L-r: Signe Godfrey, Dr. Lawrence Tseu, Tom Casey (Longs Drugs), Danny Kaleikini, Amy Este (Walmart), Major John Chamness and Major Lani
Chamness Photo by Victor Leonardi

People and businesses recognized for outstanding community service

By Daniel de Castro

The Salvation Army in Hawaii held its annual Partners in Community Service Awards banquet in March at the Hawaii Prince Hotel in Honolulu, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations for exceptional community service.

The awardees included:

Danny Kaleikini—Dubbed Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha, Kaleikini found his success in the entertainment world deepened his commitment to give back. He has donated his time and energy to more than 100 community organizations.

Dr. Lawrence Tseu—Tseu leaves a lasting and generous legacy of giving, benefitting many charitable organizations that help make Hawaii a better place. His many accolades include Hawaii’s “Philanthropist of the Year.”

Longs Drugs—Through a combination of donations, gifts-in-kind and volunteerism, Longs Drugs has made its mark in the community, focusing on building healthier communities by making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Walmart—The company is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. In 2011, Walmart gave $1.5 million in donations that went to organizations in Hawaii. Nationally, it gave a total of $827 million in charitable donations.

John Dean, president and CEO of Central Pacific Bank, was keynote speaker. Dean has spent 30 years as an executive in the financial services industry, focusing for the last 10 years on technology start-up companies. He has strong ties to Hawaii, including serving as co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Entrepreneur’s Foundation of Hawaii, supporting small business ventures.

Local children take on the Kroc Center’s rock wall.
Photo courtesy of Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center

1,500 members attend a celebration luau.

By Joe Harvey-Hall

The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Leeward, Hawaii, celebrated its first birthday March 2 with a luau and 1,500 members plus guests.

In ancient Hawaii, it was significant when a child made it through his/her first year. Those who did were honored with a big luau, a practice continuing today.

The luau block party commenced with a Kroc team pump-up and blessing followed by entertainment in the courtyard, featuring Hawaii’s own Kapena, a Tahitian dance team. In the Worship and Performing Arts Center, local illusionist Mr. O performed.

The center’s first year had challenges, starting with a leak under the Adventure Cove swimming pool, which includes the water slides and interactive water features. The pool and slides were shut down for repair for several months, reopening March 1.

“This first year has been quite an adventure,” said Corps Officer Major Phil Lum, Kroc Center administrator. “As the Hawaii Kroc Center presses forward into the second year—with the mission of The Salvation Army in the forefront of all that we do—we anticipate more growth and assimilation into the community.”

Families play on the new equipment at Diamond Head Preschool in Honolulu. Photo by Daniel de Castro

State-of-the-art play area covers 2,500 square feet.

By Daniel de Castro

The Salvation Army’s Diamond Head Preschool and Therapeutic Nursery in Honolulu recently opened a new play area specifically designed for children ages 2-5.

The play area covers approximately 2,500 square feet and includes concrete walkways, playground equipment for two play areas, synthetic turf surfacing, benches, picnic tables, a storage shed and 80 linear feet of surrounding fencing. “We are grateful for the many hands that made this wonderful playground come to fruition,” said Major John Chamness, divisional commander. “This is a testament to the collective caring and support in our community that helps provide a healthy environment for the children under our care.”

Grants from the G.N. Wilcox Trust, a Bank of Hawaii trustee, and the Samuel and Mary Castle Foundation, of $46,000 and $15,000 respectively, helped to fund the project while IPR Hawaii, a specialty construction company, donated additional materials and labor costs of $57,000.

In addition, volunteers from East Honolulu Rotary, Revolution Hawaii, residents of The Salvation Army’s Family Treatment Services and others provided hundreds of hours of service.

Photo by Daniel de Castro

Kroc kids mentored by NFL players in NFL Play 60.

By Daniel de Castro

At the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Kapolei, Hawaii, more than 100 children from kindergarten through eighth grade recently tried NFL-inspired exercises.

Key Pro Bowl organizers in Hawaii brought NFL Play 60—a national youth health and fitness campaign focusing on increasing the wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day to the center. The program is designed to reverse the trend of childhood obesity by teaching kids to remain active regardless of the sport.

“Good nutrition, health and exercise are some of the values we promote daily at the Kroc Center,” said Major Phil Lum, corps officer at the Kroc Center. “We hope to continue similar programs like this in the future.”

Prior to playing out on the field, the kids heard a pep talk by former NFL players recently inducted into Hawaii’s NFL Legends, including Arnold Morgado (Kansas City Chiefs), Jim Nicholson (Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers), Blane Gaison (Atlanta Falcons) and Leo Goeas (San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, St. Louis Rams, Baltimore Ravens). Dr. Edison Miyawaki, part owner of the Cincinnati Bengals, coordinated their participation.

The kids then went through a series of activity stations and obstacle courses with jumping rope exercises, running back cone course, football relay race, ladder drills and push-ups.

“We heard so many positive comments from the parents and kids because it promoted a practical message in such a fun and exciting way,” Lum said.  “A big thanks to the NFL for helping to make this happen.”

Marshallese youth do a traditional dance during the Kauai Kettle Kickoff in Lihue. Photo by Daniel de Castro

The Salvation Army in Hawaii kicks off its bellringing season.

By Daniel de Castro

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle helped usher in the The Salvation Army Red Kettle season by making the first donation into a kettle during a holiday musical presentation in the heart of downtown Honolulu.

John Dean, president and CEO of Central Pacific Bank, a corporate partner in The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, joined Carlisle. The Royal Hawaiian Band played Christmas music and entertained the crowd during the busy lunch hour at Tamarind Park.

Major John Chamness, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional commander, thanked everyone for supporting The Salvation Army through their donations in the 90 kettles located throughout the state.

Meanwhile, in Lihue, Kauai, a hula halau and a group of young Marshallese dancers helped launch the red kettles during a musical program at the Kukui Grove Center. Red kettles were set up throughout the mall for shoppers to donate while watching live entertainment.

Lt. Austin Anderson, Hanapepe corps officer, said, “This is the first time we’re doing this on Kauai as an official kickoff to announce to the community that the kettles are a source of significant contributions that help sustain our programs.”

Christopher and Noland, from the Ke Kama Pono Safe House program, tend the land.
Photo by Daniel de Castro

The Salvation Army helps youth discover new purpose and accomplishment. 

By Daniel de Castro 

Teens, ages 14-18, are busy working on land-based projects that provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment as part of the The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Island Division’s Family Intervention Services Ke Kama Pono Safe House program for youth; some are runaways and others have been court-ordered to attend the six-month program for youths at risk.

On an early Friday morning in North Kohala, hosted by the Hawaii Institute Pacific Agriculture at the 20-acre site where a “lo‘i kalo” (taro patch) was started two months earlier, the boys listened as sustainable agriculture mentor Dash Kuhr provided a lesson in banana propagation, and the importance of nurturing native and indigenous varieties to save them from extinction.

Armed with shovels, picks, hoes and rakes, the boys cleared a swath of land to plant the “keiki” banana and kawa. After two hours of clearing weeds, including the invasive honohono and guinea grass, the land was ready for planting.

“I’ve learned so much from this program,” said Andrew, 16, as he took a banana sword sucker from Noland, 17, and gently placed it inside an opening in the ground. “I knew very little about this land where I’m from, and now I have a greater appreciation and respect for it and the Hawaiian culture.”

Israel, 17, knows that he will take what he’s learned back home to Oahu. “I used to fight; that’s why I’m here,” he said. “But not anymore. I’m learning to change my ways and making it better.”

The community has recognized the boys’ work ethic, intensity and passion for the projects they’re working on, according to Anthony Savvis, youth development specialist at The Salvation Army.

“The youth that I’ve seen come through the program have definitely changed for the better,” Savvis said. “It’s a program that’s needed most on the island and The Salvation Army has recognized this and has stepped up to the challenge.”

After seven hours, the boys left the farm with sweet potato cuttings that they collected to add to a fast-growing garden of kalo and other vegetables at the shelter.

Volunteers from the Honolulu ARC welcome visitors to the Wet and Wild park while receiving donated clothing. Photo by Fred Rasmussen

By Fred Rasmussen, Major

Directors at Wet and Wild water recreation park in West Oahu—just a few miles from the Kroc Center—and a local Christian radio station invited The Salvation Army to join “Keiki Karnival” day at the park and offered those attendees who donated a bag of clothing to the Army a discount of nearly 50 percent.

Salvation Army soldiers and friends attended, including divisional leaders Majors John and Lani Chamness, and volunteers from the Honolulu Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). The divisional hula group and Camp Homelani music campers performed.

Major Patty Rasmussen, divisional secretary for program, helped ensure that each small child received party bubbles—1,100 bottles were given away.

“Events like today are important for the Army to be a part of. It helps people see us in a new light beyond the thrift store or the Christmas kettle,” Rasmussen said. “It helps them see us as a place of spiritual strength, community involvement and a place to become involved.”

Salvation Army volunteers fielded questions from park attendees concerning spiritual counseling, family service information, preschool availability and connecting with a corps. Requests for prayer and questions regarding various Christian beliefs were also addressed.

The event brought in enough clothing donations to fill the back of a Salvation Army truck.

Organizers expressed appreciation for the Army’s participation, noting that they hope to expand The Salvation Army’s role in other celebrations, including an upcoming “Christian Day” at the park.

(L-r) Major John Chamness, Major Florence Rodriguera, Major Lani Chamness, Colonel Dave Hudson, Brigadier Martie Abella, Major Daniel Abella Photo by George Rodriguera

Hawaii soldiers and friends welcome new divisional leaders.

Fred Rasmussen, Major

Returning to Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division for a fourth tour of duty, Majors John and Lani Chamness were recently installed as the new divisional leadders by Western Territorial Chief Secretary Colonel Dave Hudson.

“We are honored by the responsibility given to us and we are thrilled to be ‘home’ again,” the Chamnesses said. They previously served in the division as corps officers, Marshall Island coordinators, and divisional youth leaders.

The evening installation program at the Kroc Center’s Lord’s Chapel featured the debut of the new divisional brass ensemble, the divisional Hula Halau and representative lei greeters from all segments of The Salvation Army ministry in Hawaii who gave a traditional island welcome to the Chamness family.

Lani Chamness responded with testimony and song to express her joy at returning to the place of her birth as part of the divisional leadership team. John Chamness challenged the crowd with a scriptural message calling for new and heightened levels of involvement in the active soul-saving ministry and work of The Salvation Army.

“I give you permission to do something that will encourage, equip and engage the people of this division to higher pursuits for an almighty God,” he said.

The evening ended in thanks to God for supplying the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division with yet another visionary leader who will be bold for heaven’s sake. We rejoice in his abiding love and care for this special place in his creation story—the beautiful islands of the central Pacific ocean.

Major John Chamness, Camille (daughter), Major Lani Chamness, and Mitchell (son)

Hawaii soldiers and friends welcome new divisional leaders.

By Major Fred Rasmussen

Returning to Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division for a fourth tour of duty, Majors John and Lani Chamness were installed as the new divisional commanders by Western Territorial Chief Secretary Colonel Dave Hudson. Since they have served previously in the division as corps officers, Marshall Island coordinators, and divisional youth leaders, their appointment as divisional leaders seems a natural progression in service for the Chamnesses.

“We are honored by the responsibility given to us,” they said, “and we are thrilled to be ‘home’ again.”

The evening program of the Chamnesses’ installation at the Lord’s Chapel facility at the Kroc Center featured the debut of the new divisional brass ensemble, the divisional Hula Halau and representative lei greeters from all segments of The Salvation Army ministry in Hawaii, who gave a traditional island welcome to the Chamness family.

Major John Chamness, Major Florence Rodriguera, Major Lani Chamness, Colonel Dave Hudson, Brigadier Martie Abella, Major Daniel Abella

Lani Chamness responded with testimony and song to express her joy at returning to the place of her birth as part of the divisional leadership team.

John Chamness challenged the crowd with a scriptural message calling the Army to new and heightened levels of involvement in the active soul-saving ministry and work of The Salvation Army.

“I give you permission to do something that will encourage, equip and engage the people of this division to higher pursuits for an almighty God!” was the central theme of his message. His passion for winning souls and growing an Army of dedicated service-oriented soldiers was clear.

The evening ended with all present thanking God for supplying the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division with yet another visionary leader who will be bold for heaven’s sake. We rejoice in his abiding love and care for this special place in his creation story—the beautiful islands of the central Pacific ocean—alive with the sound of a marching Army of the Lord.

Members of the Ka lei o ka hulu team Photo by Kevin Ponstler

Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional ‘hula halau’ glorifies God through dance.

By Kevin Pontsler

“Ka lei o ka Haku” (“the lei of the Lord”), the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional “hula halau” (or “hula group”) ministry, includes 13 members representing corps from Oahu, Maui and the “big island” of Hawaii.

In 2006, then-Major Dave Hudson, divisional commander at that time, initiated the halau to “share God’s love, lead others to Jesus and be a blessing through their worship in hula.” Former Divisional Music Director Crystal Nakamaejo chose the halau’s name.

“A lei is an adornment of many different flowers,” Nakamaejo said. “In Hawaiian culture, children are often referred to as the flowers or ‘pua,’ and when combined, all of these pua make a beautiful lei. In the same way that children are a product of their parents, we, as children of God, are products of his love. Our lei is comprised of halau members who dance hula as worship unto our Haku [Lord].”

Over the years, the halau has performed at divisional events including family camp, women’s ministries camp and youth councils. It has traveled to the mainland, touring in Florida with the Western Territorial Songsters in 2010. In June, the group will perform at The Gathering in Pasadena, Calif.

“For me, it’s the bond that we have,” said halau member Klasharine Rudolph. “It’s good to know that you have Christian sisters, not just when you need them, but all the time.”

The group gathers once a month at the Kauluwela Corps to practice, which for some includes flying in the night before, bunking at the home of the current leader, Dasia Rodriguera, and flying back to be at their home corps on Sunday morning.

“I love dancing hula,” said Kylie Leong, another group member. “I grew up dancing hula—who doesn’t want to do what they love?”

The hula is intended to glorify God and not man. “I think when we perform—or whenever any ministry performs—they [the audience members] feel something,” Rodriguera said. “That’s the power of the Holy Spirit; they may not know it, but they have a feeling.”