One of the biggest perks of being Sansei’s publicist for more than a decade was the honor of calling Sandy “Mom” Kodama my friend. Everyone who ever met her, loved her. And even if you never had the privilege of meeting her, believe me when I tell you her spirit inhabits every inch of every one of her son D.K.’s restaurants. Much of the aloha you feel comes directly from “Mom.” Her passing in October 2008 was a HUGE loss. Not just to her husband, Tamateru, and her children and her grandchildren, her extended family, and her vast network of friends. Hawai‘i’s foodservice community lost its most enthusiastic cheerleader. 

        So it could not be more fitting that “Dad” Kodama – with the support of his family – established the endowed Sunao Sandy “Mom” Kodama Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund provides scholarships to students in Leeward Community College’s culinary program, with preference given to students who graduated from a Hawai‘i high school.
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        “Dad” says it best. “Sandy treated people with love and respect, and always encouraged young people to follow their dreams. With this scholarship in her memory, her legacy of love and support lives on. It is our hope that this fund will help make it possible for local students with a passion for the culinary arts to live their dreams and become chefs.”

        Those of us who knew her continue to be inspired by her every day. Now, a whole new generation of culinarians will be inspired by her, too.

        If you or a friend would like to make gift to give students the chance to become great chefs in Mom Kodama’s memory, please consider making a gift to the Sunao Sandy “Mom” Kodama Memorial Scholarship Fund, at www.uhf.hawaii.edu/SunaoSandyKodama.