More than 30 apply to lead Japanese center

Board members will review more than 30 applications from individuals in Hawaii and on the mainland vying to head the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.

The deadline for applications to fill the position of president and executive director ended Friday. Board Chairman Curt Otaguro said he hopes the search committee will make a selection before October.

The search began earlier this month after Lenny Yajima Andrew announced her decision to retire after 41⁄2 years. Andrew will continue in her position until a successor is named.

Andrew said she decided to retire so she can spend more time with her son, 15, and daughter, 13, and her mother, longtime volunteer Lillian Yajima, 91.

"I will miss the daily interaction with staff and volunteers," she said, adding that she plans to continue in a volunteer role.

Colleagues commended her for the expansion of educational programs and community outreach efforts during her tenure.

"She played an instrumental role as the leader of the cultural center," said Otaguro. "Nobody can say no to Lenny. She’s so sweet. She’s hard to replace. Such a force, such a personality force."

Brian Niiya, director of program development for the center, said, "Her connections and diplomatic skills were important in putting many of these programs together."

With her assistance, Japanese broadcast stations KZOO and the Nippon Golden Network moved into the center in 2009.

She also helped the center obtain multiple grants toward research and preservation efforts for the Honouliuli Internment Camp in Ewa, where hundreds of Japanese-Americans and prisoners of war were confined during World War II.

Andrew, 1986 Cherry Blossom Queen, worked in pharmaceutical sales for 17 years before she became president of the center.

In 2002, she helped create a capital campaign to boost funding for the center, which had faced foreclosure. Andrew helped stabilize the center’s finances with the help of the community and members.