Having served as Chair of the Wailuku Hongwanji Board of Directors from 1992-1993, from 1999-2000, and most recently, from 2013 to present, one could conclude that I am “environmentally friendly”; been recycled, then re-recycled. Indeed, it has been an invaluable and irreplaceable experience, having had the opportunity to work with and learn from the likes of Meiji Hirose, Kazuichi Hamasaki, Stanley Okamoto, Kazu Sugiki, Wesley Wong, Jr., George Okamoto and so many others. Moments spent with those who I believe were the wisest of our leaders from their generation. Their spirited actions have helped to make Wailuku Hongwanji the wonderful organization that it is today.
That said, it is now time for another encounter with impermanence. Over the past several months, leadership of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (HHMH) asked that I consider the need for organizational and governance succession now that Dr. Warren Tamamoto’s term as President of HHMH is ending in February of 2026. While not an easy decision, I have agreed to be nominated to succeed Dr. Tamamoto. The formal process for confirming the next President of HHMH will take place at the upcoming Giseikai in February 2026.
As a result, I will retire as Board Chair of Wailuku Hongwanji on January 31, 2026. Current ViceChair, Gary Murai, has graciously agreed to lead the Board as Chair. Luly Unemori has also graciously agreed to serve as Vice-Chair. I am grateful to both Gary and Luly for their commitment to our temple organization. I will remain on the Board as Director of Activities and continue to lead the multi-purpose building project and succession planning work the Board has been undertaking.
Importantly, I thank Reverend Murakami, our office staff, our current Board members and our entire Sangha for providing me the opportunity to help in our collective efforts to advance Wailuku Hongwanji’s presence in our community. There may have been times where issues generated dialogue with diverging points of view. Nonetheless, you embraced civil discourse and we addressed differences with respect and dignity.
For this, and the many other valuable lessons you all have taught me over the years, I am eternally grateful.