Updates from the Transitions Committee

April 30, 2026

The Bishop Search:

(The candidates from left: The Rev. Canon Andrew Arakawa, the Rev. Timothy Yanni, and the Rev. Libby Berman, at the first Meet and Greet on Kaua'i; photo credit: The Rev. Keleawe Hee taken at All Saints')

The Ke Aloha Kākou Meet and Greet sessions wrapped up this past Sunday, April 26, 2026. It was a whirlwind experience for the three candidates and their spouses who traveled through the island chain over the course of 4 days.

The gatherings were an opportunity for folks to meet and engage with the candidates for our next bishop in person, or participate and submit questions live online. The sessions began on Thursday, April 23, on Kaua'i, then Maui (with Moloka'i) on Friday, two sites on O'ahu on Saturday, plus an evening Zoom session with the folks on Guam and Saipan (Sunday afternoon ChST), and a final visit to Hawai'i Island on Sunday!

"Thank you to everyone involved in the Meet and Greet process," shared Roth Puahala, Chair of the Transitions Committee. "It was wonderful to meet the team in such a positive, collaborative environment. Your dedication to creating a great onboarding experience really highlights the fantastic company culture here, as well as all those involved with the Meet and Greet process."

(Photos: Candidates on Maui at Good Shepherd, from their Facebook page)

All sessions were recorded and are now posted on the diocesan website HERE. (Please note that YouTube-generated closed captions are available for all sessions, but they may not be 100% accurate.) Each session began with prayer, introductions by the host, and a 5-minute opening statement from each candidate. Questions from the audience, both in-person and online, followed. The questions were diverse and unique for each site, representing a varied perspective. Each candidates was given 3 minutes to respond, on a rotation basis. Due to time constraints not all questions submitted were able to be answered. A final question/closing statement from the host was posed to the candidates, followed by a closing prayer.

(Screenshots of the Meet and Greets on O'ahu held at The Cathedral of St. Andrew and at St. Timothy's)

Only two weeks remain before the Special Meeting to elect the next bishop of the Diocese of Hawai'i takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 'Iolani School. It is important that all voting clergy and elected lay delegates review all information about the candidates that are posted on the diocesan website. This includes their resume, spiritual biography, video introductions and answers to essay questions. Watch the Meet and Greet sessions and listen to candidate responses. Please also arrange for, and take the time to listen to your constituents so that all voices in the Diocese are heard.

(Screenshots of the Zoom meeting with Guam & Saipan and on Hawai'i Island, and with Transitions Chair, Roth Puahala)

Let's take the time to review what we have on our website, and discern and ponder our choices for our Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Hawai'i. ~ Roth Puahala, Chair, Bishop Transitions Committee