HPU Board Member Receives Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun

A member of Hawai‘i Pacific University’s Board of Trustees has received one of Japan’s highest imperial decorations.

Donald Mitsuo Takaki, an HPU board member since 2018, has been honored with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of his many contributions to society, the Consulate General of Japan recently announced.

“The HPU ‘Ohana salutes and congratulates Mr. Takaki on this recognition, and we continue in our gratitude for his service to our university and the invaluable perspective he shares through our Board of Trustees,” HPU President John Gotanda said.

Takaki serves as chairman and CEO of HawkTree International, Inc. and chairman and CEO of Island Movers, Inc.

Through his role as president and general manager of the non-profit organization Pacific Region Baseball, Inc., Takaki has encouraged cross-cultural learning through bringing student-athletes to and from Hawaiʻi and Asia. In 2017, the Hiroshima Universities Baseball League, the Prefecture of Hiroshima, and the Kyushu Universities Baseball League recognized Mr. Takaki for his leadership in international sports exchanges and education.

Takaki’s community commitment also includes having served on the boards of Bank of Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiʻi Hotel and Lodging Association, Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Korean Chamber of Commerce, and Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi. He was Chairman of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority and the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau. He also served on the board of ʻIolani School for 27 years.

Don Takaki is a proud graduate of Maui High School, and in 2007, he was recognized as a Distinguished Public School Graduate by the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation.