Source: The Honolulu Advertiser

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2003/Jan/25/il/il11afaith.html

On January 25, 2003 The Honolulu Advertiser reported that "the first chairman of the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, a musician, a feather-lei maker, two former school administrators and a pioneer in the field of mediation have been chosen as this year's Living Treasures... For more than a quarter century, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai'i selects recipients each year, 'celebrating the beautiful and best in human spirit and human endeavor,' said Bishop Chikai Yosemori... The mission doesn't limit the choice to its members, though two are among this year's honorees: Albert Miyasato, one of its past presidents, and Dr. Margaret Oda, who served on its board and is chairing a committee to develop the first Buddhist high school in the nation. Both were superintendents for the state Department of Education... 'This isn't about just one religion,' said Ko Miyataki, a member of the selection committee. 'The larger picture is that each one has made a commitment to our community. Honpa Hongwanji has taken the lead in honoring individuals in all religious and ethnic sectors. It's like Buddhism in action.'"