Let’s get the party started Paw`ina July 12, 2025

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.
about us
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.
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Brian W. Tilker

President Attorney
Cox Fricke LLP

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Susan Nonaka

Vice President Retired

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Victoria M. Cozloff

Treasurer/Interim
Secretary Retired

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Ruby Fernandez

Director
Student Activities Coordinator
Island Pacific Academy

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Abigail Holden

Director
Attorney Cox,
Fricke LLP

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Ron Nagasawa

Director
Director of Content Supplement
Products Oahu Publications, Inc

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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.
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Jeanne Lujan Torres

Executive Director

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Trudy Fernandez

Deputy Director

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Diane Taketa

Accountant

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Aza Torres

Communications Manager

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Ezra White

Communications Assistant

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Tehani Lopes

Client Services Specialist

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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.
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Maggi
Dog
Benjamin

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.

Donate

Help us guide BVI individuals to achieve their highest potential and autonomy.

Get Involved

Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on news, resources, and ways to get involved.

Together, we can help BVI individuals build stronger life skills for a better quality of life and we have room for you to join us.