Living Treasures of Hawaii™ recognizes and honors individuals who have demonstrated excellence and high achievement in their particular field of endeavor, and who, through continuous growth, learning, and sharing, have made significant contributions toward enriching our society.
The program was inspired by the Living National Treasures (Ningen Kokuho) of Japan. In 1976, Bishop Yoshiaki Fujitani instituted the program within the Hongwanji at the suggestion of Paul Yamanaka, a local insurance executive. Initially established to honor those involved in the perpetuation of the island’s distinctive cultural and artistic heritage, the recognition has been expanded to include contributions by individuals in all areas of endeavor. A complete list of honorees since Living Treasures was established in 1976 is available.
51st Living Treasures of Hawai’i™ Recognition Program and Luncheon
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 12 p.m. (check-in 11 a.m.)
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Coral Ballroom
Honorees
Dr. Billy Bergin
Dr. B. Ka‘imiloa Chrisman
Māpuana de Silva
Jim and Vickie Kennedy
Sheree Tamura
Details & Registration
Register Now
The 51st Living Treasures of Hawai‘i Recognition Program and Luncheon will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, 12:00 p.m. in the Coral Ballroom at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Check-in begins at 11 a.m.
To register or sponsor a table, you may:
- Register and pay online for up to 10 guests per registration.
- Download the 2026 Living Treasures reservation form, then fill it out and mail with your payment or call (808) 522-9200.
Early registration is by January 31, 2026. Reservations will not be accepted after February 7, 2026.
2026 Honorees
Dr. Billy Bergin Keeper of the Paniolo Spirit: From the misty hills of Waimea to the rugged pastures of Parker Ranch, few names resonate more deeply in Hawai‘i’s ranching legacy than Dr. Billy Bergin, D.V.M. Dr. Bergin, as a 2026 Living Treasure of Hawai‘i, is being honored for his lifetime of service, leadership, and cultural preservation.
Dr. B. Ka‘imiloa Chrisman Reviving the Lost Arts of Hawai‘i: For more than five decades, Dr. B. Ka‘imiloa Chrisman, M.D. — physician, artisan, and cultural historian — has been one of Hawai‘i’s most dedicated champions of traditional knowledge. Known affectionately as Kumu Ka‘imiloa, meaning “the one who seeks endlessly,” he has devoted his life to researching, reviving, and teaching the traditional arts of Hawai‘i.
Māpuana de Silva A Lifetime of Hula, Healing, and Leadership: For nearly 50 years, Kumu Hula Māpuana de Silva has devoted her life to preserving, teaching, and sharing the art of hula. As the founder and kumu hula of Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima, she has trained generations of dancers and cultural practitioners who embody the values of haʻahaʻa, mālama, and pono — humility, care, and integrity.
Jim and Vickie Kennedy Making the Invisible Visible: James “Jim” Kennedy, Jr. and Victoria “Vickie” Reiko Kennedy embody the quiet power of service. For years they have championed communities too often overlooked—especially blind and low-vision residents and legitimate service-dog teams—building access, dignity, and understanding across Hawaiʻi.
Sheree Tamura Dancing Tradition Forward: For over sixty years, Sheree Tamura (Hanayagi Mitsusumi Sensei) has been a guiding light in Japanese classical dance, shamisen music, and cultural education in Hawaiʻi. Founder of the Hanayagi Mitsusumi Dance Studio, she has trained generations of students in nihon buyō while fostering respect, discipline, and appreciation for Japanese values.
Nominations for 2027
An organization or person may nominate a candidate for this recognition by submitting a nomination form with information on the nominee and up to three letters of recommendation. You may download a nomination form or pick one up at the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Headquarters Office (see Contact Us). Completed nominations may be submitted in the following manner:
- By mail.
- By fax – (808) 522-9209.
- By email – admin@honpahi.org
(please use “Nomination for Living Treasures of Hawai’i” in the subject line) - Dropped off during office hours.
The completed nomination must be received by the Living Treasures Committee no later than the close of business on August 1. Presentation is made in February of the following year. For additional information, please call our office at (808) 522-9200.
Donations
Donations to support the Honpa Hongwanji’s Living Treasures of Hawaii™ program are welcome. You may use the PDF registration form linked above to make a donation even if you are not attending the event. You may also donate online to the Living Treasures Fund. Thank you!