Japanese center building
is up for sale

The cultural facility has been
facing a $9 million debt

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce is selling its Moiliili building to stave off foreclosure and get out of debt.

"The Japanese Cultural Center has been faced with serious financial problems over the years," Don Takaki, chairman of the center's board of directors, said in a written statement.

For months the center has been attempting to resolve a $9 million debt that includes the mortgage, unpaid property taxes and other payables, Takaki said. Though the center received substantial contributions, they have been insufficient to offset the center's debts, he said.

Financial institutions would be forced to foreclose on the property if the center is unable to pay the mortgage and other debts by Dec. 31, he added.

"This has been a difficult decision, but selling the building will make the Japanese Cultural Center debt-free and give it a firm financial foundation. We are still committed to the mission and vision of the center, and we fully intend to continue the center's programs and activities in the community even if the building is sold.

"While many of the details of the sale are being negotiated, we anticipate the buyer granting us a period of time that will allow a smoother transition," Takaki said.

Information on the prospective buyer and the sale agreement were not available last night. The sale agreement will be voted on at a special membership meeting Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.

During the 2002 legislative session, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Brian Taniguchi (D, Manoa-Moiliili- McCully-Pawaa) inserted an $8 million appropriation into the state budget after he learned of the center's financial problems. However, Gov. Ben Cayetano vetoed the appropriation in May, stating it was not supported by the community, including the Japanese-American community.

The center opened in 1987 following a yearlong Japan-Hawaii Cultural Center project to help preserve the legacy of contract laborers who immigrated to Hawaii from Japan.

The center, located at 2454 S. Beretania St., includes a historical gallery, library, martial arts dojo, 10,000-square-foot banquet facility, teahouse and gift shop. The center helps preserve and promote Japanese culture and perpetuate the cultural heritage.

Photographs and artifacts of Japanese plantation workers and World War II are displayed at the center.

"I think that it should be preserved for our children," Taniguchi said.