About Us
People and dogs are everything!
We are dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of blind and visually impaired residents, empowering them to overcome challenges and lead independent lives. Our work is a beacon of hope for the community.
Guide Dogs of Hawaii is a community-based nonprofit that has been unwavering in its commitment to Hawaii’s blind and visually impaired (BVI) residents. We have uniquely facilitated the acquisition of guide dogs, particularly when the state’s quarantine regulations posed a challenge. Our continuous efforts have been instrumental in lowering barriers by providing technology aids and training, guide dog support, and social opportunities.
We take pride in providing high-quality, diverse services for blind and visually impaired residents of Hawaii. Our services are designed to cater to individuals with varying racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels included and valued.
Our Team
Established in 1955 under Eye of the Pacific, our founders shared the dream of seeing BVI individuals gain a better quality of life. Now known as Guide Dogs of Hawaii, our dedicated board of directors and operating and volunteer teams continue to power our mission forward. Their knowledge, expertise, and connections to the community are invaluable to the individuals we serve.
Meet our Board of Directors
Our board members are recruited from the local community based on their interest in what we do and their range of perspectives and skills. They are elected and serve for a minimum of two years. If you are interested in learning more, please get in touch with us.
Brian W. Tilker
President Attorney
Cox Fricke LLP
Susan Nonaka
Vice President Retired
Victoria M. Cozloff
Treasurer/Interim
Secretary Retired
Ruby Fernandez
Director
Student Activities Coordinator
Island Pacific Academy
Abigail Holden
Director
Attorney
Cox,
Fricke LLP
Ron Nagasawa
Director
Director of Content
Supplement
Products
Oahu Publications, Inc
Kenneth Kaneshiro
Director
Certified Financial Advisor
Kaneshiro, Tokushige & Associates
Meet our GDH Team
Collaboration and creativity lie at the core of GDH/s culture. We foster safe, welcoming environments where new ideas are encouraged, differences are embraced, and brilliant teamwork creates fantastic outcomes for our BVI community.
Jeanne Lujan Torres
Executive Director
Trudy Fernandez
Deputy Director
Diane Taketa
Accountant
Aza Torres
Communications Manager
Ezra White
Communications Assistant
Tehani Lopes
Client Services Specialist
Jeremiah Avilla
Programs Assistant
Meet our Security Team
They do more than look out for us. They are self-directed learners who have taken the initiative to take on more tasks – sniff visitors for delicious contrabands, invite persons of interest to a game of chase and conquer, and openly express their disagreements in our weekly meetings.
Have a Question?
If you have a question about who we are, what we do, or how you can empower more blind and visually impaired individuals to achieve independence, we want to hear from you! Please Contact Us
to reach out to us with any questions or ideas.
Get Involved
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