ACLU Hawaii Welcomes New Board Member: Reverend Blayne Higa

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii (ACLU of Hawaii) is excited to announce the newest member of its Board of Directors, Hawaii Island-based Reverend Blayne Higa.

Born and raised in Hilo, Blayne is a graduate of Waiakea High School. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley, California with a focus on Shin Buddhist ministry and chaplaincy and is currently the Resident Minister of the Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Before entering the ministry, he spent over 17 years in state government and in nonprofit fundraising.

He is also the Co-Chair of the Committee on Social Concerns for the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. A past President of the Moiliili Hongwanji Board of Directors and former First Vice President of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. He also previously served on the Advisory Council for Project Dana and on the Board of The Interfaith Alliance Hawaii.

Rev. Higasaid: “I’m grateful for the chance to serve on the ACLU of Hawaii board along with fellow civil rights advocates. I’ve long admired the work done by the ACLU of Hawaii and I look forward to lending my voice to the preservation of people’s civil rights and civil liberties.”

The addition of Blayne to the board brings the count to 15 all-volunteer board members.

Board President Marianita Lopez said: “The ACLU of Hawaii board is excited to have Blayne on the Board of Directors to help guide the organization in its mission of protecting the rights and liberties of the people of Hawai‘i. We’re fortunate to have his unique perspective and experience on our diverse team of dedicated board members and look forward to his contributions to our work.”

The current membership of the ACLU of Hawaii Board of Directors includes:

Marianita Lopez – President

Barbara Franklin (Hawaii Island) – Vice President

Roger W. Fonseca – Secretary

Rick Schneider – Treasurer and National Board Representative

Esther Solomon (Kauai) – Equity Officer

Barbara A. Ankersmit – At-Large

Pamela G. Lichty – At-Large

Ibrahim Aoude; George Atkins; Kevin Block (Maui); Blayne Higa (Hawaii Island); Jeff Hong; Kim Coco Iwamoto; Stacia Ohira; Kristen Briane Kananiuilani “Kanani” Souza