Waves of Aloha: How WFWP Hawaii Served Locally and Shined Globally
Late summer and September proved to be an extraordinary season of heart, action, and connection for the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Hawaii chapter. From fond farewells along the shoreline to grassroots community service and international leadership, WFWP-HI members spent the month proving what it means to lead with love both at home and across the ocean.
Bidding Aloha to a Master Bridge-Builder
The season kicked off at Kapilina Beach Park with a heartwarming sunset "aloha" picnic honoring Yuriko Harding and her family before their move to Kona. Over the years, Yuriko served as a true catalyst for partnership—founding WFWP-HI’s collaboration with the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, driving holiday card drives for isolated veterans, organizing drumming therapy, and connecting with local cultural groups like UluNiu and 'Aha Ho'oponopono.
Twenty-five members gathered under the evening sky to share food, memories, and gratitude for her tireless work in building community bridges. By the end of the sunset gathering, the warm atmosphere had even inspired three new women to express interest in joining WFWP’s mission.
Showing Up for Neighbors Near and Far
That spirit of solidarity carried directly into September through hands-on service. On September 19, five WFWP-HI representatives joined a packed crowd of nearly 80 community members at Palolo Hongwanji Temple for the "Aloha for Nepal Flood Relief Cultural Night." Hosted by the Society of Nepalese in Hawaii (SNEHA), the evening raised critical funds for families affected by landslides and flooding in Nepal.
Just days later on September 24, WFWP members Yoshie Yamada and Donna Shaver rolled up their sleeves alongside 60 local volunteers at King’s Chapel Hawai′i. Working with the Hawai′i Food Bank for their semi-monthly ′Ohana Food Distribution, they helped package and hand out essential groceries—building trust and strengthening partnerships through quiet, steady service.
Representing Island Leadership on the World Stage
To cap off an inspiring month, WFWP Hawaii’s impact reached all the way across the Pacific to Hong Kong at the WFWP-International Global Vision Summit 2026. The summit focused on leveraging technology and ethics to uplift humanity under the banner "AI Essentials for Social Impact."
Representing the Hawaii chapter in person, UPF Ambassador for Peace Rafia Hasina presented her paper, "Power with Purpose: Ethical AI for Empowerment and Sustainable Development," earning the summit's prestigious Best Abstract Award. Presenting remotely via video, member Elizabeth Lim shared her work on "Protecting Every Child: Envisioning AI for Prevention, Protection and Global Child Safety." Complete with local makana (gift) bags presented to the global committee, Rafia and Elizabeth brought the true essence of island womanhood and visionary leadership to the global stage.
