Reverend James E. Koyama, Associate Minister

Rev. James Koyama “Pastor Jim” was born in Canada and grew up in South East Asia and New Zealand. As an adult, he has lived in various places on the U.S. (New York, Chicago, Denver) mainland and in Japan. Being “hapa” (half and half) and having lived on each side of the Pacific Ocean, it was only a matter of time before he found his way to an island in the middle.

Jim’s passion is for the inclusiveness of God’s love. “I believe that the teaching that there is no place in heaven for people of other faiths, divorced people or gay people is a betrayal of the Gospel. Gods love embraces us in our diversity.” Jim and Diane Martinson-Koyama have been married for 20 years and have a son Matthew who is entering high school. Diane is an ordained Minister in the Lutheran Church (ELCA).
Contact: associate@hawaiilink.net


Karen Nakamura, Administrative Secretary

Karen Nakamura, nee Hirota, was born on Kauai. She attended Lihue Elementary School that was located where the Department of Water now stands. She graduated from the present elementary school, Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary School, when she was in the eighth grade, which was in the first class to graduate from that school. Thereafter, Karen graduated from Kauai High School. Next she attended the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois. She returned home and worked in the plantation store called Lihue Store that was later called Kauai Stores. Kauai Stores had gift shops at the Kauai Surf Hotel, now known as the Kauai Marriott. She. After eighteen years working in the gift shops, the company closed. Karen went on to work for First Hawaiian Bank where she retired after fifteen years. She’s been a widow since 1990 and has three sons, Derrick, Colin and Bryce.
Contact: lcc@hawaiilink.net


Organist: Shirley Iha
Choir Director: Dave Rusker