Winter 2023 Newsletter: Chozen-ji in the Community

Eddie Kamae Songbook debut performance

Kickoff meeting in July for the Eddie Kamae Songbook project

On November 26, the first arrangement from A Musical Journey for Concert Band: Songs from the Eddie Kamae Songbook was performed at the Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center by the UH West Oahu University Band.

The project kicked off in May at Chozen-ji, and includes leadership from Chozen-ji Kyudo Sensei and UH West Oahu University Band Director Chadwick Kamei, and Chozen-ji member and UH West Oahu Curriculum Specialist Lilinoe Andrews.

Please enjoy this video of Kamei Sensei conducting this beautiful rendition of Queen Liluʻokalani's "Ku‘u Pua I Paokalani" with the 100-person UH West Oahu University Band.

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Holomua Collective

The Holomua Collective held two meetings at Chozen-ji in September and October, led by 2023 Zen & Politics alumnus and Holomua Collective Executive Director Josh Wisch. The group is comprised of top business leaders from throughout Hawaii and is focused on creating a more affordable Hawaii for working families.

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Oahu Economic Development Board

The Oahu Economic Development Board held a meeting of its directors at Chozen-ji on August 18, facilitated by Chozen-ji Kendo student Breanna Rose. The meeting was part of the organization's strategic planning initiative, and was held at Chozen-ji to connect with the history of the Aloha Spirit campaign conducted by Chozen-ji in the 1990s.