Japanese center picks new president
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
Keiko Bonk, a former Green Party politician and chairwoman of the Hawai'i County Council, has been selected for the top position at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i.
Advertiser library photo
Bonk began Monday as president and executive director of the center, replacing Susan Kodani, who resigned in August.
Keiko Bonk, an artist and musician, is the new president of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i.
She will be responsible for developing cultural programs, building partnerships with other organizations, broadening the center's financial base and membership and increasing community participation.
Bonk's appointment by the board of directors marks the latest step in an overhaul at the Mo'ili'ili center that began more than a year ago. The center had been struggling with a $9 million debt that threatened it with foreclosure, but enough money was raised by the end of 2002 to keep the doors open.
Bonk takes over at a time of reorganization and financial planning directed to averting future debt.
An artist and musician, Bonk is best known for her political career, which took off a decade ago upon her election to the Big Island county council. Bonk chaired the council in her second term, advocating government reform and alternative ideas for economic development friendly to Hawai'i's economic and environmental resources.
She finished second in the race for Big Island mayor in 2000 and retired from politics the following year.
Most recently, she has returned to the arts, lecturing at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and teaching a children's summer and after-school arts program she founded. Bonk has played the shamisen in Japanese and Okinawan communities, worked as a songwriter and singer and is an established painter.
Reach Vicki Viotti at 525-8053 or at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com.
