i L i n d . n e t

I was told yesterday that Rev. Frank Chong, who served for more than two decades as executive director of the Waikiki Health Center, died after a long illness. His passing means the community lost a strong and reliable voice for social justice.

I first worked alongside Frank some 25 years ago. He was a cancer survivor, a tireless organizer, and a believer in giving churches and nonprofit agencies and the people they served a place at the table alongside legislators and other political power holders. He patiently taught others how to understand and maneuver within the legislative process, how to stand up for themselve, and how to expect and demand the best of others.  He was a teacher and a partner in the process. Through his agency, and his life, he always stood for the poor, the elderly, the young and disenfranchised, and he did it with class.

For years, virtually single handedly, Frank produced the Legislative Yellow Pages, which was the gold standard in Hawaii political resources. It compiled, year by year and legislature by legislature, the personal and political histories of lawmakers, their likes and dislikes, and their passions and visions. It made it possible for newcomers to quickly piece together the inside story of the Hawaii legislature.

With a Master’s in Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary, New York City, and a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Hawaii, Frank shared his knowledge of and passion for the community with others through service to many organizations, from the Hawaii Council of Churches and the Hawaii Public Health Association to the American Cancer Society, which recognized him with one of its Lifetime Volunteer Awards.

For the past few years, Frank represented AlohaCare at the State Capitol, again doggedly seeking to extend health care to as many as possible.

Aloha, Frank. We celebrate your life and will miss your presence.