Ministers and Staff

To email an individual minister or the Betsuin executive director or office manager, see Contact Us.

Ministers

Rev. Yuika Hasebe

Yuika Hasebe

Rimban (Chief Minister)
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Reverend Yuika Hasebe first served at Hawaii Betsuin from February 2008 to November 2009. She then served at Hilo Betsuin for three years before going back home to Japan to take care of her family. She is happy to be back in Hawaii and has rejoined Hawaii Betsuin as of summer 2014. Rev. Hasebe assigned as Rimban (Chief Minister) in August 2023 after serving for a year as Acting Rimban.

Rev. Shingo Furusawa in front of Hawaii Betsuin reader board

Shingo Furusawa

Associate Minister
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Reverend Shingo Furusawa serves full time as an associate minister for Hawaii Betsuin. He previously also served as Office of Buddhist Education Assistant for Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii headquarters. Rev. Furusawa was formerly Resident Minister at Honokaa Hongwanji Mission and Oversee Minister for Kameuela, Kohala, and Paauilo Hongwanji temples.

Rev. Charlene Kihara

Charlene Kihara

Associate Minister (half-time)
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Rev. Charlene Kihara was born in Honolulu and holds BA and MSW degrees from the University of Hawaii. Her master’s work was concentrated in gerontology. Now retired, Rev Kihara’s experience includes work in the Supreme Court, District Court, Family Court, Aloha Nursing, and Ohana Health Plan. She has been an active Buddhist Women’s Association member and volunteer and has volunteer experience with American Red Cross, Family Promise, and Hongwanji committees. Rev. Kihara took the Jodo Shinshu Correspondence Course in 2013, continued on to Tokudo ordination, and completed her certificate in Shin Buddhist Studies in May 2022. She attained Kyoshi status in August 2022. Rev. Kihara has a son, Ryan, who lives in San Diego and is a pet parent to Avia, a miniature schnauzer.

Rev. Blayne Nakasone Sakata

Blayne Nakasone Sakata

Associate Minister
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Rev. Blayne Nakasone Sakata was born and raised on Oahu and is a graduate of Pacific Buddhist Academy. He took to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in his early high school days. By his second or third year at PBA, he wanted to become a minister of the Hongwanji. From there he attended university at UH Hilo as well as two schools in Japan. Now he is back and excited to share the grateful heart he has for the Dharma with everyone.