History

Our History

2004 - Program Founded

The roots of the Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani Interfaith Program stretch back to April 2, 2004, when an organizing meeting brought together educators, religious leaders, and community members committed to advancing interreligious understanding in Hawaiʻi. This inaugural gathering established a Board of Governors tasked with shaping the program’s vision, policy, and long-term direction. Under the guidance of Advisor Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani and Program Director Dr. Poranee Natadescha-Sponsel, the Board laid a foundation grounded in dialogue, peacebuilding, and collaborative engagement across faith traditions.

Members of the Board of Governors 

Advisor: Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani 

Program Director: Dr. Poranee Natadescha-Sponsel 

Members: Dr. Al Bloom, Barbara Brennen, Dr. David Coleman, Alan Goto, 

Dr. Glenn Paige, Dr. Leslie Sponsel

Alongside the Board of Governors, a Board of Directors was formed to carry out the program’s initiatives and activities. Together, these early leaders clarified the program’s purpose, organizational structure, and initial programming, setting in motion a model that emphasized both thoughtful planning and community-based action.

Members of the Board of Directors 

Ms. Maile Alau, Mrs. Valerie Coleman, Dr. Ernestine Enomoto, 

Alan Goto, Dr. Diane Iwaoka, Roy Miyamoto, Dr. Gregory Pai 

Mission: The Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai-Fujitani Interfaith program brings together the Buddhist community with all other religious communites in Hawaii to promote interfaith dialogue and provide opportunities for understanding and action for peace and justice in our community.

2005-2006 - Steering Committee Formation

Between 2005 and 2006, the program continued to evolve organically. The Board of Directors transitioned into a Program Steering Committee, which met informally and collaboratively to generate ideas for the program’s annual events. As interest in the program grew, so did the diversity of voices at the table, reflecting Hawaiʻi’s rich religious and cultural landscape.

Members of the Program Steering Committee 

Ms. Maile Alau, Cliff Bieberly, Dr. David Coleman, Valerie Coleman, 

Dr. Ernestine Enomoto, Roger Epstein, Rev. Haaheo Guanson, David Hirano, Didi Iwaoka, S. Kodani, Roy Miyamoto, Irene Nakamoto, 

Dr. Leslie Sponsel, Pieper Toyama, Alice Tucker

2006-2007 - Mission Expansion

By 2006–2007, the program entered a new phase of stability and expansion. Its mission was broadened to include activities that fostered student and faculty engagement through research, presentations, and workshops, particularly in dialogue with Buddhist communities. These efforts emphasized the intersections of faith, peace, justice, and lived religious practice. 

Administrative responsibility for the program was formally situated within Chaminade University, supported by an Executive Committee that included Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, two of his designees, the President of Chaminade University, and the Program Director. An Advisory Board was also established to support programming and outreach.

2009 - Youth Education Initiative

The program’s commitment to youth and education became especially visible in 2009, when the Fujitani Youth Education Subcommittee, under the leadership of Didi Iwaoka, supported a youth peace conference held at Pacific Buddhist Academy in conjunction with Campbell High School. The event brought together nearly 200 students from public and private schools for a day of dialogue and learning. 

In 2011, the Executive Committee, then consisting of Dr. David Coleman, Dr. Ernestine Enomoto, and Dr. George Tanabe, began an ongoing process of review and evaluation, including discussion of a change in program director and renewed efforts to more fully advance the mission and visibility of the Fujitani Interfaith Program. 

2013 - Governance Renewal

In 2013, newly appointed Program Director Dr. Regina Pfeiffer met with the Board of Governors and the Program and Activities Board. During this period, it was recommended that the program move toward a single board structure and invite additional community members to participate, including Saleem Ahmed, Thanh Huyh, and Pat Masters, strengthening community engagement and interfaith representation.

2016 - Continuing Leadership

By 2016, the Board included a mix of long-standing and new members, continuing the program’s tradition of shared leadership among scholars, religious practitioners, and educators. This period further solidified the program’s role as a space for sustained interreligious engagement in Hawaiʻi.

Board Members 

Program Director: Dr. Regina Pfeiffer

Members: Masago Asai; Dr. David Coleman, Dr. Ernestine Enomoto,

Roger Epstein, Dr. George Tanabe, Pieper Toyama, Alice Tucker, 

Dr. Malia Wong

Marianist Communities, Representative
Bro. Dennis Schmitz, S.M.

In the Fall of 2016, Alan Goto replaced Roger Epstein. The program was renamed as the Bukkyo Dendo  Kyokai Hawai'i–Rev. Fujitani Interfaith program. The mission is to bring together the Buddhist community with all other religious communities in Hawai‘i to promote interfaith dialogue and to provide opportunities for understanding and action for peace and justice in our communities.

2020 - Continuing the Mission and Vision

In Fall 2020, Dr. Malia Wong assumed the role of Program Director, ushering in a new chapter shaped by formation-centered leadership, community relationships, and a continued commitment to building bridges across faiths. Today, the Fujitani Interfaith Program stands as a testament to nearly two decades of dialogue, learning, and shared commitment to peace and mutual understanding.

Board Members

Program Director: Dr. Malia Wong

Members: Masago Asai, Dr. David Coleman, Dr. Cheryl Edelson, Dr. Ernestine Enomoto,

Dr. Regina Pfeiffer, Alan Goto, Dr. George Tanabe, Dr. Joy Tanji, Alice Tucker 

2024 - Update of Program Name and Mission Statement

In September 2024, the Board approved the following clarifications and updates to the Program Name and Mission Statement: 

Program name: BDK-Fujitani Interfaith Program

Official Name: BDK Hawaii-Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani Interfaith Program at Chaminade University of Honolulu

Mission Statment: The Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai-Fujitani Interfaith Program connects the Buddhist community with diverse religious groups across Hawaii to promote open interfaith dialogue, deepen mutual respect, and drive collaborative efforts for peace and justice in our community.