Ho’omenemene Awards

The biennial Ho’omenemene Awards from Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i honor individuals and organizations whose work embodies the Center’s mission of promoting hope and healing to Hawai‘i communities.

2020 Honorees

  • Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin in Honolulu is the main temple of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i (Hawaii Kyodan). The Betsuin offers Sunday services and Buddhism classes, education for children and teens, and hosts numerous organizations and cultural activities. The Betsuin is a strong advocate for mental health and a positive presence in the community.
  • Na Mea Kupono Learning Center in Waialua is a wetland taro patch fed by springwater and has been tended by the Garrido-Bolosan family for many years. Children and families can gain hands-on experience about wetland taro farming, interact with Hawai‘i’s natural environment, and learn the concepts of Hawaiian values and caring for the land.
  • Xi Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. in Hawai’i is an empowering organization dedicated to voluntary service educating the public on health initiatives, mentoring youth, awarding scholarships, supporting organized charities, and promoting legislation for social and civic transformation.
  • Rev. Dr. Gary C. Augustin is a military family and life counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, adjunct faculty member at Chaminade University, and ordained minister in Honolulu. He is a caring and compassionate counselor who specializes in pastoral counseling and is certified in critical incident stress management.
  • David C. Livingston is a financial advisor at Ameriprise and talented event photographer. He spent 25 years as a YMCA Director in California and Hawai‘i and was the founder of TriMark of Hawaii, Inc. David has impacted the lives of thousands of people in Hawai’i, by donating his time to numerous organizations to photograph their events, through his e-newsletter “Things Worth Saving” that reaches over 20,000 business leaders in Hawai‘i, and through his involvement with numerous nonprofit organizations.

2018 Honorees

  • Father Clarence “Larry” Fisher, a founding board member and active board member since 1986. He has championed the Center in the Catholic community and provided thoughtful, insightful guidance over the years.
  • Lili’uokalani Trust (LT), a private operating foundation established in 1909 by Hawai’i’s last ruling monarch, Queen Lili‘uokalani. Her Deed of Trust directs that the Queen’s assets be utilized to provide for orphan and destitute children in perpetuity. LT has broadened its focus to include collaborations with community groups and organizations, and to stimulate change across the entire system to break the cycle of poverty for Native Hawaiian families.

2016 Honorees

  • Mrs. Jolene Kim Gerell, a long-time supporter and former board president of Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i.
  • Project Dana, an organization serving the frail elderly and disabled, guided by the principle of “Dana”, which combines selfless giving and compassion without desire for recognition or reward, represented by its Executive Director, Rose Nakamura.

2014 Honorees

  • Mrs. Terry Fisher, retired Director for Program Services for Adult Friends for Youth and co-founder of the Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i.
  • Dr. Gerard Akaka, Vice President, Native Hawaiian Health, Medical Education and Clinical Support of The Queen’s Medical Center.
  • Family Promise, an organization serving homeless families with children represented by its Executive Director Mary Saunders.

2012 Honorees

  • Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, a founding board members of Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i, for enduring and outstanding support and service.
  • Thomas W. Leland, M.D., for outstanding contributions to the ideals of the Center in providing wellness of the body, mind, and spirit to the community.
  • Pacific Health Ministry, an organization that serves the spiritual needs of patients, their families and friends, and staff in hospitals and other health care facilities in Hawai’i.
  • Domestic Violence Action Center, an organization that provides legal information, representation, case management, and outreach to survivors of intimate partner abuse.