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Featured Articles
In This Issue:
Bishop's Guidelines Regarding the Performing and Blessing of Civil Unions
Announcing the Installation of The Very Rev. Walter B.A. Brownridge
Announcing the Ordination of the Rev. Robin Taylor
Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training
All Saints' is host to the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Luncheon
The Second Annual Harvest Ball on Maui coming up!
Peter Pereira on Sabbatical
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH?
FROM THE E-CHRONICLE:
Highlights from the latest issue
God Camp 2011
The Iolani Guild
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
From previous E-News editions
Contact Information

Upcoming Meetings 

  

 

 

Mark your calendars!

  

November Governance Meetings

Saturday, November 19

Cathedral of St. Andrew, Von Holt Room, Honolulu

8:30 am - Standing Committee

10:00 am - Standing Committee, Diocesan Council and Commisison on Ministry

Noon - Lunch

12:30 pm - Diocesan Council

***Note new hours*** 

 

ECW Meeting with Janine LeGrand, Guest Speaker

Saturday, November 19

St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Honolulu

For more info...

 

Parish Happenings

 

     

 

 

OAHU 

 

Installation of The Very Rev. Walter B.A. Brownridge

November 27, 5:30 pm

St. Andrew's, Honolulu

For more info...

 

Breakfast with Dean Brownridge 

November 28. 9:00 - 10:30 am

St. Andrew's, Von Holt Room, Honolulu

For more info...

 

Mass of Reconciliation & Healing for HIV/AIDS

December 3, 5:15 pm

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Honolulu

For more info...

 

 

***SEXUAL MISCONDUCT PREVENTION TRAINING***

December 17, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Aiea

For more info... 

 

Save the Dates!

Diana Butler Bass at St. Clement's

March 24 - 25, 2012 

For more info...

 

 

KAUAI

 

All Saints' Holiday Craft Fair

November 19, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

All Saints' Gym, Kapa'a

For more info...  

 

KIA Thanksgiving Luncheon

November 24, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

All Saints' Episcopal Church, Kapa'a 

For more info...  

 

Ordination of Rev. Robin Taylor

Sunday, December 18, 4:00 pm

St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Lihu'e

For more info...

 

6th Annual All Angels Jazz Festival

February 3 - 5, 2012

St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Lihu'e

For more info...

 

Congregational Development Conference

February 7 - 9, 2012

St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Lihu'e

For more info...

 

 

MAUI 

 

A Harvest Ball with "Moon Glow"

November 25, 6:00 - 9:30 pm

Maui Beach Hotel, Elleair Ballroom 

Hosted by Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Wailuku

For more info...   

 

Safeguarding God's Children

February 25, 1:00 pm

Good shepherd Episcopal Church, Wailuku

For more info...

 

BIG ISLAND

 

MOLOKAI 

 

 

Prayer

 

Pentecost

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 - Collect for Proper 29, Book of Common Prayer, p. 236

 

 

 

 

Bishop's Prayer

A Simple Prayer of Commitment:

Come Holy Spirit; fill me so that I can: Dedicate my heart to Christ Jesus, open my mind to seek truth and justice, lift up my hands to welcome the outcast and care for the borken, behold with my eyes the wonders of creation, hear with my ears the story of God in the world, and sing with my lips a song of God's love - with laughter and without worry.  And always in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

 - As shared in the Annual Meeting of the Convention 2011

 

Ministry Links
 

Stay informed!

Upcoming Events

 

Keeping up with Canon Liz:
  
Vision & Goals
 VISION 

 

All Episcopalians in Hawai`i shall work together to create a Church filled with visible and spirit-driven Christians - Christians who are eager to share our Episcopal tradition and faith, and traditional Hawaiian spiritual values, with those who have not yet found a spiritual anchor in their lives.
 

  

GOALS 


1)  Convert our Hearts to Accept Jesus' Gospel Message and to Live in a Deep Relationship with God.  
2)  Transform the Episcopal Church in Hawai`i and Congregations to Vital and Vibrant Faith Communities.  
3)  Evangelize to Share God's Love in Our Communities.  
4)  Reduce the structure and administration costs of the Diocese so that its operations, including its bodies, are directed to supporting transformation and growth.

The Five Marks of Mission of the Worldwide Anglican Communion:

1)  To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom

2)  To teach, baptize and nurture new believers

3)  To respond to human need by loving service

4)  To seek to transform unjust structures of society

5)  To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

 

 

   
E-News 
Where you'll find announcements and links to upcoming
events & activities from around the Diocese and beyond!
 
 November 16, 2011 

 

Bishop's Guidelines Regarding the Performing and Blessing of Civil Unions, Effective January 1, 2012

 

Bishop FitzpatrickAloha:

 

As of January 1, 2012, Civil Unions are legally permissible in the State of Hawai'i and I have a pastoral responsibility to respond to the members of the Diocese in light of that reality. 

 

The following guidelines are for the Clergy and members of the Diocese of Hawai'i in keeping with Resolution C056 of the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church that states "[t]hat Bishops, particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this Church," and that we "honor the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality."  There is also a major report being prepared by the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music regarding the rites and theological basis for the response of the Episcopal Church to same-sex unions and the changing status of such relationships under civil law.  That report with resolutions will be presented at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Indianapolis (July 2012).  

   

With that in mind and until the General Convention of the Episcopal Church acts to provide liturgical resources and theological direction for the whole Church, we must reflect on how we in Hawai'i will engage members of the Diocese seeking a blessing of their Civil Union.

 

Some years ago, Daniel Maguire, Professor of Ethics at Marquette University, defined marriage as "the legal union of persons who are bonded in a permanent, sexually exclusive friendship."

 

1.  Can two persons of the same sex have such a relationship?

 

I find Maguire's definition of marriage applies not only in a legal sense, but also from a Christian perspective when, in addition, a couple makes a public act of commitment before God and the fellowship of Disciples, seeking God's blessing on the relationship.   I believe this to be an honest expression (in addition to that of voluntary celibacy) of the Christian moral standard of human sexuality. 

Maguire's definition regarding the legality of such a union is a reality, and the Episcopal Church through acts of the General Convention and local pastoral practice is coming to affirm that there is nothing that precludes this definition being applied to homosexual unions

 

2.  Can the couple be married?

 

While the formal definition of marriage still exclude homosexual couples, by the letter of the law in the State of Hawai'i and the Canons of the Episcopal Church, I insist that the same standards of commitment and exclusivity do apply in the Christian community to Civil Unions of same sex couples when performed by a member of the Clergy and blessed by the Church.

 

Though I can see that there may be social, psychological or economic reasons precluding marriage and though I feel we must, as a community, affirm and strengthen those who are isolated, hurt and searching, it is our duty as a Christian community to affirm the standard.  Pre-marital sex, post-marital sex and extra-marital sex fall short of the Christian moral standard in this broken and lonely world.  The full intention of engaging in a sexually exclusive, permanent and indissoluble relationship is a necessary part of seeking the blessing of the Church for the Christian couple in our broken world.  I affirm such a standard for those seeking Civil Union.

 

3.  What about a heterosexual couple entering into a Civil Union as allowed by the new law? 

 

Theologically, to my mind, a heterosexual couple entering into a Civil Union (in the eyes of the State of Hawai'i) is entering into the Sacramental Rite of Marriage in the eyes of the Church -- the couple is fulfilling the intent of marriage as defined by the Canons and The Book of Common Prayer.  The words used for the actual ceremony are adaptable under "an Order for Marriage" and the filing process with the civil authority moot.

 

Indeed we are in an interim place. 

 

The Episcopal Church has not acted through the General Convention to provide liturgical resources and theological direction for the whole Church, and laws are quite different from State to State.  My own hope is that as our Christian fellowship evolves through the next few years, we will come to affirm such permanent, sexually exclusive same-sex unions as marriage in both civil law and the Church's rites and Canons.

 

So in this transition time when the Church has not yet acted, I want to affirm Civil Unions as marriage for same-sex couples in all ways possible and in practice in our Diocesan 'ohana until the Church changes the Canons and provides the rites, and the State changes laws.

 

The following guidelines are only for the Clergy and People of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i in this time of transition and to engage the legal standing of Civil Unions in our State.

 

I give provisional and local permission for canonically resident Priests of this Diocese to perform (in keeping with the laws of the State) and to bless Civil Unions for members of the Diocese of Hawai'i. Canonically resident Priests of this Diocese may perform and bless a Civil Union for a couple when one of the couple is a baptized communicant in good standing of a congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i and the other provisions of these guidelines have been followed.

 

At this point, I will not give permission for Episcopal Clergy from other Dioceses to perform Civil Unions in this Diocese.  I will also not authorize Clergy of this Diocese to perform and bless Civil Unions for those coming into the Diocese from elsewhere or for those who are not members of the Episcopal Church. 

 

As Bishop of Hawai'i, I speak with/for/to my Diocese and my Diocese only, and these guidelines are for this Diocese at least until the Episcopal Church has given some direction through the actions of General Convention for the whole Church.  At this point, I do not want to get into the sorting of what one Bishop will allow in another diocese and what another will not, or what it might mean if a Priest from a diocese that does not authorize "blessings" comes here to ask permission to perform a Civil Union.  I will wait until July 2012 to see how General Convention acts before I consider offering a broader invitation. 

 

Before performing and blessing of Civil Unions, I think it important and I direct that the Priest enter into formation and conversation with her/his congregation on the theology of Marriage and the practical meaning of Civil Unions.  It is important for the people of our congregations to understand the evolving understanding of the Church on Civil Unions and Marriage.  This teaching and conversation should take place before January 1. 

 

We are in a time of active discernment and transition.  These guidelines are offered for the pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this Diocese.  This is an interim policy for our Diocese, and it will be reviewed following the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in July 2012. Please keep the Episcopal Church, our Diocese and me, your Bishop, in your prayers as we seek God's will for God's people.  

 

Aloha ma o Iesu Kristo, ko mākou Haku,

 

+Robert L. Fitzpatrick,
Bishop of Hawai'i

 

Guidelines

 

1. Every Member of the Clergy of the Diocese of Hawai'i shall conform to the laws of the State governing the creation of Civil Unions and the creation of the civil status of marriage. The Clergy shall also adhere to the Canons of the Church and Diocese governing the solemnization of Holy Matrimony.

 

2. As to whether or not to engage in performing and blessing Civil Unions within this Diocese, the pastoral judgment and decisions of the Clergy with immediate oversight shall be respected. No Priest of the Diocese of Hawai'i, canonically resident or licensed in accordance with the Canons of the Episcopal Church, shall be required to officiate at and bless a Civil Union of persons of the same-sex.  That is, also, the case for the sacramental rite of Marriage as currently defined by the Canons and in the Book of Common Prayer and this is, therefore, no deviation in policy or practice.
 
3. Before performing and blessing a Civil Union within or outside church property, the Priest shall inform the Bishop of the impending pastoral action under the Bishop's Guidelines.  This is to keep the Bishop informed of the exercise of this new pastoral ministration within the Diocese and its overall impact on our common life.  

 

4. Before performing and blessing a Civil Union, the Priest shall comply with all diocesan requirements that currently pertain to Marriage, including those relevant to previous marriages that have ended in divorce. Couples shall be prepared to make a lifelong commitment to each other, and must have received adequate pastoral counseling prior to the union.

 

5. Until the Episcopal Church acts through the General Convention to provide liturgical resources and theological direction for the whole Church (or until these guidelines are revised), Episcopal Priests from outside the Diocese will not be given permission by the Bishop to enter the Diocese of Hawai'i to perform and bless Civil Unions.

 

6. Until the Episcopal Church acts through the General Convention to provide liturgical resources and theological direction for the whole Church (or until these guidelines are revised), Priests of this Diocese shall only perform and bless a Civil Union for a couple when one of the couple is a baptized communicant in good standing of a congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i.

 

7. In addition and by the gracious permission of the Bishop of Chicago, the "Guidelines for the Solemnization of Holy Union" (see http://www.episcopalarchives.org/SCLM/diocesan/127_Chicago_2011.pdf ) shall provide the provisional liturgical resource for Civil Unions in this Diocese, additional guidelines for Civil Unions not previously enumerated in these guidelines, and is suggested as the basic resource for the education and conversation in the congregation.    

 _________________________________________________________

Announcing the Installation of

The Very Rev. Walter B. A. Brownridge

 Walter Brownridge crop

The Cathedral of Saint Andrew cordially invites you to a

Celebration of New Ministry

First Sunday of Advent

27 November 2011  5:30 pm

 

God wiling and the people consenting

The Right Reverend Robert Keali'ikoaokeakua Fitzpatrick,

Bishop V of Hawai'i, will install 

The Very Reverend Walter B.A. Brownridge

as the Twentieth Dean of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew

 

Reception to follow

Collection will be donated to the Cathedral Pastoral Alms Fund

Clergy: Choir Dress (cassock, surplice and stole or tippett)

 

The Very Reverend Walter Brownridge currently serves as the Dean of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Honolulu.  Prior to his appointment in July 2011, Fr. Brownridge served for five years as Associate Dean for Community Life at the School of Theology, Sewanee: The University of the South.  He was ordained in the Diocese of Ohio, and has served in the Diocese of Cape Town, South Africa, where many illustrious bishops have served including The Archbishop Emeritus Desmond M. Tutu.  Prior to entering seminary to study for the Episcopal Priesthood, Walter practiced law and worked in public policy for ten years.  In Washington, D.C., Walter served as Special Counsel and Assistant to a U.S. Senator. 

 

In service to The Episcopal Church, Dean Brownridge is a member of the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons. 

 

Walter has been married since 1982 to his wife, Christina Nader Brownridge.  They are the parents of two sons, Alec Thurgood, a Senior at Brown University, and Martin Desmond, a High School Junior at Iolani School in Honolulu.

 

BREAKFAST WITH DEAN BROWNRIDGE

The Cathedral of Saint Andrew cordially invites all clergy to attend "Breakfast with Dean Brownridge" on Monday, November 28, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., in the Von Holt Room of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.  Please come to enjoy a hearty breakfast and share aloha with our new Dean and other clergy in the Diocese.  Please RSVP by Friday, November 25, by email to Susan Hays.

 _________________________________________________________

Announcing the Ordindation of The Rev. Robin Taylor & Celebration of New Ministry

 Robin Taylor

God willing and the people consenting,

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, will ordain the Rev. Robin Taylor to the Priesthood on behalf of Bishop Eugene Sutton and the Diocese of Maryland.

 

You are invited to attend the Ordination, which will include a

 Celebration of New Ministry, on

December 18, 2011, 4:00 p.m.

St. Michael & All Angel's, Lihue, Kaua'i

 

Clergy are invited to vest and process; the color will be red.

 

A musical prelude will begin at 3:45 p.m. 

Following the service there will be a reception at St. Michael's. 

RSVPs are encouraged. Please contact Judy Wakumoto at 808-651-4492.

 

A transitional deacon, Taylor has been serving at Christ Memorial in Kilauea since August of this year, and will become Vicar upon her ordination.  She graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary this past spring.  Prior to her entrance into the ordained ministry, she served as a Physician Assistant in Family Practice and Internal Medicine for more than 30 years.  During that time she was a leader of medical missions to Panama and Haiti.  She and her husband, David, have three children and one grandchild.

 ________________________________________________________

Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training

The Sexual Misconduct Prevention training, with the Rev. Al Miles as trainer, will be held on O'ahu, on Saturday, December 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 98-939 Moanalua Road, Aiea.

 

Please register online HERE.  If you are unable to register online, download the registration form HERE and return it to the Bishop's Office. 

 

The training is required of all Vestry or Bishop's Committee members, Wardens, Eucharistic Visitors (those who take Communion from the church to people in the hospital or at home), church employees, and clergy.  Anyone on O'ahu who needs this training should plan to attend this event.  People from other islands are welcome, but please be aware that airfare will not be covered by the Diocese.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  This training is different from Safeguarding God's Children training.  Safeguarding God's Children focuses on preventing abuse of children, while the Sexual Misconduct Prevention training focuses on preventing sexual harassment and maintaining proper boundaries with adults.

 

If you have had some version of this training in the past, but it was not with Rev. Al Miles, you should also plan to attend this training.

 

If you have any questions about these trainings or requirements, please contact Canon Liz Beasley.  

 ________________________________________________________

All Saints' is host to the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Luncheon, with the help of the ECW

AS ThanksgivingFor several years, All Saints' Episcopal Church on Kaua'i has been hosting a free community Thanksgiving luncheon, in partnership with other churches belonging to the Kapa'a Interfaith Association.  Held in the All Saints' Gym on Thanksgiving Day, over 500 meals are served and delivered to anyone in the community who would like a delicious turkey meal with all the trimmings. 

 

In the past member churches each pay a portion to cover the cost of food, while Chef Mark Oyama, owner of Mark's Place and Contemporary Flavors, along with his staff, volunteer their time to prepare and serve the meal to throngs of people. This year, All Saints' member, Diane Sato, applied for a Hawai'i based ECW (Episcopal Church Women) Specials grant, and was awarded a generous amount towards the luncheon.  The balance was raised in a joint bake sale that took place during a Veteran's Day parade.  What a blessing for the community and churches involved! 

 

Along with All Saints' Church, the Kapa'a Interfaith Association member churches include the Kapa'a Hwonganji, United Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist, St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Kapa'a Jodo Mission. In an interfaith service before the the luncheon, priests from the different churches come together under one roof, giving thanks and sharing stories in their respective faiths. 

 

Mary Margaret Smith and Diane Sato have been the church representatives for All Saints' since its inception, meeting regularly with other church representatives to make this such a popular and successful community event. Plants and flowers are donated to decorate the gym, and home-style entertainment flows during the entire time.  In another part of the property, volunteers pack and deliver meals to shut-ins and others who cannot make the drive to the church.  Youth from all the churches act as waiters and bussers, so folks don't have to stand in line, and everyone is wrapped in an air of fellowship.  It is a wonderful event that brings the entire community together in an atmosphere of thanksgiving... and isn't that what it's all about! 

 ________________________________________________________

The Second Annual Harvest Ball on Maui coming up!

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Maui will be holding its second annual Harvest Ball on Friday, November 25, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the Maui Beach Hotel ~ Elleair Ballroom.  Folks can dance to the music of Moon Glow, who will be playing songs from the Big Band Era, Glenn Miller, some waltzes and a little Latin. 

GS kitchen
A Ka 'Ohana Kitchen team in acton.

Proceeds benefit the Ka 'Ohana Kitchen's "Feed the Hungry Program" that saw over $3000 raised in last year's event, led by Louise Aloy, Chair of the Harvest Ball.  There will be a Silent Auction throughout the evening with lots to bid on, including stays at hotels, restaurant offerings, gift items, jewelry, and much more.  Light pupus with a no host cash bar will also be available.  Tickets are:  Presale $30, $35 at the door

 

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Good Shepherd Office at 808-244-4656.  

 ________________________________________________________

Peter Pereira on Sabbatical

Diocesan Treasurer, Peter Pereira, is currently on sabbatical, and will return to the office on January 25, 2012.  Jane Tonokawa will be acting as the temporary Chief Financial Officer/Assistant Treasurer in his absence.  She will be assisted by June Choriki, the Diocesan Accountant.  You may email them by clicking on their linked names above.

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What's Happening in The Episcopal Church? 

Announcements from around The Episcopal Church...

________________________________________________________ 

No current items to report.

 

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Chronicle header green

 

In case you missed it, shown below are news highlights from the October 2011 of the E-Chronicle  

 

 

Bishop FitzpatrickBishop's Message

Be sure to read the Bishop's message on Growing More Vital and Vibrant Communities.  Click here to view the October 2011 E-Chronicle with his message in its entirety.   

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GodCamp 2011

 

God Camp 2011

Happy campers from this year's God Camp transformed Camp Mokule'ia into Hogwarts, the school of wizardry from the popular Harry Potter book series.   

  

__________________________________________________________ 

IG Thelma Pat

 

The Iolani Guild

Read about how the Iolani Guild files found their way to the Diocesan Archives, and about the retirement luncheon for long-time members and officers, Pat Trask and Thelma Chun.  

 

__________________________________________________________ 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Did you miss an edition of the E-News?  Listed below are the titles of some recently published announcements to be aware of. To see the complete article, click on the linked issues below, or visit Previous E-News Editions on the diocesan website,and click on the desired issue.

 

11/01/2011:

 

St. Andrew's Priory ... Queen Emma Merit Scholarship Program for 2012-2013, Applications now being accepted

 

New Directors for the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i have been Issued

 

Caring for our College Students at CohortU

 

Province VIII, Indigenous People's Network announce Winter Talk 2012, Deadline to register is December 16, 2011

 

Now available online: Episcopal Church 2010 Report to the Church

 

TENS new website offers Stewardship resources

 

Archbishop Winston Halapua urges prayer for Tuvalu

 

10/19/2011:  

ECW Meeting to feature guest speaker Janine LeGrand, November 19, 2011

 

Calling All knitters & crocheters!  St. Peter's Knitting Ministry is making Afghans for flood victims

 

2012 UTO Grant Applications now being accepted

Deadline for Bishop's endorsement is December 16, 2011.

 

St. Michael's on Kaua'i announces two huge events coming up in February 2012.

 

ERD offers Abundant Life Garden Project for children

 

Vaughan Park accepting applications for one-month residencies Deadline is January 9, 2012

 

10/5/2011:

 

Internet Evagelism Task Force establishes new internet/website offering for the Diocese of Hawai'i

 

Missionary Janine LeGrand back in Hawai'i

 

Presiding Bishop issues Pastoral letter on Israeli-Palestinian Peace

 

Pastoral Teaching from the House of Bishops

  

Rebuild Our Church In Haiti announces new and updated resources

 

9/16/2011:

 

CohortU Welcomes U!

 

New Episcopal Church Welcome Signs & Graphic Guidelines

 

Tuition Subsidies... Green Faith partnership 

Deadline for tuition subsidies is December 1, 2011 & May 1, 2012

 

 

9/9/2011: 

 

Special Announcement - New Clergy-Staff

 

 

8/1/2011:

 

 

Establishing New Communities of Faith

A message from Bishop Robert L. Fitzpatrick

   

Jubilee Ministry Grant Applications Now Being Accepted 

Deadline for 2012 grants is December 30, 2011.

   

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Contact Information
News
Office of the Bishop
229 Queen Emma Square
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776, ext. 326; Neighbor Islands: 1-800-522-8418