Island Screen, Inc., a family-owned business located in Waipahu, donated $5,000 to the Island Pacific Academy Annual Fund this week. “Our business has been around for 45 years,” says Carmen Nitahara, who along with her husband, Arthur, started up the company back in 1970. “As a business owner, I know it’s hard when you start off. IPA has done a lot for my grandchildren. Its a good school, something nice to have on this side of the island, but its new. I give (to the Annual Fund) because I’d like to see the school continue to thrive,” Nitahara says.
Matsumoto and Uesugi cousins: Charles, Carley, Kate, and Anne are all IPA students. (Jack is represented by his sister’s t-shirt which features his college logo.)
IPA parents Lisa Uesugi and Cindy Matsumoto are the Nitahara’s two daughters. Five Nitahara grandchildren were or are IPA students. Jack Uesugi (’13) attends Boston College; Kate Uesugi (’15) just finished her first semester at the George Washington University; Anne Uesugi (’19) is an IPA freshman. Carley (’18) and Charles Matsumoto (’22) are grandchildren four and five. Nitahara, who still works in the office at Island Screen says, “All three of my children grew up working in the store, some of the grandkids too. When Jack comes home from college in the summer, he works with us,” says Nitahara.
Jack Uesugi (’13) and sister Kate (’15) at their IPA commencements.
Nitahara says her daughters and grandchildren have advantages being IPA families. “My son went to Punahou, and even back then, the drive! So when Lisa decided to send Jack to IPA, I was so happy for them,” shares Nitahara. “I support IPA because the school embraces the local community, not just the affluent,” she says. “IPA has pluses that other places don’t. If I can help the school in anyway, even a little, it makes me happy to do so.”
The Nithara’s and Island Screen also supported last year’s Grand Expedition by sponsoring a table.
