General Synod Delegates:
Ten delegates from our five Associations represented the Hawai‘i Conference at the 27th General Synod, June 26-30. Reports and reflections from their time in Grand Rapids will be posted as they are received. Click the links below to read about their experience.
David Kaupu will attend his second General Synod as a delegate, although he has been a visitor to many. A retired pastor, David has served in numerous positions on Conference and Association boards and committees. He is a member of Kaumakapili Church in Honolulu.
Kipa Kaupu is a youth/young adult delegate who will be attending her second General Synod. In 2007, while completing another delegate’s term, she addressed the General Synod. This year she begins the first of a two-Synod term. Kipa is a sophomore at Moanalua High School.
Kathy Kitamura is Moderator at Kapa‘a UCC and former President
of the Kaua‘i Association. "Last Synod was my first Synod," she said. "I was nervous going, but once I got there, I was so comfortable." She said she is looking forward to the speakers and meeting old friends.
Robb Kojima is the Pastor of Wailuku Union Church on Maui. This is his first of a two-Synod term as a delegate. He follows in his daughter Jill’s footsteps. She was a youth and youth/young adult delegate from the Tri-Isle Association in 2003 and 2005. He has served in many roles in the Association. Click HERE to read my experience.
Teddy Llana is Deacon and Treasurer of the Marshallese United Church of Christ in Honolulu. He has been a member of UCC–Judd Street and served on the Oahu Association Board of Directors. This will be his first time attending a General Synod. Click HERE to read my experience.
Judith Napua McShane Burke is Pastor of Ola‘a First Hawaiian Church on Hawai‘i Island and Vice President of the State Council of Hawaiian Congregational Churches. She has attended three other General Synods, although this will be her first as a delegate.
Wahine‘aukai Mercado is a youth/young adult delegate. She is a member of Kalapana Maunakea Church on the Island of Hawai‘i and is a student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. She is filling out an uncompleted term and this will be her first General Synod. Click HERE to read my experience.
Janice Ogoshi is Pastor of Hawai‘i Kai UCC. This will be her second General Synod. "It is very interesting to watch and participate in the resolution process as a delegate," she said. "I learned a lot." She said she is looking forward to listening to the speakers. Click HERE to read my experience.
Warren Orikasa is a past Moderator at Iao Congregational Church. This will be his second time attending General Synod. "What impressed me at the last General Synod was the sense of community," he said. "Everyone was so gracious." Click HERE to read my experience.
Chris Schwab is Pastor of Kapa‘a First Hawaiian Church on Kaua‘i. He served on the Association Church and Ministry Committee and is currently Chair of the Conference Justice and Witness Missional Team. This will be his first time attending a General Synod. Click HERE to read my experience.
Conference Council Chair Caroline Peters Belsom and Conference Minister Charles Buck will serve as associate delegates with voice but no vote.
Click HERE to read my experience.