HomeMy WebLinkAboutMorris Nakaishi Day - July 1, 2022I 6.
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lroc1amatIon
WHEREAS Morris Kieo Nakaishi was born in Kumamoto, Japan on December 28,
1927. At a young age, his family immigrated to Hawai'i and, although his father eventually
returned to Japan, his mother and siblings remained in Hawai'i; and
WHEREAS, after graduation from Hilo High School, Morris enlisted in the Army and
was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War. After his discharge from the Army, he studied
architecture and became a carpenter; and
WHEREAS, after retirement in 1985, Morris became interested in the ancientpractice of
Bonsai- a beautiful art form that blends horticultural skills with Japanese aesthetics by growing
trees and shrubs of many varieties in small shallow containers. This practice takes a calm
presence, with every aspect being well thought out and every action precise and deliberate; and
WHEREAS Morris was a member of the Big Island Bonsai Association, and established
his own club, Mokuhonua Bonsai Kai, selling bonsai tools and accessories not readily available
locally, and keeping the tradition of bonsai alive by designing displays at the County Fair, at the
annual Bonsai Exhibition at Wailoa Center, and at many other venues for the elderly and
community; and
WHEREAS, in January 2015, Morris became the bonsai class instructor at Kamana
Senior Center under the Parks & Recreation, Elderly Activities Division, sharing his wealth of
knowledge with the students. The class made many field trips around Hawai`i Island collecting
plants and rocks, and in 2018, traveled to Japan on a special bonsai tour;and
WHEREAS, in 2017, Morris was awarded a Certificate ofAppreciation from the County
ofHawai`i and was nominatedfor the Hawai`i Island Older American Awardfor his contribution
to the art and culture ofbonsai; and
WHEREAS, on February 23, 2022, Morris passed away at the age of94. His legacy and
love ofbonsai will continue to inspire all those that he touched during his time teaching.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MITCHELL D. ROTH, Mayor of the County of Hawai`i, do
hereby proclaim July 1,2022, as
MORRIS KIEO NAKAISHI DAY
in the County ofHawai'i as wejoin together in gratitudefor the life and teachings ofMorris
Nakaishi, who presented us an opportunity topractice patience, effort, creativity, and personal
expression, through his deep appreciationfor the living art ofbonsai.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused The Seal of the
County ofHawai`i to be affixed. Done this 1s'day ofJuly 2022 in Hilo, Hawai`i.
alt.
MITCHELL D. ROTH
MAYOR