Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women's Association

Japan 2011

14th World Buddhist Women's Convention information.

Click here

updated July 20, 2010

11th BWA State

Membership Conference
see left hand column.

updated June 15, 2010

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

2010 Officers, Advisors, Committees

Honorary President: Michiko Okano
President: Donna Higashi
Imm. Past President: Carol Yamamoto
1st Vice President: Janet Honda
2nd Vice President: Lois Ohta
Recording Secretary: Earlyn Ginoza
Corresponding Secretary: Sylvia Ishikawa
Asst. Secretary: Fay Tateishi
Treasurer: Twilla Castellucci
Asst. Treasurer: Grace Zukeran
Auditors: Etsuko Mori, Susan Takiue
Honorary Advisor: Bishop Thomas Okano
Advisor: Rev. Eric Matsumoto

United Presidents:
Honolulu: Irene Nakamoto
Oahu: Janet Yoshida
Maui: Earlyn Ginoza
Kauai: Gail Shibuya
Hawaii: Harue Furumoto

United Advisors:
Honolulu: Rev. Ryoso Toshima
Oahu: Rev. Jay Okamoto
Maui: Rev. Jeffrey Soga
Kauai: Rev. Kojun Hashimoto
Hawaii: Rev. Kosho Yagi

Directors:
Honolulu: Mary Lou Lomaka
Oahu: Takako Desaki, Dale Shimaura
Maui: Sylvia Ishikawa
Kauai: Fay Tateishi
Hawaii (3): Kiyoko Imada, Etsuko Mori, Sally Tayama, Susan Takiue

Committee Chairs:
Bylaws & Policies: Joan Yokoyama
Finance: Fusae Kiyokawa =
Membership: Lois Ohta
Social & Reception: Sharyn Sekine, Hanayo Shimabukuro
Projects: Janet Honda
Newsletter: Claire Tamamoto, Tamayo Matsumoto
Education: Edith Ushio
Student Exchange: Ethel Shintaku
Historian: Jean Fukumoto

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 3,750 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 2010 newsletter online

Click here to view - approx 4.6mb

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 women.

	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.