2013 Living Treasure Nola Nahulu with Mitsuyo Saito. Photo by Ruth Tokumi.

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.

2018 Honorees:

Mitchell Eli

Mary Jo Freshley

Gordon "Umi" Kai

Hailama Farden

Takejiro Higa

More about the 2018 Living Treasures honorees »

The 2018 Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon was held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Nominations

An organization or person may nominate a candidate for this recognition by submitting a nomination form with information on the nominee. 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
• Dropped off during office hours.

The completed nomination must be received by the Living Treasures Committee no later than September 1. Presentation is made in February of the following year. For additional information, please call our office at (808) 522-9200.

Living Treasures Fund

A special fund supports the Living Treasures of Hawai’i™ program. You can easily make a donation online.

Past Honorees

You may view a complete list of honorees since Living Treasures was established in 1976.