Photo courtesy of Erika Moon/Office of Sen. Mike Gabbard
Sen. Mike and Carol Gabbard accept the Hawaii Knights of Columbus Lifetime Achievement Award May 26 at the Knights’ annual convention at the Makaha Resort. Making the presentation are the Knights’ state deputy Larry Akana, right, past state deputy Joaquin “Kin” Borja, left, and Bishop Larry Silva.
Hawaii Knights gather for ‘best’ convention in years
Dozens of Knights of Columbus from across the state converged at the Makaha Resort and Golf Club in Waianae on Oahu for their Hawaii state convention April 24-26.
The event was hosted by Waianae Council 11485 which received enthusiastic recognition and applause for their efforts from participating councils, special guests and state officers. Organizers said it will be “remembered as the best convention in 30 years.”
The Hawaii Knights were treated to a second annual golf tournament and wonderful food and hospitality, in addition to the regular schedule of meetings.
Bishop Larry Silva offered the invocation at the big Saturday evening luau. The Platinum Music Group presented a lineup of traditional Hawaiian music and hula.
The luau was also the venue for the presentation of annual awards and recognitions. The recipients are as follows:
n Lady of the Year: Linda Jose
n Knight of the Year: Gary Jose
n Youth Program Award: Council 11485
n Knight of the Year: Mark Loepker
n Grand Knight of the Year: Larry Germann
n Family of the Year: Michael Victorino
n District Deputy Award: Earl McFarland and Prudencio Pilar
n New Council Development Award: Peter Kaeo and Bob Allen
n Community Program Award: Council 11636
n Council Program Award: Council 6906
n Church Program Award, Council 13227
n Family Program Award: Council 7565
n Lifetime Achievement Award: State Sen. Mike Gabbard
Upon receiving his honor, Sen. Gabbard said, “I came here tonight to give a legislative update from the capitol, and to thank everyone here for their service to God and the community. I had no idea (my wife) Carol and I would be accepting this honor. We are truly humbled by it and blessed by your friendship.”
Later that night, Council 11485 presented a check to the American Cancer Society.
Special thanks goes to Jill Torres, wife of Knight Al Torres Sr., and Knights Paul Ganaban and Antonio Rodriguez for preparations and cooking; to Knight Phillip Ganaban for the sound system and late evening music; and to the Ladies Auxiliary, Linda Jose, Wilma Akana, and Knights Karl Zinsman Sr., Jack Perry and George Charter for their additional help.
This year’s convention chairman and co-chairman were AJ Torres and Gary Jose, respectively. They were the backbone in creating this memorable event.