Origins of the ASA Hawaii Chapter
The Hawaii Chapter of the American Statistical Association was organized in the Spring of 1947.
John F. Child, Jr., a leading Honolulu real estate appraiser and business research consultant, had discussed the desirability of forming a local chapter with other island statisticians. On May 24, 1947, Andrew S. Wong, Registrar--General for the Territorial Department of Health, mailed invitations to all known ASA members residing in Hawaii to attend a meeting to discuss formation of such a chapter. This meeting was held in the Board of Health lounge in the basement of the Kapuaiwa Building on May 29 at 2 p.m. Mr. Child served as temporary chairman and Mr. Wong was secretary pro tem. Seven other persons attended: Keith A. Hill, Lillian Louis, John A. Rademaker, Paul E. Summers, Chester K. Wentworth, Garnon P. Williams, and Margaret S. Wright. This group authorized the temporary chairman to initiate the organization of a Hawaii Chapter. At a second luncheon meeting, held at Kewalo Inn on August 13, the membership unanimously elected John Child as President, Chester Wentworth as First Vice President, Keith Hill as Second Vice President, and Margaret Wright as Secretary-Treasurer. An Executive Committee meeting, called for September 12, was marked by the announcement that national headquarters had approved organization of the Hawaii Chapter and found the constitution acceptable as submitted, although minor changes were suggested.
The ASA formally acted on admission of the Hawaii Chapter in December 1947, and early in January, 1948, granted it a charter.
[An excerpt from The Hawaii Chapter of the American Statistical Association, 1947-1987, by Robert C. Schmitt for distribution at the fortieth anniversary meeting of the Chapter on July 22, 1987.]