Scoutmaster Glenn Sako presented Trey Nakagawa, Craig Okahara-Olsen and Nathan Yoshida the rank of Eagle Scout during a Court of Honor on Aug. 11 at the Church of the Holy Cross in Hilo.
These three Scouts began their Scouting journey 12 years ago, as first-graders with Cub Scout Pack 19, and continued on the trail to Eagle with Boy Scout Troop 19. They are graduates of Waiakea High School’s class of 2018.
Nakagawa’s Eagle Scout Service Project involved the planting of 18 cycads and six shade palms in the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s botanical garden. This beautification project included the construction of a rock stand that holds a sign announcing the garden.
Don Hemmes, creator and caretaker of the botanical garden, served as Nakagawa’s guide and counselor for this project. Troop 19 Scouts, leaders and family members assisted Nakagawa in the completion of this project.
“Scouting has taught me valuable lessons in being a better leader and citizen of this nation,” Nakagawa said.
Nakagawa is attending the University of Portland with plans on majoring in engineering. He is the son of Craig and April Nakagawa of Hilo.
Okahara-Olsen’s Eagle Scout Service Project benefited Wailoa River State Recreation Area. He led Troop 19 Scouts and leaders in the construction and installation of two 14-foot tables that replaced worn tables in the large pavilion at the park. Douglas Olsen served as project adviser.
Okahara-Olsen, son of Douglas Olsen and Kara Okahara of Hilo, graduated as valedictorian of his class. He also is the first Hawaii high school student to earn an associate’s degree from Hawaii Community College through the Early College Program. Okahara-Olsen will further his education at the University of San Francisco.
During the Court of Honor, Okahara-Olsen recognized Nakagawa and Yoshida for pushing him and supporting him on earning his Eagle rank.
Yoshida, along with his fellow Scouts, leaders, family and friends of Troop 19, built and installed five picnic tables and three concrete slabs at Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Park in Hilo.
One table was anchored to each of the slabs and two of the existing, damaged tables were replaced with newly constructed ones. County Parks and Recreation Parks Project Manager Kevin Sakai guided Yoshida throughout the project. Conrad Dakujaku and JoAnne Dakujaku of C. Dakujaku Construction advised and assisted with the forms and pouring of the concrete slabs.
Yoshida was a member of Waiakea High School’s baseball team, winning two BIIF Championships and competing in the Hawaii High School State Baseball Tournament.
He graduated from WHS as valedictorian of the class of 2018. He is attending Creighton University, pursuing a degree in chemistry on the track of dentistry. He is the son of Alvin and Colleen Yoshida of Hilo.
The Eagle Scouts were given a Mentor’s Pin, awarded to an individual who made a significant influence in his growth in becoming an Eagle Scout.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 19 is chartered by the Waiakea Lions Club and is supported by the United Community Church of Hilo.