The Lifetime Friends Award goes to the individuals who have made a lasting contribution to KoAloha Ukulele and the Ukulele Community. We recognize the incredible achievements and honor them with this prestigious award. Mahalo for all of your work!
Roy and Kathy Sakuma – Our Inspiration
When I founded KoAloha Ukulele in 1995, I had no experience at all in crafting ukulele. In spite of this startling fact, one individual believed that I would be able to produce a first class ukulele, and wholeheartedly supported my efforts with advice, expertise and a whole caboodle of his custom ukulele for me to study. Thanks Roy Sakuma for believing in me with all of your heart. Thanks for being a dear friend along with Kathy. Both of you will always be a part of the KoAloha Ohana. You have truly been and continue to be a blessing to me and my family.
- Papa KoAloha
Hamo – Our Japanese Soul Brother
Years ago, we learned of a website dedicated to KoAloha, designed and maintained by a supporter. This site keeps a comprehensive history of KoAloha, and its development over the years. This person is the man we have come to know simply as Hamo. His real name is Yoshikazu Hashimori and his heart pumps KoAloha all the way through. Hamo has also been serving as the unofficial center for repair of KoAloha instruments in Japan as some customers are too shy to contact us. Hamo, we appreciate your love and dedication to us.
Please visit Hamo’s Website: www.hamo.jp/uku/ and also his Japanese KoAloha Website: www.hamo.jp/koaloha
