{"id":484879,"date":"2026-01-01T14:14:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T14:14:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/484879\/"},"modified":"2026-01-01T14:14:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T14:14:16","slug":"dr-billy-bergin-keeper-of-the-paniolo-spirit-named-living-treasure-of-hawaii-big-island-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/484879\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr. Billy Bergin \u2014 keeper of the paniolo spirit \u2014 named Living Treasure of Hawai\u2018i : Big Island Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\"\"<\/a>Image Compiled: (Big Island Now)<\/p>\n

The Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i program \u2014 celebrating its 51st year in 2026 \u2014 continues a cherished tradition of honoring those whose lives reflect the very best of our islands \u2014 excellence, compassion and a deep commitment to enriching our society.<\/p>\n

Founded in 1976 by Bishop Yoshiaki Fujitani and inspired by Japan\u2019s Living National Treasures, the program honors people who \u2014 through mastery and service \u2014 enrich Hawai\u2018i\u2019s cultural, artistic and humanitarian landscape.<\/p>\n

The 2026 honorees will be celebrated during the 51st Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i luncheon Feb. 21, 2026, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waik\u012bk\u012b Beach Resort Coral Ballroom.<\/p>\n

Tickets can be purchased at the Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn about this year\u2019s Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i.<\/p>\n

* * * * * * * * *<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Dr. Billy Bergin (Photo Courtesy: Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i)<\/p>\n

Billy Bergin: Keeper of the Paniolo Spirit<\/p>\n

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Few names resonate more in Hawai\u2018i\u2019s ranching legacy \u2014 from the misty hills of Waimea to the rugged pastures of Parker Ranch \u2014 than Dr. Billy Bergin,<\/strong> who is being honored for his lifetime of service, leadership and cultural preservation.<\/p>\n

Bergin \u2014 a veterinarian, rancher and historian \u2014 dedicated more than 55 years to advancing animal care and celebrating Hawai\u2018i\u2019s paniolo heritage. He pioneered herd health programs and sustainable ranching practices as Parker Ranch\u2019s chief veterinarian, all of which reflect Hawaiian values of kuleana and aloha \u02bb\u0101ina.<\/p>\n

He also founded the Paniolo Preservation Society, safeguarding the stories and artifacts of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s ranching history.<\/p>\n

Bergin\u2019s advocacy led to national recognition for local cowboys, including the induction of Ikua Purdy and John Palmer Parker into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum\u2019s Hall of Fame, and creation of Waimea\u2019s iconic Ikua Purdy statue.<\/p>\n

Bergin \u2014 author of the acclaimed \u201cLoyal to the Land\u201d book series \u2014 continues to write, teach and share the paniolo spirit from his home in Waimea, where he lives with his wife of 63 years, Patricia (Cockett) Bergin.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Bruce Ka\u2018imiloa Chrisman (Photo Courtesy: Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i)<\/p>\n

Bruce Ka\u2018imiloa Chrisman: Reviving the Lost Arts of Hawai\u2018i<\/p>\n

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Dr. Bruce Ka\u2018imiloa Chrisman<\/strong> \u2014 physician, artisan and cultural historian \u2014 has been one of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s most dedicated champions of traditional knowledge for more than 5 decades.<\/p>\n

\u201cKa\u2018imiloa\u201d means \u201cone who seeks endlessly\u201d and is known affectionately as Kumu Ka\u2018imiloa, since he has devoted his life to researching, reviving and teaching the traditional arts and culture of Hawai\u2019i.<\/p>\n

He immersed himself in Hawaiian culture after moving to Hawai\u2018i in the 1970s as a U.S. Navy physician, learning from renowned k\u016bpuna throughout the islands.<\/p>\n

His curiosity and respect led him to master numerous art forms \u2014 wood, stone, bone, shell, featherwork, kapa, tattooing and hula implements. But his most groundbreaking achievement was reviving the lost art of ipu pawehe, the intricately dyed gourds once reserved for ali\u2018i.<\/p>\n

He rediscovered the traditional dyeing process after 15 years of careful research and experimentation, bringing back an art that vanished for generations.<\/p>\n

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Chrisman\u2019s teaching reached students throughout Hawai\u2018i and beyond. He lectured at Bishop Museum, Kamehameha Schools and Ka \u2018Aha Hula o H\u0101lauaola, as well as served as a cultural resource to museums worldwide.<\/p>\n

His humility and generosity earned him respect from all who learn from him \u2014 he shares his vast knowledge freely, asking only that his students \u201cpass it on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chrisman \u2014 now in his 80s \u2014 continues to teach online through the University of Hawai\u2018i at Hilo Outreach Program and his YouTube channel, ensuring traditional Hawaiian knowledge remains alive and accessible to future generations.<\/p>\n

His life\u2019s work exemplifies kuleana, aloha \u2018\u0101ina and a tireless dedication to preserving the wisdom of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s ancestors.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>M\u0101puana de Silva (Photo Courtesy: Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i)<\/p>\n

M\u0101puana de Silva: A Lifetime of Hula, Healing and Leadership<\/p>\n

Kumu Hula M\u0101puana de Silva<\/strong> devoted her life for 50 years to preserving, teaching and sharing the art of hula.<\/p>\n

De Silva \u2014 founder and kumu hula of H\u0101lau M\u014dhala \u02bbIlima \u2014 trained generations of dancers and cultural practitioners who embody the values of ha\u02bbaha\u02bba, m\u0101lama and pono \u2014 humility, care and integrity.<\/p>\n

She received her \u02bb\u016bniki (formal graduation) as a student of legendary hula master Maiki Aiu Lake in 1975, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to teaching hula as art and philosophy.<\/p>\n

Her h\u0101lau has become a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture since its founding in 1976, known for its excellence and authenticity on the Merrie Monarch stage and in community life. De Silva\u2019s bold decision early on to focus exclusively on traditional hula set her h\u0101lau apart as a beacon of cultural integrity and discipline.<\/p>\n

Her impact reaches far beyond performance.<\/p>\n

Partnering with the University of Hawai\u2018i John A. Burns School of Medicine, she helped develop Ola Hou i ka Hula, a groundbreaking program that uses hula to improve cardiovascular and emotional health.<\/p>\n

De Silva\u2019s work bridges indigenous practice and modern science, demonstrating how Hawaiian knowledge continues to heal and empower communities.<\/p>\n

She has also served as an international ambassador of culture through the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture, representing Hawai\u2018i in global forums as chairwoman of the council for 8 years and leading the state\u2019s participation in the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.<\/p>\n

De Silva leads with humility and courage at home in Kailua, O\u02bbahu.<\/p>\n

Through organizations such as Hika\u02bbalani and the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club, she has championed the protection of sacred sites, iwi k\u016bpuna and the perpetuation of Hawaiian identity. Her teaching philosophy \u2014 rooted in respect, discipline and aloha \u2014 shaped generations of students who carry her values into every corner of life.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Jim and Vickie Kennedy (Photo Courtesy: Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i)<\/p>\n

Jim and Vickie Kennedy: Making the Invisible Visible<\/p>\n

James \u201cJim\u201d Kennedy Jr. and Victoria \u201cVickie\u201d Reiko Kennedy<\/strong> embody the quiet power of service.<\/p>\n

They have championed for years communities too often overlooked \u2014 especially blind and low-vision residents and legitimate service-dog teams \u2014 building access, dignity and understanding throughout Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>\n

Vickie Kennedy, totally blind, turned her lived experience into leadership to help the blind. On Guide Dogs for the Blind\u2019s board from 2002\u201311, she chaired development for 7 years and helped launch Support Our Canine Heroes, a signature gala that has raised more than $10 million for veterinary care.<\/p>\n

She volunteers in Hawai\u02bbi through Guide Dogs of Hawai\u02bbi, encourages assistive technology, leads major events for Hawai\u02bbi Association of the Blind, seeks to provide hope to newly diagnosed blind and their families and served on Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s Statewide Independent Living Council, bringing to it real-world disability expertise.<\/p>\n

Jim Kennedy brought executive rigor to community work.<\/p>\n

As executive director of Hawai\u02bbi Fi-Do Service Dogs, he led public education and legislative advocacy that culminated in Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s law penalizing fake service dogs, protecting legitimate teams and reducing conflict.<\/p>\n

A seasoned grant writer and nonprofit leader, he also helped build M\u0101lama i n\u0101 Honu, securing its nonprofit status, obtaining grants, serving as president\/treasurer and volunteering on the beach as a \u201cHonu Guardian.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together they advance accessibility in places most visitors never think about.<\/p>\n

They co-crafted audio descriptions for brochures \u2014 turning silent images into vivid narratives at the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, Kalaupapa National Historic Park and Pearl Harbor National Memorial with the National Park Service\u2019s UniDescription project.<\/p>\n

They also worked on the descriptions for the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Grand Teton National Park.<\/p>\n

That work makes iconic sites more welcoming to blind and low-vision visitors.<\/p>\n

Their compassion is hands-on. With Vickie Kennedy\u2019s retired guide dogs, they provided thousands of pet-therapy visits at The Queen\u2019s Medical Center and St. Francis Hospice.<\/p>\n

They both were recently elected to the board of directors of Damien Memorial School in Honolulu.<\/p>\n

Honoring Jim and Vickie Kennedy helped change laws, reshaped public messaging, expanded access to national parks and comforted families \u2014 always choosing impact instead of attention.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Sheree Tamura (Photo Courtesy: Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i)<\/p>\n

Sheree Tamura: Dancing Tradition Forward<\/p>\n

Sheree Tamura<\/strong> \u2014 Hanayagi Mitsusumi Sensei \u2014 has been a guiding light in Japanese classical dance, shamisen and cultural education for more than 60 years in Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>\n

Founder of the Hanayagi Mitsusumi Dance Studio, she trained generations of students in nihon buy\u014d while fostering respect, discipline and appreciation for Japanese values.<\/p>\n

Her artistry has graced countless stages \u2014 from Merrie Monarch-style community events to international festivals and diplomatic receptions, including performances honoring Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.<\/p>\n

She personally escorted Prince and Princess Akishino om 2018 during their visit to Hawai\u02bbi, and was invited in 2019 to a private meeting with Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masaki during the Association of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad Convention in Tokyo, symbolizing her lifelong role as a bridge between Japan and its global Nikkei communities.<\/p>\n

Tamura is equally admired at home for her selfless leadership.<\/p>\n

As president and long-time board member of the United Japanese Society of Hawai\u02bbi, she coordinated major legacy events; through the Japanese Women\u2019s Society Foundation she brings dance, music and joy to k\u016bpuna at Kuakini Home; and with Waipahu Hongwanji Mission she shares her artistry at temple celebrations.<\/p>\n

She created online cultural videos for children and seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue learning from home.<\/p>\n

Honored with the 2018 Consul General of Japan Commendation and as 2017 United Japanese Society of Hawai\u02bbi Outstanding Member of the Year, Tamura is one of Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s foremost keepers of Japanese arts.<\/p>\n

Yet her greatest achievement is the community she built \u2014 one where tradition thrives and gratitude guides every step.<\/p>\n

* * * * * * * * *<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Living Treasures of Hawai\u2019i program was created by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai\u02bbi, inspired by the Living National Treasures of Japan.<\/p>\n

The late Bishop Yoshiaki Fujitani started the program at the suggestion of Paul Yamanaka, a local insurance executive, who wanted to honor those unique to the islands who demonstrate excellent and high standards of achievement in their particular fields and continue to make a significant contribution towards enriching our society.<\/p>\n

Visit the Living Treasures of Hawai\u02bbi website<\/a><\/strong> for additional information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Image Compiled: (Big Island Now) The Living Treasures of Hawai\u2018i program \u2014 celebrating its 51st year in 2026…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":484880,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[219291,219292,14887,14888,219293,219294,746,219295,48176,219296,219297,219298,219299,219300,159,219301,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-484879","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-environment","8":"tag-2026-honorees","9":"tag-51st-living-treasures-of-hawaii-luncheon","10":"tag-big-island-news","11":"tag-big-island-now","12":"tag-bruce-kaimiloa-chrisman","13":"tag-dr-billy-bergin","14":"tag-environment","15":"tag-feb-21-2026","16":"tag-hawaii-news","17":"tag-hilton-hawaiian-village-waikiki-beach-resort-coral-ballroom","18":"tag-honpa-hongwanji-mission-of-hawaii","19":"tag-jim-and-vickie-kennedy","20":"tag-living-treasures-of-hawaii","21":"tag-mapuana-de-silva","22":"tag-science","23":"tag-sheree-tamura","24":"tag-united-states","25":"tag-unitedstates","26":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115820263245630426","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/484879","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=484879"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/484879\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/484880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=484879"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=484879"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=484879"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}