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Tom's Grandparents were 30 year Waikiki residents.

MAHALO to Governor Lingle. I had the pleasure of taking caring of my Grandparents for many years. They were 30 year residents of Waikiki, prior to that they lived in Palolo and Waimalu. Today, their ashes are at Punchbowl veteran's cemetery. Prior to her death,my Grandmother had dementia. She was honored by the Hawaii Alzheimer's Association at its annual gala. The experience of my Grandparent’s life, being in the room when Al died and the special staff of Maluhia Elderly Care Center has made me appreciate and work toward better comforting Hawaii's seniors.

My Grandmother and Governor Lingle.

At the start of World War II my Grandparents were interned in Arizona where my Mom was born. In Hawaii, Jean was close to the owners of Yamano Beauty Salon in the Moana Waikiki Hotel, today located at the Waikiki Prince Hotel.

Albert & (Toshi) Jean Ikeda, longtime Waikiki residents. (I asked Granny to try on my sun glasses)

My Grandfather in Washington D.C (left)

Photos: "Toshi" Jean in Life Magazine and the New York Post. My Grandmother was the "Silk Girl" at the Japanese Pavillion at the 1939 World's Fair in New York. She continued to lead an exciting life. She worked at the Japanese Embassy in New York, was the first woman hired at Japan Airlines in Hawaii, participated in the Cherry Blossom festivals in Washington D.C. and served many cultural organizations in Hawaii.

Jean was a real character and had many exciting friendships. She introduced me to author James Michener who wrote 'Hawaii,' (he interviewed her children for research) and many other novels. He was kind enough to leave Jean in his will. (Here, I am with Michener) One night she told me she met Mike Yeager at a party she attended at the home of Sony's president. I later learned she meant to say Mick Jagger.

My Mom, in treatment for cancer, Jean and Lieutenant Governor Mazie Hirono supporting the participants at a Cancer Survivors event, Ala Moana Beach Park.

Honolulu Magazine article about my Grandmother and her friend Paul Brown, local hair stylist and spa owner.

My Grandmother at the beach practicing karaoke with a banana, my Grandfather on an early walk at Magic Island, Ala Moana Park with our neighbors Toki and Betty.

My Grandmother worked at the Japanese Consulate in New York. Here she is at the New York World's Fair and visitng Washington D.C.

Mount Fuji, Japan.

My great, great Grandfather eventually worked with the team that designed the car battery for Henry Ford. (Here pictured with Ford.)

Introduction letter.

Photo: Ala Moana 'Hello Kitty' store. Thank you Granny and Grandpa for everything that you have done and continue to do for me.

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