The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui has established a steering committee headed by former Mayor Alan Arakawa to begin planning for construction of a Japanese cultural center in Central Maui.

As envisioned, the center will have space for exhibitions, meetings, performances and education, according to the group.

Other steering committee members are cultural society president Keith Regan, Lynn Araki-Regan, Kay Fukumoto, Harlan Hughes, Tiffany Iida, Annette Matsuda, Suzie Nakata, Rodney Ryugo, Phyllis Sato, Cathy Shimizu, Kumika Soga, the Rev. Jeffrey Soga, Irvin Yamada, Jean Yokoyama and Edward Zwick.

The panel is looking for assistance in key areas such as fundraising, architecture, engineering and public relations. Its next meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Kahului Hongwanji Mission social hall.

For more information, call Arakawa at 871-4301.