MESSAGES & RESOLUTION
read during HAB's 40th ANNUAL CONVENTION
 
>>DANIEL K. AKAKA
U.S. SENATOR

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest aloha and greetings to the
members of the Hawaii Associalion of the Blind and guests at your 40lh Annual Convention Banquet.
On this occasion, I would like to express my admiration to the members of the Hawaii Association of the Blind for taking such an active role in addressing the pressing needs of our blind community. I also wish to express my warmest aloha to your keynote speaker, Mr. Christopher Gray, President of the American Council of the Blind.
I know that yours has been an influential force in Hawaii for the past 40 years, a remarkable history that will be surpassed only by an even more distinguished future.
Tonight is a time to rejoice and renew commitments and an opportunity for the interaction and exchange of information and ideas. By uniting and focusing on common goals, you have not only empowered yourselves and secured a respected position in this community for your organization, but you have also furthered the representation of our blind community.
In the spirit of this occasion, my best wishes go out to you for a most enjoyable 40th Annual Convention Banquet.
Aloha pumehana,


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>>DANIEL K. INOUYE
U.S. SENATOR

Dear Friends,
Thank you for your kind invitation to attend your 40th Annuajl Convention Banquet.
Unfortunately, due to my legislative responsibilities in Washington, D.C., I am unable to join you this evening. However, please know that ybu are in my thoughts on this gathering.
May I congratulate your members for their continued dedication to assist those who are visually impaired in providing them with confidence to remain independent. Your services and programs are valued by many in our island communities who are in need of assistance.
You have my best wishes for a most memorable and successful! convention event, and for all your future endeavors.

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>>.Linda Lingle
Governor. Stale of Hawai'i
>>.lames R. "Duke" Aiona. Jr.
Lieutenant Governor, State of I lawai'i
On behalf of the people of Hawai'i, we send greetings of aloha and offer our congratulations as you celebrate your 40th anniversary.
Since 1967, the Hawai'i Association of the Blind has played an important role in our state by empowering and expanding opportunities for our blind citizens. We appreciate the Association's many programs and scholarships, which promote the self-development of our citizens and enable them to integrate into our society. We arc also grateful for your organization's
continued service and advocacy on behalf of the interests of the blind community.

Our best wishes for a memorable convention, and the continued success of your organization.

Aloha.

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>>JEFF THOM
PRESIDENT, CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND

Whereas, the Hawaii Association of the Blind is celebrating
its 40th anniversary; and
Whereas, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, since its
inception, has been providing outstanding services to the
blind and visually impaired population of the state; and
Whereas, the Hawaii Association of the Blind and the
California Council of the Blind, as Pacific Coast neighbors,
have had a long and cordial relationship, sharing
information and ideas, and lasting bonds of friendship
have formed amongst our members;
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Board of Directors of the California
Council of the Blind, this 17th day of March, that the
California Council of the Blind congratulate its neighboring
ACB affiliate, the Hawaii Association of the Blind on 40
years of outstanding services to Hawaii's blind and visually
impaired population, and be it further
Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be suitably
prepared for presentation to Mr. Warren Toyama, President
of the Hawaii Association of the Blind, at the 40th annual
convention of that organization.

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>>MUFI HANNEMANN
MAYOR - CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU, HAWAII

I am pleased lo send my warmest aloha to all who are gathered at the Pagoda Hotel for the Hawaii Association of the Blind's 40Ul Annual Convention Banquet.
Our community salutes your organization for its dedicated work on behalf of
those without sight. Your mission of "advocating independence, equality and opportunity for the blind" has touched many lives, while helping to enlighten our general population on the rights, needs and capabilities of those you represent.
Your association has worked tirelessly since it was established in 1967 to change laws, regulations and—perhaps most importantly—altitudes that impact the blind. Your record of accomplishments must be especially gratifying to your president and founder, Mr. Warren Toyama.
On behalf of the people of the City and County of Honolulu, I extend
congratulations on this special occasion and best wishes for continued success.

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March 23, 2007

Dear Warren and HAB members,

Thank you very much for the recent $500 donation to the
visually impaired students of the Leeward district. There are 40
students in the Leeward district, and as I write this letter, we
are anticipating 2 more students in the Campbell complex. The
students have a range of challenges from learning Braille to
basic sheltered workshop readiness.
Some of the activities the students have participated in during
the current school year to date are: the White Cane walk,
mobility field trips involving time and money management skills,
community college and university visitations, and mentoring
activities. The students thoroughly enjoy all these activities,
and it gives them an invaluable opportunity to learn and
practice skills they wouldn't otherwise experience.
Thank you very much for your generosity and continued
support as we work together for the benefit of the next
generation of visually impaired successful adults.

Sincerely,
Karen Y. Kojima
Francine Loo
Hope Yasuhara
Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Leeward district