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Pundy Yokouchi is presented with the Inaugural Masaru "Pundy" Yokouchi
LAE’ULA Award
Lae’ula: well trained, clever person; expert.
Literally, lae’ula means red brow or forehead. It references one who is always in the sun, or looking at the sun. This represents one that is enlightened and is a visionary.
The Maui reference for lae’ula stems from a class of warriors well known for their well planned and executed war strategies.
A seafaring reference for lae’ula is for a navigator. A navigator’s major responsibility is to observe the heavens (the sun, the moon, the stars) to find direction. One whose brow is red is a result of this ability and responsibility.
Lae’ula is a person that exhibits leadership and guidance. He or she is intelligent, diligent, energetic, consistent, and endures through challenges.
These qualities may be used and seen in various ways and abilities, may it be a persons commitment to charity, business, family or community, a lae’ula will always arise from the majority.
Masaru “Pundy” Yokouchi exemplifies Lae’ula. In 1992, Pundy purchased and gifted the site of the Bailey House Museum to the Maui Historical Society with the vision of preserving culture for future generations. This extraordinary demonstration of philanthropy and vision is only one example of this man’s character – but to a small non-profit museum it represents a watershed milestone beyond compare and enables the preservation and sharing of Maui’s history. His generosity has secured the future preservation of Maui’s history and will keep it alive for generations to come. This selfless act was in the spirit of Lae’ula.
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