HONOLULU—Nestled in the lush Nuuanu Valley on the island of Oahu, Nuuanu Chapter stretches from the forested hills above Honolulu to the neighborhoods surrounding the SGI-USA Hawaii Culture Center, a longtime hub of SGI activities in Hawaii. The chapter encompasses a close-knit community set among quiet residential streets, historic homes and apartment buildings, with many members living just a few miles from one another. While many families have called the valley home for decades, a new generation of residents is creating fresh opportunities to introduce Buddhism and foster lasting friendships.
Since the early days of the Soka Gakkai in Hawaii, generations of pioneer members have planted seeds of friendship by introducing countless people to Buddhism throughout Nuuanu Valley. Their sincere dialogues and steadfast encouragement built a supportive Soka community where friendships extend beyond meetings and members continue to support one another.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, members recognized the need to reignite the chapter’s momentum in reaching out to those in the community. Then, following the passing of Ikeda Sensei in November 2023, they made a fresh determination to respond to their mentor by expanding the network of people practicing Nichiren Buddhism. They began holding weekly introductory meetings, inviting guests from every district and creating a welcoming environment for guests to learn about Buddhism. Over the next two years, more than 50 guests attended these gatherings, laying the foundation for a steady stream of new friendships.
Members say the chapter’s greatest strength has been its commitment to sharing Buddhism. Rather than relying on a few individuals, everyone—from youth to longtime members—takes responsibility for reaching out to family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends. They have discovered that sincere dialogue and genuine concern for the happiness of others are key to building friendships and developing the courage to invite them to activities. Four of the chapter’s six districts have welcomed guests who became new members this year.
For David DeMotto, Nuuanu Valley District men’s leader, that meant simply sharing his heart with a young man he sensed was struggling. David spoke to him about the limitless potential within every person and how his Buddhist practice had enabled him to overcome adversity. When the young man attended his first meeting, he was deeply moved by the warmth of the members. After recently receiving the Gohonzon, he said the occasion meant even more to him than earning his master’s degree.
For Nina Rice, Alewa District vice women’s leader, introducing others to Buddhism begins with sharing her own experience. Conversations with co-workers led one young man to receive the Gohonzon and another guest to continue attending meetings. Even a joyful exchange with a man at a bus stop, who later revealed that he had attended SGI meetings many years ago, strengthened her conviction that no sincere dialogue is ever wasted. Every encounter, she believes, plants a seed that blossoms in its own time.
“Introducing others to this practice began with an unexpected reunion outside a neighborhood restaurant,” said Yuuki Peguese, Alewa District young men’s leader. After reconnecting with a former co-worker, he invited him to a Buddhist meeting. With the chapter members warmly embracing and encouraging him, Yuuki’s friend steadily deepened his practice and received the Gohonzon in May. The experience showed Yuuki that every person’s faith journey is strengthened by the collective care and support of the Soka family.
The chapter’s collective spirit is also reflected in the remarkable efforts of Shizuko Fukumitsu, Alewa District women’s leader.
Three years ago, her district had dwindled to only a few regular participants. Rather than becoming discouraged, she resolved to strengthen her prayer, visit with members and follow up carefully with every guest. Inspired to carry out courageous shakubuku, she began speaking with people wherever opportunities arose.
One couple she had introduced to Buddhism years earlier initially showed little interest. Although she maintained a warm friendship, she stopped speaking to them about Buddhism. Then, unexpectedly, they asked if they could attend an SGI meeting. Through continued dialogue and encouragement, they both decided to begin practicing, and today they are introducing family members and relatives to the SGI as well.
In May alone, eight people joined Alewa District. What was once a district with only a handful of participants has become a vibrant community of new members, longtime practitioners and guests joyfully studying, chanting together and encouraging one another.
For Kristin Akaka, Nuuanu Chapter women’s leader, shakubuku is the foundation of her Buddhist practice. Over the past few years, she has supported three people to receive the Gohonzon. She says the positive changes she has made in her own life naturally inspire others to ask about her Buddhist practice.
Across Nuuanu Chapter, members are making efforts to advance the “One Youth. Infinite Hope” movement every day. Whether through a conversation at work, an invitation to a neighbor, a chance encounter in the community or years of patiently nurturing a friendship, they continue proving that every sincere dialogue has the power to awaken hope and expand the network of happiness throughout the valley.
—Prepared by the World Tribune staff
August 7, 2026 World Tribune, p. 11
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