Touching the Community

by Ralph Aona

Akira Sakima, second from right

There are many different perspectives about what it means to “touch the community.” I believe that touching the community is about making an impact and making a difference with people. Akira Sakima exemplifies what it means to touch the community. In his daily life he touches the Hawaii Community of Christ as well as the larger community.

Akira is an evangelist for the church and serves in this capacity with great integrity. He reaches into the lives of people to make sure they are doing well. He has been the pastor of Kalihi congregation in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, for more than fifteen years. Akira has also served as the Honolulu Metropole president as well as other church leadership positions. However, most touching is Akira’s ministry of presence and his ability to provide counsel.

In November 2000, Minoru Shibuya, consul general of Japan, presented Akira with Imperial Decorations. He was recognized by the government of Japan for his contribution in strengthening the relationship between Japan and the United States. Akira was one of only five people outside of Japan to receive this prestigious award.

Akira was raised on a pig farm in Honolulu and continued this way of life as he grew older. After World War II he joined a group that transported 600 milking goats to Okinawa, Japan, to nourish people devastated by the war. Akira was the youngest member of the group and credits that experience with changing his life. Inspired, he became active in community leadership roles. In 1958 he was elected to the territorial (now state) House of Representatives. He served nine terms.

During his service in the House of Representatives, Akira chaired the education and higher education committees and helped develop Okinawa’s agricultural industry. In 1978, he was a delegate to the state Constitutional Convention. In 1985, he received a Certificate of Commendation for his outstanding contributions in promoting goodwill and friendship between the United States, Japan, and other countries. Subsequently, Akira received numerous awards for promoting goodwill and friendship between Hawaii and Okinawa. He continues to speak out about creating and supporting healthier relationships between various communities.

Akira has served as president of the United Okinawan Association of Hawaii. He has been on boards and committees of several health and social service agencies and has assisted the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation. Prior to retiring, he was a branch manager for a savings and loan company.

Akira humbly thanks others for his numerous commendations. “I happened to be in the right place at the right time,” he said, “which enabled me to accomplish so much. The real credit lies with my friends and family who helped me to be able to help others.” His wife Jane, daughter Ellen Higa, son Howard, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild are a tremendous support in his ministry.

At age 82, Akira still attends all Community of Christ activities and works to improve the community. He is truly one that touches community--a community of people from various cultures and backgrounds. He lifts up our mission in his everyday life as he proclaims Jesus Christ and promotes communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.

(Some information obtained from an article by Karleen Chinen, Uchinanchu [people of Okinawa], The Voice of the Hawaii Okinawa Association, December 2000. Used with permission.)