WFWP-HI Participation in the 2nd Annual Hawaiʻi Buddha Peace Festival

Written by : Donna Shaver

The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Hawai’i Chapter was honored to participate in the 2nd Annual Hawaiʻi Buddha Peace Festival, themed “Compassion, Love & Peace.” The festival, held on August 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, brought together peace organizations, cultural groups, and community members for a day of performances, activities, and fellowship.

To prepare for the festival, WFWP-HI organized an Informational & Educational Display that included a special Peace Photo Activity section coordinated by Elizabeth Lim, Yoshie Yamada, and Donna Shaver. Artist Jordan Agcaoili designed and created the Hawai’i Peace backdrop and props, dedicating 20 to 30 hours of work to the project. Paulina Lim and Donna Shaver painted the clothing on the people props, turning it into WFWP’s largest coloring project to date. Guests could take photos with the backdrop and props, and their pictures were printed on-site with a portable printer donated by Debbie Nanod. Each photo included a peace quote from Mother Moon on the reverse side, designed by Yoshie Yamada and printed by Donna Shaver. The quote, provided by Mika Deshotel, read: “Everyone desires peace, but peace does not come easily… To experience true peace, we must first practice true love without expectation of reward.”

The WFWP-HI display was located alongside other peace organizations such as Yoly Jon Henna and Neels Nirvana. The festival featured a wide range of cultural performances including Hawaiian hula, Vietnamese dances and choir, Indonesian bird and line dances, Chinese traditional dance, Korean janggu drumming, Nepali traditional dance, and more. Musical pieces included John Lennon’s Imagine, flute dance, a peace song, and a closing ukulele and hula performance by The Park Rats. WFWP-HI was invited to contribute with a crossover peace song, “Where Peace Begins (One Family Under God),” performed by Daniel and Donna Shaver with keyboardist Anne Craig Lum.

The WFWP booth featured the Hawai’i Chapter banner, copies of the Mother of Peace memoir, brochures, the WFWP 2024 Annual Report, activity reports, tabletop posters, a slide presentation, and membership forms. Refreshments such as chips, pineapple gummies, and bottled water were offered to guests. The Peace Photo Activity attracted a diverse group of visitors—families, couples, children, teenagers, and individuals—who were delighted to receive a personalized keepsake with Mother Moon’s message. Several women expressed interest in learning more about WFWP and its founder, Holy Mother Hak Ja Han Moon.

During the event, WFWP Chairwoman Donna Shaver met with Representative Shirley Templo, Hawai’i State House District 30, who expressed interest in partnering with WFWP to support youth initiatives in Kalihi. Contact information was exchanged, and a copy of the Mother of Peace memoir was gifted to Representative Templo. They plan to reconnect soon to discuss collaboration opportunities.

The success of WFWP-HI’s participation was made possible through the support of many individuals and families, including Elizabeth, Warren, and Paulina Lim; Jordan Agcaoili and family; Yoshie Yamada; Debbie and Gary Nanod; Eiko and David Hirata; Clare Yasutake; Diane Araki; Yukari Nichols; Rev. Ernie Ho; Anne Craig Lum; Daniel Shaver; and Rafia Hasina. Their contributions and dedication are deeply appreciated.

Reflecting on the experience, artist Jordan Agcaoili expressed his gratitude for being able to contribute his artistic talents “for literally peace’s sake.” Elizabeth Lim shared a moving story of taking a picture for a man without a phone or a photograph of himself. When given food and a printed photo, he expressed profound joy, reminding her that such moments of love and care are sacred gifts from God. Donna Shaver reflected on the value of connecting with other peace organizations, creating a meaningful experience for families through the Peace Photo activity, and performing “Where Peace Begins” with her son and sister as a way to share Holy Mother Han’s vision of one family under God.

The 2nd Annual Hawai’i Buddha Peace Festival provided WFWP-HI with a meaningful opportunity to connect with the broader community, introduce WFWP’s mission, and advance the vision of peace, love, and unity across Hawai’i.