About

History

HUGS had very humble beginnings. In fact it didn't begin as a place at all but as one founder put it, it began as a "relationship" between families, staff, volunteers and the board. The concept was the brainchild of a small group of volunteers from the Unity Church that, at that time, was headed by Pastor Michael Murphy. Initially, called just the "Center" it was later named the Young People's Support Center (it became known as HUGS in 1989).

When Lency Spezzano became the first Executive Director she recognized that a broad influence was needed to take the fledgling agency to the next plateau. At her invitation, Tommy Holmes a local entrepreneur, sailor and charismatic community leader stepped in as Board President (he served for 6 years). His unwavering commitment, extraordinary compassion and tremendous work ethic took HUGS to new heights as he brought many other influential individuals into the fold.

Philip "Pip" White became the next Board President in 1988 and served in that capacity until 1990. In 1986, prior to his presidency, Pip attained our Aloha United Way designation, which, to this day is still critical to HUGS survival. Pip's strength lay in his ability to keep the agency focused yet calm as it suffered through many of its growing pains. He is also credited with increasing the support base. Self-deprecating in his memory of this presidency, he deferred many times to others who helped to shape HUGS. He recalls, "It was always a struggle to come up with the dollars needed to sustain the agency. What is most amazing to me is that HUGS always managed to have a dedicated and creative board. I view that as a great strength. Though the board members are not always the most prominent names in the community, they are very involved."

Next in Pip's footsteps was Katie Aeby, President from 1990-1992; to this day, she is still talked about around town with great admiration. She put HUGS on the map so to speak by creating a hugely successful fundraiser, identifying a home for HUGS (which we still occupy) and attracting many new people and resources to the agency. Katie possessed a great combination of high energy, commitment, focus and intelligence.

Taryn Schuman stepped in next and guided the agency through new and painful challenges (1992-1993). Taryn's tenure, in retrospect, was probably one of the most difficult as HUGS moved away from the counselor model of care to one of empowering families. A number of positions were eliminated and new job descriptions were created as she refocused the staff, the board, the families, the volunteers and even the public on the basic mission of HUGS. Her team approach and tenacity are credited with bringing much-needed expertise to the HUGS table.

Wayne Nielson served as President from 1993-1994. When asked about his role in HUGS history, Wayne articulated this, "When I joined, it was in it's infancy and known as the Young People's Support Center. I came in to fine tune policies and procedures, which, turned into a 12-year commitment. They were 12 good years and I felt I was able to contribute both my time and talent in a very positive manner." HUGS maintains a wonderful relationship with Wayne.

Another huge turning point in the history of HUGS occurred under the leadership of Arnold Morgado (1994-1995). HUGS was in dire straits financially and drastic measures were taken to avoid the need to merge with another organization or close the doors of the agency. This looming inevitability required making a series of hard decisions. One necessitated reducing the staff from five full-time employees to three and redefining the areas of responsibility. The other entailed cutting the budget by 50%. The board's focus then became long-term survivability. Fortunately, our fundraiser that year was highly profitable and HUGS regained its financial footing. Although, it was a stressful year, services were maintained without impacting negatively on the families.

Charin Tomomitsu (1995-1996)

Robert "Bob" Takamatsu, President from 1996-1997 is unflappable, extremely compassionate and never has an unkind word for anyone. Always one to believe in the goodness of others, he brings out the best in those around him with his firm, yet pleasing style. He was a wonderful mentor to the staff and a calming influence in tough times. Bob had this to say about HUGS, "A child diagnosed with a serious illness brings heartache to everyone close to that child. Our vision at HUGS was to look beyond the pain and bring joy to ill children and their families. HUGS provides tremendous support to not only ill children, but also to those who shoulder the heaviest burden -- their brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. Throughout my many years at HUGS, we never lost focus of that vision. I dream of having a world with no childhood illnesses. Until then, I am thankful for the world of HUGS."

Andrea Kia who served from 1997 to 1998 had this to share about her role in HUGS history. "As President, we were on our way to becoming the agency we had envisioned a few years earlier. Due to the insightful guidance of Bob Takamatsu (my predecessor) HUGS had taken on a much-needed feeling of stability. We certainly had our challenges. The executive committee will remember all too many meetings and conference calls and decisions, which, we knew would be worth every bit of time and effort. I think all these "growing pains" were necessary to be the outstanding agency HUGS is today. The best part of HUGS for me is the friendships I have gained, especially with the families. I am constantly amazed at their courage, grace and beauty under such incredible pressure. They inspire me in ways I never thought possible. I am so grateful for their friendships."

Charles Loomis, VP and General Council at Alexander & Baldwin Properties led the organization from 1998-1999. Charlie's intelligence, honesty and especially his sense of humor are legendary at HUGS. "My goal was to stabilize the staff and refocus on delivering services to the families. We needed to insert new energy to bring in more families. Earl Kaneshiro was the Treasurer back then which was great because he really kept us on track financially. With all that said, for me, it is always heartwarming to work with the community who's always shown HUGS great generosity."

Earl Kaneshiro could always be counted on as the voice of "fiscal" reason. His many years in banking (he has served as Chief Credit Officer in Credit Administration at City Bank) gave HUGS the financial solid ground it needs in order to focus on its mission. Earl, ever humble had this to say about his Presidency (1999-2000), "When I took over, I thought, because of what I saw, there was the potential to grow and make a difference. We needed to be very clear where we envisioned ourselves in order to take control of our own destiny. One goal was to put a strategic plan in place and to put the board's financial vision together with that of the staff. We were on more firm ground financially so we could expend the energy to plan for the future appropriately."

Rick Maldonado holds a special place in HUGS history. He served (2000-2001) as the first ever HUGS parent to become Board President. Rick and his wife Evelyn joined the HUGS Ohana in the most trying of times, their son Nicholas had been diagnosed with a virulent form of cancer called neuroblastoma. Nicholas died post bone marrow transplant in May of 1996. Initially they stayed for the bereavement support but they in turn became a tremendous source of support and hope to other HUGS parents and children. Rick became a Parent Representative on the Board and subsequently President. Rick is extremely vocal in his support and often is heard to say, "HUGS was a place my son could go and see other bald heads and kids on chemo and not feel self-conscious; he was totally accepted and knew there were other kids to talk to who shared his feelings. We have been to other cities and other hospitals and there was nothing like HUGS being offered. No matter where I go in my life, HUGS will always have my support."

Cindy Cote', our Board President during 2001 - 2002, shares this message, "My involvement with HUGS began about 10 years ago. I was drawn to the agency because of their mission - helping families with seriously ill children. My goal as President was to further strengthen the agency so that we can continue to strengthen families who are in medical crisis." Cindy wore many hats at HUGS by also serving as a fundraiser chair and a Board vice president.

Catha Combs is the second HUGS parent to serve as Board President. She served in that role from 2003 through 2005. Catha brought many unique gifts to the agency. She is a wife, a HUGS mom to a special needs child and a consummate professional as partner in the CPA firm of Wikoff & Combs, LLC and seems to balance these roles seamlessly. Catha is also widely respected for her excellent management style that permits a free exchange of ideas and concepts while always keeping the focus on HUGS' mission and the families it serves. Catha had this to say about her Presidency, "It has been my privilege to represent the HUGS families as the Organization's President. As a HUGS parent, my family and I directly benefit from HUGS' programs and see our staff, volunteers and community groups in action. Everyone involved with HUGS wins as it's a wonderful support organization that provides many happy moments for so many families in Hawaii".