Please Note: A new, separate Hawaii Betsuin BWA website is now launched! Please visit hawaiibetsuinbwa.org for reflections, interviews, images of artistic creations, and more. (August 2021)

Hawaii Betsuin BWA members on the temple steps

Hawaii Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association (HBBWA) is both a temple organization and a “unit” within the Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations. HBBWA also joins with other BWA units in the Honolulu United BWA.

Since its founding in 1898, Hawaii Betsuin BWA has played a central role in the life of the temple in many ways, including organizing and supporting events, providing opportunities for learning and fellowship, and supporting student exchanges. And, through participating in regional gatherings and world conventions, Hawaii Betsuin BWA helps strengthen connections among BWA members worldwide.

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BWA in the Photo & Video Gallery

More photos: BWA Gallery » | Hawaii Betsuin BWA Facebook page »

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2021-2022 BWA Officers and Board Members
Hawaii Betsuin BWA board 2021-2022 - a few officers and Rimban Hagio in masks with others joining via Zoom

Officers

President – Cynthia Alm
Immediate Past President – Dianne Ida
First Vice President – Jo desMarets
Second Vice President – Liane Wong
Recording Secretary – Charlene Kihara
Corresponding Secretary – Arlene Matsubara
Treasurer – Dawn Nabeshima
Assistant Treasurer – Lillian Kadamoto
Auditor – Claire Groom
Auditor – Tomoko Takeda

Additional Directors

Sharon Nakai, Tamayo Matsumoto, Barbara Brennan, Elly Hewitt, Charlyne Tom, Jan Terakawa, Lillian Ishii

Advisors

Honorary Advisor – Junko Hagio
Minister Advisor – Rimban Toyokazu Hagio

Committee Chairs

Hosha – Claire Groom
MC and ushers – Liane Wong
United Representatives – Wendie Yumori, Florence Wasai, Sharyn Sekine, Cynthia Alm, Dianne Ida, Jo des Marets, Fujiko Motobu, Liane Wong, Penny Atcheson, Charlene Kihara, Dawn Nabeshima (Alt)
Archives – Penny Atcheson
Community Service – Wendie Yumori
Family Promise – Sharyn Sekine
Finance / Audit – Claire Groom, Tomoko Takeda
Membership – Sharyn Sekine, Norine Liem
Publicity – Fujiko Motobu, Dianne Ida, Jo desMarets
Refreshments – Charlotte Miyamoto
Budget – Sharyn Sekine
Mini-Market – Florence Wasai
Communication / Phone Tree – Diane Marshall

Buddhist Women's Pledge ♫
small, flower adorned altar with standing baby Buddha

Hanamido for Buddha’s birthday made by BWA ladies and ministers’ wives. Photo by Ruth Tokumi.

Guided by Shinran Shonin’s teachings, we share Amida Buddha’s heartfelt
wish for the happiness of all beings.

We cherish listening deeply to the Dharma and endeavor to realize a world
in which all are equally affirmed and valued.

We live each moment within the embrace of Amida Buddha’s Infinite
Wisdom and Compassion, grateful for all we receive.

We welcome all, with aloha, to come as they are to the circle of
“NamoAmidaButsu.”

Music to accompany the Buddhist Women’s Pledge song (Soriano/Springer):