Makoto Ozone, Jeff Richman, Larry Coryell, Nestor Torres, Gene Harris, Take 6, David Benoit, Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, Steve Allen, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney, Patti Page, Dionne Warwick, and Jake Shimabukuro, among others. He was also a member of the Gabe Baltazar Group for five years. He is also the percussion section leader of the historic Royal Hawaiian Band.
Okimoto recorded an award-winning jazz CD in 2004, entitled ‘Ohana, that received a 4-Star review in Downbeat magazine and positive reviews in other national and international publications.
Winter Concert
Saturday, December 13, 2025 ❄ 12:30 pm
Michael Nakasone Performing Arts Center
Beginning String Ensemble
Carissa Miyamoto, Conductor
Selections to be announced from stage Some selections will be from the Essential Elements Book 1 Series
Intermediate String Ensemble
Carissa Miyamoto, Conductor
Christmas Train Kenneth Baird
Appalachian Hymn Soon Hee Newbold
Canon Power Bob Lipton
String Orchestra Ensemble
Michael Lim, Conductor
The Sailor’s Hornpipe Traditional arr. Sandra Dackow
Silver Moon
Yukiko Nishimura
Fantasia on a Theme from Thailand Richard Meyer
Concert String Orchestra
Michael Lim, Conductor
Entrance of the Queen of Sheba from “Solomon” G. F. Handel
Soundscape II Elliot Del Borgo
Westridge Overture Richard Meyer
Academy Strings Program
Michael Lim
String Orchestra Ensemble & Concert String Orchestra Conductor
Michael Lim is a dedicated music teacher and professional violinist. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i, he began his musical career at the age of four with the piano, and started his violin studies at the age of seven. A graduate of Punahou School, Michael was involved in Punahou’s orchestra and string quartet program, and was a member of Hawai’i Youth Symphony’s YSII and YSI orchestras during his middle school and high school years. He is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he received his Bachelors and Masters of Music in violin performance. After returning to Hawai’i, he completed his Post-Baccalaureate Certificate of Music Education at the University of Hawai’i Mānoa, and was the orchestra and choir teacher at Mid Pacific Institute. He is currently at Punahou School where he teaches orchestra at the elementary and middle school levels. In addition to his music teaching career, Michael is also a full-time member of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra violin section, teaches private violin and viola lessons, and has served on the board of the Hawai’i Music Educators Association. He is a passionate educator and performer, and hopes to share his love of music with his students and inspire a new generation of musicians to cherish and preserve the art of music.
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Carissa Miyamoto
Beginning String Ensemble & Intermediate String Ensemble Conductor
Carissa Miyamoto is a passionate music educator, violinist, and trumpet player. She grew up participating in the Hawai’i Youth Symphony program from BSE through YSI. She is a Moanalua High School graduate and recently earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She was a member of the 2019 Sacramento Mandarins on lead trumpet, placing in the top 12 for DCI finals. In 2021, she aged out as a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard. She currently aspires to serve the communities and organizations that helped her foster her own love for music and education.
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‘Alohi Igarta Academy Strings Program Coordinator
‘Alohi Igarta (they/them) is our new Academy Coordinator. Currently residing in Kapolei, ‘Alohi traces their roots to Moloka‘i, Maui, and Moku o Keawe (Hawai‘i Island), where their kūpuna call home. A proud alum of Hawai‘i Youth Symphony, ‘Alohi played cello in Concert String Orchestra and rose through the program to perform with Youth Symphony I. Their time in HYS sparked a lifelong love of music. ‘Alohi earned a BA in Communication from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and an MA in Human Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University. Their work in Hawaiian culture and education has taken them to several local nonprofits, and they continue to volunteer restoring native plants at cultural sites across West O‘ahu.
Violin
Beginning String Ensemble
Isabelle Chung
Daniel He
Isaac Klein
Mia Lassoff
Reese Rosenblatt
Rei Tadeo
Joshua Thompson
Amiya Wong
Viola
Benjamin Barber
Annie He
Ariya He
Ellie Kim
Lia Nakashima
Cello
Soraya Cherki
Euan Chung
Maxwell Cook
Noah Jang
Wyatt Woo
Christopher Zhao
Bass
Franklin Treutlein
Intermediate String Ensemble
Violin
David Asamoto
Bernadette Beasley
John Bell
Madison Yue-Wei Chen
Amelie Cho
Hannah Chong
Genesis Del Valle
Yaoqi Liu
Dominic McClure
Miya Nguyen
Kenny Pitathawatchai
Kanani Reid
Kaleo Siu
Aria Tano
Xiduo Wang
Sharon Xu
Stephanie Yuen
Viola
Chloe Cheong
Lucia Cheong
Joshua Chong
Selena Huang
Austin Jenss
Ariella Smith
Natalie Szatkowski
Autumn Takasawa Betwee
Rachel Xue
David Zhou
Cello
John Anthony Chang
Sana Cook
Naia Davis
Eva Klein
Luke Lihalakha
Desmond McClure
Meleʻana Moore
Minsu Park
Giuliano Jack Alexander
Ricardi King
David Umemoto
Bass
Miru Kim
Ryden Overton
Isla Stark
About Academy Strings
The HYS Academy Strings is composed of four string ensembles with entry points for students of beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. In proud partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubhouse of Hawaii, the Academy offers children ages 8 and older the opportunity to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass in group settings that emphasize the fundamental skills necessary for musical success. BSE students learn the basics of how to play an instrument and read music, and no audition is needed to join this class. ISE students also do not need to audition, but have completed at least one year of a beginning class or book. Students in SOE & CSO auditioned back in August to become members of their respective advancing ensembles. This season, we have 126 Academy students representing more than 59 public, independent, and homeschools from ‘Oahu, Kaua‘i, and Lāna‘i.
During the summer, the Academy offers Summer Strings. Students receive daily instruction over a fiveweek session for beginning and intermediate players with no audition required. All Academy classes are held at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s Spalding Clubhouse.
String Orchestra Ensemble
Violin
Lee Ameen
Levi Ameen
Dayo Bell-Grey
Iris Chang
Lia Fagaragan
Rosella Mae Galapon
Kai Ning Hamano
Kai Kynion
Hiwalani Lederer
Mahealani Lederer
Jade Liao
Clementine Melander
Kylie Ouchi
Rachel Siu
Rydan Duke Stevenson
Oriana Theofanis
Andrew Wang
Baien Wang
Giselle Yan
Lily Yasuda
Katerina Yu
Viola
Peter Chinn
Gabriel Gardner
Kameapililaniikeaoakea Ramsey
Cello
Lianne Ameen
Liam Ching
Chris Ding
Alisa Gardner
Emma Harrow
Aiden Kim
Biana Lio
Mason Phung
Victoria Yu
Bass
Evelyn Cindrity
Nora Trimble
Concert String Orchestra
Violin
Cleopatra Bell-Grey
Isabella Bush
Rebecca Diaz Paez
Katelyn Ewing
Mia Ginchereau
Kai Hsin Hamano
Eileen Kim
Melody Kiyohara
Kaleb Konishi
Josiah Lee
Claire Lim
Avrie Miller
Harumi Nakamura
Chi Nguyen
Jinsu Park
Tetsuo Shimazu
Tomoe Shimazu
Caden Soeda
Kaci Sueoka
Dylan Suetsugu
Sarah Takahashi
Griffin Tano
Mirella Thibadeaux
Jiarui Tian
Brandon Tran
Ivy Won
Viola
Ethan Cha
Cello
Timothy Asamoto
Yujin Da
Veronica Lau
Emi Mochinaga
Klara Roessig
Eliza Sheets
Albert Wang
Ailey Yu
Bass
Ellie Arakaki
Emily Smith
HYS Administration & Staff
Randy Wong President & CEO
Hawaii-born and raised, Randy Wong is a distinctive voice within the arts administration and the musical communities, and one of few Asian American executive directors among hundreds of orchestras nationwide. He is also a member and thought influencer of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, sharing insights on nonprofit leadership, fundraising, arts education, and youth development.
As the President & CEO of Hawaii Youth Symphony (and a proud alumnus), Randy passionately champions its strategic vision of a Hawai‘i where Music Is A Right. This vision was recognized in 2023 by the international business magazine Fast Company in its list of Best Workplaces for Innovators, and was given top honors in the category of Social Good. Together, Randy and HYS have garnered numerous accolades and honors for executive nonprofit leadership, public relations, marketing, communications, television, and more.
Simultaneous to leading HYS, Randy is also a bassist in the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Outside of classical music, he champions ‘marginalized’ music, in genres such as Exotica and Open Flow Jazz. His best known side project (which he co-founded with fellow HYS alumnus Abe Lagrimas Jr.) is The WAITIKI 7, an Exotica septet that has been profiled by the LA Times, Boston Globe, NPR Morning Edition, Global Village, Mother Jones, Giant Robot, The Feast (NBC); has performed with orchestras, in Berlin at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt, and at Halekulani’s House Without A Key. His other side project—the free jazz trio Red Nova—was featured in the Odesa (Ukraine) Jazz Festival, and was nominated for a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for its debut album Presence of Mind.
In his free time, Randy gives back, serving as Vice Chair for the League of American Orchestras’ Youth Orchestra Division, volunteering as a mentor for first-generation college students in ‘A‘ali‘i Mentoring, and co-chairing the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts’ ARTS FIRST Committee on Advocacy.
Randy is also an alumnus of leadership cohorts at the League of American Orchestras, the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the American Express Leadership Academy.
Prior to HYS, Randy was program director & information architect for the Music-in-Education National Consortium, and faculty & staff at New England Conservatory. He holds an Ed.M (Arts in Education) from Harvard University, a performance degree (with honors, and a Concentration in Music-in-Education) from New England Conservatory, and is one of just a handful of Certified Fund-Raising Executives in the state of Hawai‘i.
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Rachel Schultz Chief Operating Officer
Rachel Schultz brings over a decade of dedicated leadership in music education and community engagement to Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. She joined HYS in July 2025 as its Chief Operating Officer; a newly created role in which she oversees the areas of operational leadership and administration, human resources and staffing, and financial management.
A highly organized professional with a strong work ethic, Rachel blends experience from both the arts/non-profit and commercial/for-profit sectors. Rachel moved to Toledo as a founding member of the Toledo Symphony School of Music (TSSM) in September 2009. From 2010 to 2024, she served in various capacities: piano faculty member, TSSM Director, Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Toledo Symphony, and eventually, as Vice President of Education and Community Engagement for the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA).
A self-motivated leader, Rachel is skilled in identifying and implementing program improvements while streamlining processes. In fall 2018, she was one of 12 orchestra professionals chosen to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program of the League of American Orchestras. During this time, she also played a role in the merger negotiations between the Toledo Symphony and Toledo Ballet, resulting in the formation of TAPA.
As the head of TAPA’s education initiatives, Rachel oversaw education, engagement, and outreach programs for the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Ballet, TSSM, and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras. Programs of pride include the innovative Noisy Library Program, Plastic Band Project, Introduction to the Orchestra: A STEAM Experience for Head Start students, work within the Juvenile Court system, and TAPA in the Parks, the first community engagement program of TAPA to feature both music and dance components.
Prior to her time in Toledo, Rachel was a faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Bowling Green State University, the Preucil School of Music in Iowa City, and the Music Settlement in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as interim director of the Suzuki Program. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Dalcroze Eurhythmics, a Master of Music, and a Professional Studies Certificate in Collaborative Piano, all from the Cleveland Institute of Music. She has also received extensive training in the Suzuki approach to music education.
Rachel’s drive for change and innovation has strengthened organizational stability and enhanced community impact throughout her career.
Hannah Watanabe Programs Director
Hannah Watanabe works for the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony as Programs Director. She served as the conductor for HYS’s Concert Orchestra from 2006–2023 and conducted the Beginning & Intermediate String Ensembles for the Academy Program from 2024–2025. She is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree in K–12 Music Education with an emphasis in Secondary Instrumental Music. Hannah is an alumnus of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony where she performed under the direction of Mr. Michael Nakasone and Mr. Henry Miyamura. Prior to working at HYS, she taught orchestra for 16 years at Moanalua Middle School. While at Moanalua Middle School, she took the orchestra on several trips including Boston to work with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Disney World where the orchestra won Best in Class, the Gold Award, and received a superior rating twice at Festival Disney, to Disneyland to perform and participate in the Disney Workshop, and to the neighbor islands where her students performed and taught elementary school students about music and the instruments in an orchestra. Hannah taught K-6 general music and choir at Hawai‘i Baptist Academy, orchestra, piano, Algebra and music theory at Moanalua High School, and while still in college, taught orchestra at Kalani High School part time. Hannah is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Hawai‘i Music Educators Association (HMEA), American String Teachers Association (ASTA), and the Hawai‘i Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (HASTA) where she serves as Webmaster on the board.
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Lauren Sergent Operations Manager
Lauren Sergent holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Marketing and Public Relations with a Minor in Music from Carthage College. She brings extensive experience in marketing communications, event planning, and community engagement from her work with several nonprofit organizations, including Drum Corps International.
Lauren began her musical journey as a percussionist in 5th grade band and credits access to music education for many of her best memories, closest friends, and lifelong commitment to supporting youth in music. Over the years, she has performed in a wide range of ensembles—from orchestras and drumlines to vocal jazz ensembles and a cappella groups—and toured throughout the U.S., Japan, Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia. Today, she channels her passion for music and organization into her role at HYS, where she supports programs behind the scenes through event coordination, volunteer engagement, and other logistics. She also remains an active performer, singing with the O‘ahu Choral Society’s Symphonic and Chamber Choirs, where she also serves on the Board of Directors. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys tackling DIY projects, exploring new food spots, spending time with her dog, and supporting live music.
Wailani Kontic Philanthropy & Outreach Manager
Wailani Kontic holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Webster University, along with certificates in Spanish Translation and Spanish Language & Literature from the University of Oviedo in Spain. She brings a strong background in nonprofit communications, fundraising, and community engagement, with previous roles at organizations including Honolulu Habitat for Humanity and Opera Theatre of St. Louis.
Wailani has led marketing campaigns, developed donor strategies, and coordinated volunteer initiatives, and she is experienced in grant writing, event planning, and multi-platform content creation.
A lifelong musician, she studied clarinet performance at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory and is an alumna of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. She also plays tenor and baritone saxophone and has remained active in musical ensembles and arts organizations throughout her career.
Outside of work, Wailani enjoys traveling, hiking, and exploring local coffee and food spots wherever she goes.
Brent Ramos Academy Coordinator, Office Receptionist
Brent Ramos is a graduate from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance. He is an HYS alumni who started in the Academy Strings Program, and in his senior year of high school was concertmaster of Youth Symphony I. After graduating from high school and while in college, Brent was a Teacher’s Assistant for the Moanalua Middle School Summer Orchestra Program for many years. He was the HYS Academy Strings Program Coordinator from 2021–2025, and started working as the HYS Office Receptionist in 2022. Besides his roles at HYS, Brent is a violinist with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, teaches private lessons at the Masaki School of Music, and volunteers his time to help out as a violin coach at several local schools.
Mckenzee Espiritu Librarian
Mckenzee Espiritu is a graduate of James B. Castle High School and is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. An HYS alumna, she began as a sophomore in the Youth Symphony II French Horn section and advanced to Youth Symphony I as a senior. Throughout her musical journey, Mckenzee has had the opportunity to represent Hawai‘i on national and international stages, including marching in California’s Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade, performing at the Chicago Midwest Clinic with Nāulu Winds of UH West O‘ahu, and appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.
In addition to her studies and rehearsals at UH, Mckenzee is dedicated to music education in her community. She has volunteered as marching band staff for several high schools on O‘ahu and has worked as a music instructor at King Intermediate School.
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Mahalo to Our Donors
Hawaii Youth Symphony deeply appreciates these contributions made between January 1, 2025 and November 6, 2025. Thank you for helping us to work towards a Hawaiʻi where music is a right! We apologize if we’ve made any accidental errors or omissions; please let us know by emailing our development team: development@hiyouthsymphony.org
CONDUCTORS CIRCLE
$50,000 and above
Glenn D. Fernandez Trust
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
$10,000 to $49,999
Aaron David Mahi Trust
Action Realty Corporation
Altres, Inc.
Charles & Mitch Ota Foundation of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
Erica & Aaron Mau-Schank
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation
George Mason Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Hawaii Community Foundation
Honolulu Chamber Music Series
Island Insurance Companies
Kent & Jean Tsukamoto
Kosasa Foundation
McInerny Foundation
Richard & Susan Ing
Stephen & Gloria J. Gainsley
The Al Sherman Foundation
Thomas & Mi Kosasa
ANGEL
$5,000 to 9,999
Anonymous
Blue Note Hawaii
Christine Camp & Avalon Group, LLC Foundation for an Engaged Pacific
Jillson Fleener & Pearl Ling
Karl & Alice Blade
Lauren Yoo
Lorrin Hirano
Martin & Danna Hsia
National Orchestral Institute + Festival
Pacific Property Group, Inc.
Randy Wong & Helen Liu
Schwab Charitable Fund
Steven & Marilyn Katzman
The Dods Foundation
The Resort Group
Dr. Vivien Tham & Pacific Vision Institute of HI
BENEFACTOR
$2,500 to $4,999
Anonymous
April Terayama
Collin Hoo
GuavaGar Westfall Charitable Fund at HCF
Robin Kobayashi & Kenneth Fink
Kristen Bronner
Leighton Taylor
Lung Rose Voss & Wagnild
Malcolm S. & Carol Koga
Michael J. Y. & Terrina Wong
ʻOhina Labs
PATRON
$1,000 to $2,499
Anonymous
Aloha United Way
Anthony Carr
Carl Yee & Mary Wong
Carlton & Elsie Gushiken
Chelsea Maeda
David & Nicole Imanaka
Franklin K. Yanamura
Ginny Tiu
HDG, Inc.
Chris & Jadine Nielsen
Jan M. Tamura
John Noland
Jonathan Y. C. Ching Revocable Trust
Jose L. Romero Memorial Fund at HCF
Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda
LLP
LPL Financial
Masaki School of Music
Meagan M. YoshimotoClark & Adam Clark, the Ebbtide Family Fund
Monica & Stephen Chan
Myrna Kuo
Robert H Armstrong
Ruthann Yamanaka
Sadie Kim
Sharen R. Himeno & Warren Price
Steven & Izumi Rhee
Takumi Family Fund
Tayler Y. & Renee Mori
Terrence White
Watumull Stores/ Jhamandas Watumull Fund
Wilfred Miyasaki
Yoon Jee Kim
SPONSOR
$500 to $999
Anonymous
Alexander Ishii
Ann Chang
Ben Gutierrez & Chris Korsak
Beth Tamayose
Brandi Falcon
DAFgiving360
Daniel & Linda Momohara
David & Amy Monk
David Landis & Sean Dowdall
Gloria K Ching
Helen K. Higa
Jaewon Choi
Jake Shimabukuro
James Lin
Jean McIntosh
Karen Dempsey
Lauren Chun
Lutheran Church of Honolulu
Nathan Momohara
Patti Look
Ratana Puapong
Kim Coco Iwamoto
Robert Littman
Roselle Chin
Ross Tanoue
Seitoku Takahashi
Sharelle Ito
Stephen Love
Su-Jie (Nam) Hong
Suman Kaza
Wade Nobuhara & Cecile
Sebastian
Wayne Higuchi
Wayne Katayama
Yi-Chuan Ching
PARTNER
$250 to $499
Anonymous
Andrei Kotchetov
Arthur Furukawa
Autumn Woods & Barney
Brennan
Big Island Candies
Darcy Nishimura
David Jackson
Emi Kurihara
Eric Chen
Fidelity Charitable
Gary Yap
Joe Stepec
Justin V. Redona
Kent Koike
Laurel Johnston
Lynne Morikawa
Mark Verrey
Miyeko S. Hashimoto
Nick Morabito
Nina Thai
Rochelle Uchibori
Roy Esaki
Selena & Christopher Ching
Shigeki Yamane
Taylor L. York
William E. Seehafer
CONTRIBUTOR
$100 to $249
Anonymous
Alison Lum
Allison Hirakami
Andrew Akemoto
April K.Y. Leong
Ayako Iwata
Beverly Hamada
Brian & Tammy Walther
Byron Kelly
Calvin K. Lee
Carol Aki
Challa Chi
Cheryl Kojima
Clayton Pang
Cristin Gallagher
Darren Sueoka
David Masunaga
Deborah Hashimura
Dennis Higashiguchi
Edward Masunaga
Frank J. Hook
Frederick Harris
Friends of the Library of Hawaii
George Masaki
Georgia Wong
Glenn M. Nakao
Glenn Toma
Hayden L. Hawkins
Huyen Truong
Jann M. Fujimoto
Jean Shimabukuro
Jeffrey Boeckman
Jodi Goh
Kahala Senior Living Community, Inc.
Kim Taira
Kirk Shitaoka
Lance Oba
Leona Kamoku
Linda Hattemer
Lois Lloyd
Mark Nakamura
Micah Ewing
Milton Liu
Najean Lee
Nancy D. White
Nancy K. Sonoda
Nicole Crawford
Noel Okimoto
Patricia Takemoto
Rachel Schultz
Ralph K. Oshiro
Robyn Fong
Roslyn Meinert
Ruth Komatsu
Ryan Lee
Sandy Chen
Sara Amick-Van Horn
Shannon Igarta
Sheryl Shohet
Tamae Shiraishi
Target Foundation
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
Van M. Goto
Velma Lee
Vern Miyagi
Warren Chew
Wilene Lum
FRIEND
(Up to $99)
Anonymous
Abby Goldy
Aileen Gushiken
Akari Hatanaka
Alyssa Kawamura
Andrew V. Bates
Ann Doike
Carolyn Berry
Charities Aid Foundation America (Cybergrants)
Crowdstake Foundation
Cyrinthia Richards
Dan Miyamoto
Daniel Wilson
Dezarae Miyahira
Diane Bartosik
Doris S. Oshiro
Eric Chang
Gail Taylor
Gerald Young
Glenn Shimabukuro
Gordon T. Yang
Hannah Watanabe
Isaac Tejada
Jerry Ono
Judith A. Mick
Julia Fujioka
Julie Okamura
Julie Yeaman
Karen Lagrimas
Kathryn Spadaro
Kenneth H. Burtness
Kimi Ide-Foster
Lauren Sergent
Lily Chu
Lisa Tasaka
Lloyd Lim
Madeleine Powell
Michelle Funai
Nadine Mask
Noah Kephart
Pamela Young
Patti L. Horio Evans
Petula Shimabukuro
Rina Chung
Shentang Wang
Stacey Sergent
Stanley K. Tanaka
Tammi Okamura
Thalia Woodward
Werylend Tomczyk
Tributes
In Honor of Hannah Liu Rosales by Randy Wong & Helen Liu
In Honor of Lauren Dods by The Dods Foundation
In Honor of Matthew K. Meinert by Roslyn Meinert
In Honor of Sarah M. Wilson by Daniel Wilson
In Honor of the Class of 2025 by Randy Wong & Helen Liu
In Memory of George Berry by Carolyn Berry
In Memory of Maestro
Henry Miyamura by
Erica Mau-Schank by Ratana Puapong by Randy Wong & Helen Liu
In Memory of Mildred A. Yee by Carl Lee
In Memory of Steven Evans by Patti L. Horio Evans
In Memory of Steven Shimabukuro by Clayton Pang by Franklin K. Yanamura by Glenn M. Nakao by Glenn Shimabukuro by Jean Shimabukuro by Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda LLP by Lynne Morikawa by Randy Wong & Helen Liu by Sheryl Shohet by Stanley K. Tanaka by Vern Miyagi
