Community Service Report
Hawaii Betsuin Golf Tournament
August 14, 2025
BWA members and friends contributed to the success of Hawaii Betsuin’s Golf Tournament fundraiser by putting together goody bags, registering golfers, selling raffle tickets, and assisting outside.
In Remembrance and Reflection: Commemorating 80 Years Since the End of World War II
August 14, 2025
A hybrid Commemoration Service was held at Hawaii Betsuin at 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 14, in remembrance and reflection of the “immense human cost of conflict.” The featured speaker was Ms. Sadae Kasaoka from Hiroshima, Japan, who was exposed to the atomic bomb when she was 12 years old. An Atomic Bomb Photo Posters Exhibition was held in the social hall from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Mahalo to Sharyn Sekine who coordinated the volunteer efforts of BWA members and friends downstairs in the exhibition area and upstairs serving refreshments.
Honolulu United BWA Joint Education and Membership Conference August 16, 2025
The theme of this year’s HUBWA joint conference was Seeing Dementia...Through Eyes of Compassion; 23 members and guests of HI Betsuin’s BWA attended. The conference opened with a Remembrance Service during which flowers were offered in loving memory of the BWA decedents of the past year. At the close of the service, attendees contributed generously ($2,085) to a collection for the Ministerial Training Fund.
The guest speaker for the Education Workshop was Ms. Tani Kalei Salazar, LSW, Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Services Coordinator at the Executive Office on Aging.
Her engaging presentation highlighted topics such as types of dementia, keeping one’s brain healthy as one ages, and communicating with people living with dementia. Two messages she emphasized were: (1) It is possible to have a good quality of life with dementia and (2) There’s more to a person than dementia. Ms. Salazar’s presentation was followed by candid small group discussion led by table facilitators.
Honolulu United BWA Joint Education and Membership Conference
Aug. 16, 2025
During lunch, Honolulu United BWA Dana Committee Chair, Liane Wong, announced the inspiring 2025 Dana Awards. Lynn Nakata made the presentations.
Choralfest 2025
Sept. 20, 21, 2025
Many thanks to HI Betsuin BWA members who supported Choralfest 2025 on Sat., Sept. 21, by contributing desserts, preparing food for Sat. refreshments, arranging buffet items, placing floral displays, serving food and beverages, and handling clean-up. They also assisted HI Betsuin Reception & Hospitality Co-chairs, Cha Tom and Ranelle Omura and Sept. Board Toban leaders in preparing food for Sunday’s joint refreshments. Thanks to Cindy Alm and crew who moved additional tables/chairs into the social hall Saturday afternoon for dinner and Sunday seating.
Thanks also to Cindy Alm who coordinated greeters for the Sun. Music Service and mahalo to Dianne Ida who performed MC duties wonderfully. BWA members who sang in the Festival Choir included Jane Hamaji, Irene Ida, Kaethe Kauffman, Edna Muneto, Sanae Nakai, Sharyn Sekine, Florence Wasai, and Wendie Yumori.
Hawaiian Shirts for Deployed Soldiers
Sept. 23, 2025
Jo’s report: “We sent 40 aloha shirts to the HSFDS project this month. Mahalo to our BWA SOS ladies, Shirly Kang, Sara Lee, and Denise Sueyoshi, who prepared the shirts for mailing. Gwen, the project founder, in North Carolina, is taking care of some medical issues and will not be available to do the shipping for several months. In her absence, Team Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, will be receiving the donated aloha shirts and coordinating the shipping to the deployed troops. Team Arizona has previously helped mail the shirts and is well qualified to take over in Gwen’s absence. Arizona donates more aloha shirts on a monthly basis than any other location, including Hawaii, the home of the aloha shirt! Our BWA continues to accept donated aloha shirts in wearable condition. Please contact Jo desMarets for more information.”
Ministers’ Appreciation Day
October 12, 2025
Hawaii Betsuin warmly celebrated its 7th annual Ministers’ Appreciation Day on Oct. 12. Honorees included active ministers, Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani, Hawaii Betsuin Rimban, Yuika Hasebe, and Rev. Shingo Furusawa, and retired ministers, Rev. Ryoso Toshima and Rev. Tatsuo Muneto. Rev. Charlene Kihara (active) and Rev. Toyokazu Hagio (retired) were unable to attend. Hawaii Betsuin President, Cindy Alm, emceed the presentation of gifts to ministers by 1) Hono. United Jr. YBA, 2) Dharma School on behalf of Hawaii Betsuin’s Board of Directors, and 3) the Buddhist Women’s Association. Following expressions of gratitude by Bishop Umitani and Rimban Hasebe, Dianne Ida described the purpose of the Ministerial Training Fund and invited Sangha members to contribute – $915 was collected and presented to Bishop Umitani.
Fall Craft Fair
October 18, 2025
The BWA booth at Hawaii Betsuin’s Fall Craft Fair offered a wide variety of items for sale -- Bontique clothing, Asian collectibles, jewelry, air plants, ceramic bowl gift sets, etc., plus free coffee with purchase, and $2 cold drinks. BWA members assisted in other booths as well, selling HI Betsuin cookbooks and plants. BWA members enjoyed the Fall Craft Fair’s fun and fellowship!
Pride Parade
October 18, 2025
The same afternoon as the Fall Craft Fair, Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani, Rimban Yuika Hasebe, Dave Atcheson, Cindy Alm, and Debbie Kubota participated in the Pride Parade in Waikiki. The mobile Kansho was “rolling and ringing” as participants walked alongside, carrying colorful signs such as “Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Welcomes All” and “Jikoen Pride”.
Dana Awareness Day
October 19, 2025
The HI Betsuin Choir opened the Dana Awareness Day service with a lovely prelude, Flying Free. Guest speakers from Project Dana, Shelley Paet and Germaine Kiyomoto-Isara, shared information about the Caring for the Caregivers program and Richard Desmond spoke of his personal experiences. Attendees were treated to Subway box lunches in the social hall and the Project Dana Dancers performed a singing and dancing program emceed by Sharyn Sekine. Closing remarks were delivered by Jo des-Marets, Project Dana Coordinator.
Family Promise Wish List
At the Oct. 12 service, Dianne Ida announced the Family Promise Wish List drive. Lists of household items much needed by families in the Family Promise program were distributed. Items may be dropped off in Eshinni room on Sundays before service. Last day of the drive is Nov. 9.
Submitted by Wendie Yumori - November 2025
