Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Hawaii Family Forum?

Hawaii Family Forum is a non-profit research and educational organization committed to preserving and strengthening families in Hawaii.  Within the limits allowed by the IRS for 501 C3s, we provide factual and legal information to policy makers via lobbying to help inform their decisions from a family friendly perspective.  We also educate and involve Hawaii residents – the faces and voices of the community – to actively join us in this effort.  Hawaii Family Forum is the only multi-issue, pro-family organization in Hawaii with two full-time staff members currently representing the interests of Hawaii families.  Dennis Arakaki is currently the interim executive director (lobbyist) and Eva Andrade is the director of communications.  Kelly Rosati, an attorney, was the executive director from 1998 through 2008.  (Click here for a PDF version of brochure.)

How long has HFF been around?

Hawaii Family Forum was founded in association with Focus on the Family in March of 1998. 

As a lobbying organization, who do you represent when you are at the state capitol? 

On our current Pastors Advisory Board, we have representation of:  New Life Church, Calvary Chapel Honolulu, Calvary Central, Calvary Pearl Harbor, First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu, Hope Chapel Kapolei, Hope Chapel Mililani, Hope Chapel North Shore, Kailua Community Church, Kaimuki Christian Church, Kings Cathedral, Moanalua Gardens Missionary Church, New Hope Christian Fellowship, North Shore Christian Fellowship, Nuuanu Baptist, OlaNui, Waianae Assembly of God.  There are other churches that also work very closely with us, Word of Life and First Assembly of God (Red Hill) and the Hawaii Council of Christian Churches.

In 2003, HFF partnered with the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii as the official public voice for the Catholic Church in Hawaii.

What are some of the issues facing our families here in Hawaii?

Hawaii Family Forum focuses on a wide range of public policy and cultural issues impacting our families. From the protection of traditional marriage to domestic violence, from partial-birth abortion to physician assisted suicide, from gambling to religious freedom, from poverty to housing and homelessness - we are there representing the concerns of the family.

Why should Christians get involved in public policy? 

It is mandated by scripture.  As believers, we know the bible and God’s truth are relevant and applicable to all areas of our lives—not just certain areas.  All areas include the cultural and legislative ones that impact our children and our families.  The Bible tells us to render under Caesar that which is Caesar’s and render unto God what is HIS.  We live in a representative democracy and it is our right and responsibility to be involved in our government.  This is the 21st Century, American application of rendering under Caesar that which is Caesar’s.  We will strive to do it with love and in prayer.  (Click here for a brochure on this very question.)

How are you governed?  How do you decide which issues you tackle?

Hawaii Family Forum is governed by two boards. 

 

(1) HFF Board which consists of local business and community leaders dedicated to Christian service.   Our board members include:  PRESIDENT, Mr. Francis Oda, VICE-PRESIDENT Mr. Austin Imamura, SECRETARY  Mr. Gill Berger, BROGAN, Mary Lou, D’OLIER, H. Mitchell, PACE, Nancy, PATY, William, PFLUEGER, Nancy, TSUJIMURA, R. Brian, YOUNG, Sandra

 

(2) Pastors Advisory Board which consists of churches mentioned above

 

The Hawaii Catholic Conference receives its direction from the HCC board of directors and Bishop Larry Silva.  (Click here for more information about the HCC.)

How are you financed?

Hawaii Family Forum is associated with Focus on the Family, but we receive no funding from them.  Instead, we are supported by the generous tax-deductible contributions of churches (PAB above) and individuals who agree with our purpose of preserving and strengthening families in Hawaii. 

How can people become more involved?

That's easy.  Click here so you can sign up for our network (powered by VoterVoice).

You can receive our action alerts and educational material - all free of charge.  You can even attend one of our Community Action Network (CAN) training sessions held in churches around the islands.  (Click here for the community action network brochure.)

(Click here for more information about conducting a CAN training session in your church.)

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