WHAT IS A TERMINAL ISLANDER?

January 7, 1996

Terminal Islander is a part of a place, it is a part of the mind, it is a part of the heart, it is a part of a spirit, it is a part of a tradition, a part of growing up together, in other words it is not explainable as a definite object that one could put a finger on.

I can only explain it as “that something” that dwells in each one of us. It can only be seen as a result of something that has happened. Like the wind you cannot see it but you see the result of it. For instance like;

The late Fred Shirokawa’s organizational spirit.

The late Bill Nakasaki’s reservedness always saying suman-kedo yatte kurenka?

Yukio Tatsumi’s leadership in whatever we undertake.

The late Mrs. Mio’s always doing things for other people.

Tosh Izumi’s foresight in whatever that is planned.

The late Masaaki Kuwabara’s donating spirit.

The late Kay Kato’s forcefulness in getting things done.

Tom Hamasaki’ s determined stubbornness and stick-to-itness.

Charley Hamasaki’s open candidness.

Mitzie Nakai’s unselfish compassion for service.

Kisaye Sato’s hospitable kindness, always positive.

but above all, Mrs. Marumoto’s softness and understanding

This is “ SOMETHING”

All this would not be possible if it weren’t for all the Terminal Islanders. And the binding chemistry that holds us together is the distinct fragrant odor of Terminal Island, though the smell may have become faint and gone, nevertheless it is there in essence, surrounding us with that peculiar sense of oneness.

Masaharu Tanibata

Vice Pres. Terminal Islanders