Posted on: Sunday, November 24, 2002

Japanese center's supporters not giving up cause

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

The committee to save the Japanese Cultural Center is facing a short deadline for collecting donations to keep its Mo'ili'ili quarters.

The center's debt will force it to close unless the ad hoc committee that formed to save it can raise $9 million before Dec. 31. Near the end of last week, $1.8 million had been collected, said committee chairman Colbert Matsumoto, and other checks were being received.

The committee comprises Japanese Cultural Center members and supporters who were dismayed to learn recently that the complex would be sold because the debt had become unmanageable.

Matsumoto, who also recently became a board member of the center, said that during an informational meeting yesterday and on other occasions since the committee was formed, participants have suggested that a more business-like approach should be adopted in running the center.

"Certainly the group I'm associated with has gotten the message," Matsumoto said. "We are committed to instituting reform."

Members and others concerned about the center have also suggested it should be more broadly marketed within the community, and more programs should also be aimed at younger members of the Japanese community of Hawai'i.

One suggestion, Matsumoto said, was to hold Japanese anime festivals.

Matsumoto said he and the other committee members were also committed to expanded service and were pleased that a number of younger people attended the informational meeting and shared their ideas yesterday.

Those who wish to make donations to save the center should send checks made out to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii to: Committee to Save the Center, 3660 Wai'alae Ave., Suite 301, Honolulu, HI 96816.

Checks that contain the words "Save the Center" in the note section will be held until Dec. 31 and will be cashed only if enough money has been collected by that time to keep the center going.