Saichi Kawahara, Renaissance Man
Nichi Bei Times, February 2003
If you're an expatriate kama'aina living in the Bay Area, chances are, you're on the mailing list, or read a handed-down copy of the Kapalakiko Productions Calendar of Events. If you like know da scoops on anyting Hawaiian in da Bay Area, betta be on da mailing list fo' da Kapalakiko newslettah.
Saichi Kawahara and his wife, Evelyn, have been publishing the quarterly newsletter since 1985. Over the years, the mailing list has grown from 10 to over 6,000, and includes subscribers in 44 states and even locations outside the U.S. (and I no mean Hawai'i). Wen time fo' mail 'em, Saichi stay blow da conch shell, and menehune from all ovah da Bay Area hele to da Kawahara home fo' one beeg potluck newslettah mailing pa'ina.
If you'd like to receive the Kapalakiko newsletter, send a note to Kapalakiko Productions, 800 Meade Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124. The newsletter is free, but an annual $10 donation is suggested to help defray costs. Ey, no be manini.
Kapalakiko Hawaiian Band
The business card states, "We play The Good Stuff, Ki Ho'alu, Steel Guitar, Falsetto & Cha-lang-a-lang stylings." Speaking about Hawaiian music, Saichi notes that "It's one of the elements that draws Hawaiians together." This is what led him to form the Kapalakiko Hawaiian Band in 1984.More than just the guiding force of the Kapalakiko Hawaiian Band, Saichi, is an outstanding musician in his own right. A master of leo ki'eki'e, Hawaiian style falsetto, you can hear traces of the masters, Aunty Genoa Keawe, Dennis Pavao and the Ho'opi'i Brothers, in Kawahara's vocals. Garans you goin' get chicken skin when he sing "Nani Hanalei" or "I Kona."
In fact, in a competition featuring the top falsetto singers in Hawai'i, Saichi, in 1998, was awarded the Grand Prize in the prestigious Clyde "Kindy" Sproat Storytelling and Falsetto Singing Contest in Waimea, on the Big Island.
In addition to spreading the joy of Hawaiian music at venues ranging from baby luaus to nightclubs to concerts across the Bay Area, the Kapalakiko Hawaiian Band also stands as an institution of Hawaiian learning to the young aspiring musicians who have passed and continue to pass through its notable ranks.
By stressing the correct pronunciation, enunciation and inflection of the Hawaiian lyric, Saichi imparts a deep respect for the culture, language and tradition of Hawaiian song. This commitment to accurately preserve the richness of Hawai'i for future generations has made Saichi a true cultural leader within the Bay Area Hawaiian community.
Japantown Roots
While undoubtedly a giant in the Bay Area Hawaiian community, Saichi Kawahara, had, in his earlier years, built quite a reputation for himself in San Francisco's Japantown, not for his musical prowess, but for his fearlessness as a community activist.Saichi is remembered for his exploits as a member of CANE (Committee Against Nihonmachi Eviction), which was formed in 1973 to stop the demolition of the Japantown neighborhood and the further dissemination of the Japanese American community that occurred as a result. When CANE took over the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency Office, Saichi and several other members chained themselves inside the office until forcibly removed by the San Francisco Police.
One particular act of defiance, however, will forever ensure Saichi a place in the annals of Japantown history. During the Cherry Blossom Festival week, an unidentified individual clambered in the darkness of night to the top of a 100-foot tall construction crane. The next morning, a large CANE flag, waving proudly above the Japan Center construction site, greeted the large Festival crowd. Although the case was never officially solved, legend has it that the unknown Spiderman was Saichi Kawahara.
Honoring Saichi Kawahara
In recognition of his contributions to the Bay Area Hawai'i Community, the Hawai'i Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (HCCNC) will honor Saichi Kawahara at its Five Star Aloha Gala on Saturday evening, February 22, at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. In addition to Saichi Kawahara, the HCCNC will also honor Patrick Makuakane, founder and leader of the innovative, award-winning hula troupe, Na Lei Hulu i ka Wekiu and "Uncle" Vernon Chang, bandleader, Polynesia Polynesia founder and host of the Aloha Friday Show on 91.5 FM KKUP. Presiding over the Awards Ceremony, will be Kehaulani Christian, Miss Hawai'i 2002.Join the HCCNC in recognizing these three individuals for their contributions to the Bay Area Hawaiian community. Goin' be good fun with planny ono food! Free drinks if you mention da Two Japanee Bruddahs (nah, da drinks already stay free). And, did we mention Miss Hawai'i goin' be dea too! Tickets for the Five Star Aloha event are $100 per person through February 14, $125 thereafter, and are available online at www.hccnc.com/fivestaraloha . E-mail kalai@hccnc.com or call (415) 514-0840 for more information.
Keith Kamisugi and Kyle Tatsumoto are da Two Japanee Bruddahs. E-mail them at wot@twojapaneebruddahs.com.
Saichi Kawahara