ABOUT US

The Hawaii Baptist Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit ministry serving Christian stewards, churches, and other ministries connected with the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention.

MEET THE BOARD

The Executive Board is composed of ministers, laymen, and laywomen who gather four times each year to establish policy, approve the calendar of activities, and make funding decisions that guide the work of the Hawaii Baptist Foundation. The Hawaii Baptist Foundation is deeply grateful for the many hours of dedicated, voluntary service contributed by Board members each year. Those interested in serving on the Board or a committee are encouraged to contact their church. Anyone interested in serving on the board is encouraged to contact his or her church.

SEAN OLIVER

CHAIRMAN, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PEARL CITY

Sean Oliver is a seasoned business and operations leader in Honolulu, Hawaii, with more than 20 years of experience managing multimillion-dollar retail and distribution organizations. He currently serves as General Manager of Dial Electric Supply, Hawaii’s largest lighting and lighting controls distributor, where he drives strategic growth, customer loyalty, and team development. Guided by his Christian faith, Sean leads with integrity, servant leadership, and a strong commitment to stewardship. His professional background includes senior leadership roles with Fortune 500 companies, and he brings a results-driven, people-focused perspective to his service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Baptist Foundation.

JAMES BRESE

TREASURER, OLIVET BAPTIST CHURCH

James Brese is a seasoned financial leader with decades of experience overseeing accounting, budgeting, and financial operations in nonprofit, education, government, and corporate sectors. He currently serves as Controller at Oceanit Laboratories, Inc., and has held senior financial leadership roles at Hawaii Pacific University and the Hawaii State Department of Education, managing complex budgets and ensuring fiscal accountability. A committed Christian, James applies his expertise in faithful stewardship and governance to support Kingdom-focused initiatives, serving the Hawaii Baptist Foundation Board with a focus on prudent financial oversight and advancing faith-based mission and ministry.

WILSON PASCUA

WESLEY HIGUCHI

STERLING LEE

VICE CHAIRMAN, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PEARL CITY

Sterling Lee is a pastor and ministry leader with over two decades of experience in church leadership, nonprofit administration, and community service. He has served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Pearl City since 2011 and has led faith-based programs supporting children, families, and vulnerable communities across Hawaii. Sterling holds a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served in leadership roles within the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention. He currently serves as a Board Member of the Hawaii Baptist Foundation, bringing pastoral insight, governance experience, and a strong commitment to faithful stewardship and Kingdom impact.

LESTER KANETA

UNIVERISTY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH

Lester H. Kaneta is a business leader and philanthropist with extensive experience in finance, investments, and global operations. He is the Founder and President of the Kaneta Foundation, a faith-based family foundation supporting children, youth, and family ministries through education, community development, and spiritual growth, including the Lunalilo Scholars Program that has served more than 900 students. A Certified Public Accountant and former senior executive with Li & Fung and Janco Industries, Lester brings strong financial oversight and strategic leadership. He has served on numerous nonprofit and church-related boards and currently contributes his expertise in faithful stewardship as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Baptist Foundation.

STACY HIRANO

Left to right: Craig Webb, Central Baptist Church, Honolulu, Island of Oahu (executive director-treasurer); Pastor Brian Frable, Kona Baptist Church, Kailua Kona, Hawaii Island (president); Pastor Shane Tanigawa, University Avenue Baptist Church, Honolulu, Island of Oahu (first vice president); Pastor Larry Hale, Eleele Baptist Church, Eleele, (second vice president).

Current Executive Board Members: Glenn Basuel, Debi Buchholz, Eric Dissinger, Chris Eyre, Matt Gao, Paula Higuchi, Hawnsoo Jang, Johnny Lau, Hanale Lindo, Neil Nakama, Anson Okimoto, Sandy Pedersen, Brent Takushi, Daniel Tomita, and Reina Yamada.

About Us

Established to provide trust services, planned giving guidance, and funds management, the Foundation helps individuals and congregations steward their resources wisely for Kingdom impact. Through investment oversight, endowment administration, and financial planning support, the Foundation empowers churches and ministries to grow their ministries, support Christian causes, and honor long-term charitable goals, all grounded in Christian faith and financial integrity.

15304184_10154600763866011_4592672650443252899_o

Governance

The Hawaii Baptist Foundation (HBF) is an affiliate of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention (HPBC).

The executive board of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention elects the HBF board. The board includes up to eight members, all of whom are active members of HPBC churches. Three additional non-voting board members include the HPBC executive director/treasurer. the HPBC president, and the HBF president.

We are fortunate to have an experienced diverse group of directors that oversee the staff and the work of the Hawaii Baptist Foundation. We are also fortunate to have a small devoted staff that is eager to serve Christian stewards.