Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women's Association

Koa Key Chain & Pendant Sale

In 2000 the Hawaii Federation had Koa pendants and key chains designed with the sagarifuji which were sold to members.

Koa, which is sometimes called Hawaiian mahogany, is prized as picture frames, wall panel, calabashes, serving utensils, dishes, furniture, surf boards, bracelets, pens, etc. The wood is red with a wavy grain. Koa means brave, bold and fearless. It is becoming more difficult to locate, therefore, highly prized by the recipient. If you are interested in purchasing one, please e-mail us

hawaiibwa@hawaiibwa.org

rev. 02-06-2012

2012 Officers, Advisors, Committees

Honorary President: Tamayo Matsumoto
President: Janet Honda
Imm. Past President: Donna Higashi
1st Vice President: Irene Nakamoto
2nd Vice President: Joan Yokoyama
Recording Secretary: Susan Takiue
Corresponding Secretary: Gail Shibuya
Asst. Secretary: Sharon Nohara
Treasurer: Twilla Castellucci
Asst. Treasurer: Mary Tanouye
Auditors: Fay Tateishi, Lillie Tsuchiya
Honorary Advisor: Bishop Eric Matsumoto
Advisor: Rev. Shindo Nishiyama

United Presidents:
Honolulu: Jean Fukumoto
Oahu: Joan Masaki
Kauai: Gail Shibuya
Maui: Sharon Nohara
Hawaii: Sally Tayama

United Advisors:
Honolulu: Rev. David Nakamoto
Oahu: Rev. Jay Okamoto
Kauai: Rev. Kazunori Takahashi
Maui: Rev. Ai Hironaka
Hawaii: Rev. Mariko Nishiyama

Directors:
Honolulu: Joy Nishida
Oahu: June Asato, Dale Shimaura
Kauai: Fay Tateishi
Maui: Diane Kosaka
Hawaii (3): Dora Hashimoto, Linda Nagai, Nancy Nonaka, Linda Otomo, Lillie Tsuchiya

Committee Chairs:
Bylaws & Policies: Donna Higashi
Finance: Carol Yamamoto
Membership: Joan Yokoyama
Social & Reception: Hanayo Shimabukuro, Toshiko Umitani
Projects: Irene Nakamaoto
Newsletter: Jo Des Marets, Tamayo Matsumoto
Education: Carol Tsunezumi
Student Exchange: Amy Nishimoto
Historian: Mary Tanouye

Welcome to the Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women's Associations' official web site. We will be offering information about our organization and sharing how a woman's role play an important part in the propagation of Buddhism today.

Yesterday and even today, some of our organizations are still called "Fujinkai" but a number have changed to "Buddhist Women's Association."

Presently in the State of Hawaii we are composed of 5 districts and 33 units. Hawaii (12 units), Kauai (3 units), Maui (5 units), Honolulu (4 units) and Oahu (9 units). We were initially organized in 1954 with 34 Fujinkai units, and in the fall of the same year, the Fujinkai of each island were organized into districts. Our official headquarter site is in Honolulu and meetings are held semiannually with each district sending their representatives.

Currently our membership statewide is 2,500 strong and each unit is working to increase their membership.

Of noteworthy interest, presently three women, two on Oahu and one on Maui, serve as Temple (Kyodan) Presidents. Other women have held this position in the past too.

Spring 2012 newsletter is now online

click here to view

Buddhist Women's Pledge

As a person of Buddhist faith, I will follow Shinran Shonin who sought to live the life of truth; appreciate fully the blessing of human existence; thoroughly hear the Primal Vow of the Buddha; and diligently strive to live the life of Nembutsu as a Buddhist woman.

	Earnestly listening to the teaching, I will live my daily life embraced in Amida's Light.
	Building a home fragrant with the Nembutsu, I will nurture a child of the Buddha.
	Following the teaching of "One World", I will spread the circle of Dharma friends.

Purpose

to unify and cooperate with all United Honpa Hongwanji Buddhist Women's Associations in the State of Hawaii;
to perpetuate and expand Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land Sect) in the State of Hawaii;
to promote the development of Buddhist women's organizations ; and
to participate in the promotion of Buddhism throughout the world and to work for world peace.