Do you remember David Nakada? He was the guy who was everybody’s best friend in high school. David saw himself as just being a regular guy and claims he barely graduated from Kaimuki and never would have gone to college without the help of KHS counselors Mrs. Edna Nakamura and Mr. Seiso Taniguchi. They saw the potential in the "misunderstood underachiever." David says, "My GPA was so bad that it didn't meet the minimum standard for the University of Hawaii, so I didn't bother to apply. I don’t know how Mrs. Nakamura swung it, but I got the interview, then filled out an application.” The counselors were proven right because David went on to obtain a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in business administration.
David majored in elementary education at UH. He says he only did it to get a job, but it is not surprising that he chose a profession where he could help to mold the minds of children and mentor “misunderstood underachievers.” As a youngster, he saw the value of being given a chance so he was the first in line to offer children a helping hand.
For 35 years, David was the executive director for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH). He oversaw an operation which provided services to over 14,000 children on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i every year with a budget of over $4.2 million. The Club works with local, state and federal agencies to offer services to young people and families. Some of these services include providing homework help; access to computers; opportunities for career exploration; programs that address issues like resisting violence, drug abuse, obesity and teen pregnancy; developing multicultural appreciation; developing fitness; reducing stress; and building positive social skills.
After retiring from BGCH in 2011, David, like many successful individuals, was consulting until last year. Once fully retired, he has been doing more of what he truly loves: surfing.
He adds that he is a terrible golfer, not a good fisherman, cannot dive or play music. While this may be true, David only downplays his talents because he was never the kind of person who looked for any praise for his accomplishments, of which there are many – impressive and well-deserved.
