Living treasure Norman Sakata marked his 95th birthday Tuesday with special recognition for his never-ending service to the Big Island community.
Sakata was recognized by Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth for his volunteer service, leadership capabilities and dedication to a life of community service on the Big Island as a spokesperson for the Kona coffee industry, Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Lions Eye Bank of Hawaii, Lions Club of Kona, Red Cross and as a Scouts Explorer Advisor for the late Astronaut Col. Ellison Onizuka.
“Thank you so much Norm for everything that you’ve done in your life — all the volunteer activities, the scouting, the Kona Coffee Festival, the Sight is Beautiful contest and the numerous people that you’ve helped,” Roth said after asking the small group present to think about how often they get the chance to “be in the presence of a living treasure for our island.”