Church Leadership Team:
Rev. Arlen Nagata- Senior Pastor
pastorarlen@cckapolei.com
Pastor Arlen planted Christ’s Church at Kapolei in 1998 with Founding Pastor, Danny Yamashiro. Since then, Pastor Arlen has shared his spiritual gifts of shepherding and teaching with the congregation of Christ’s Church at Kapolei. Over the years, Pastor Arlen has discipled and trained children, youth, and adults through his ministry. Pastor Arlen loves people and has a passion to for them to understand God’s word simply and clearly.
In addition to Pastor Arlen’s ministry here in Hawaii, he has done short-term mission work in Micronesia, Israel, the Philippines, and Japan. For recreation, he enjoys coaching volleyball, chasing golf balls around a course, and working with computers.
A graduate of Punahou School, he earned his B.A. in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry from Simpson College and his M.A. in Religion from International College and Graduate School. He has also received training in expository preaching from the Olford Ministries International in Tennessee and pastoral training at the Jack Hayford School of Pastoral Nurture.
Pastor Arlen is married to Melissa, a research associate at the State of Hawaii Department of Health.
Rev. David Yamashiro- Associate Pastor
info@cckapolei.com
Known for his Christ-like gentleness with people and his faithfulness to God, Pastor David’s involvement in serving Christ spans 40 years including teaching, counseling, coaching, hospital and prison ministries, and serving as an elder at Kalihi Union Church.
A former All-State athlete from Iolani School and karate instructor, he married the former Evangeline Lee Kwai and had four children.
Following a successful career in business as a real estate appraiser, he entered Talbot Seminary at age 57. He earned his M.Div. with honors at the age of 60. He was called as Associate Pastor at Kalihi Union Church where he was ordained with his son Danny.
After the death of his first wife, Eva, God directed him to the work of church planting. Pastor David has been greatly blessed in his marriage to Alice, a retired public school teacher.
He has done short-term missions in China, Kenya, and Thailand and has traveled to Guam, Saipan, Palau and Guatemala.
Rev. Owen Tanoue- Church Planter
ccaa@gmail.com
Pastor Owen brings the love of Jesus Christ wherever he goes. Known for his pastoral heart, passion for the Great Commission and love for God's word, committed disciples have been built through his ministry. The Holy Spirit has worked through his preaching and teaching where many have been strengthened to live the victorious Christian life. A gifted leader, organizer and visionary, he and his wife Kim along with their boys have heard the call of God to plant Christ's Church at Aiea, the first church to be planted by Christ's Church at Kapolei.
He is a graduate of Iolani School. As a freshman at Yale University, he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. After graduating from Yale with a degree in engineering, he began a 16 year career with IBM, working the last dozen years in management. While living in Texas and North Carolina, he actively served in various church leadership capacities. For 12 years, he has spearheaded the missions ministry of his home church and has led short-term mission teams to Mexico, Bulgaria, Kenya, and now Thailand.
Upon his return to Hawaii, he answered a call into full-time Christian ministry and earned both his M.A. and M.Div. degrees at International College and Graduate School. He recently served as the Missions and Outreach Pastor of Kalihi Union Church in Honolulu and continues as part of the adjunct faculty of the Bible Institute of Hawaii. He serves as the Vice-President of Jesus Christ Is Calling You, Inc. (JCCY). Owen and Kim have five sons: Nathan, Matthew, Gabriel, Micah, and Joel.
The Elders of Christ's Church at Kapolei
Mr. Edward Shiroma ( info@cckapolei.com )
Mr. Ronald Tokuda (ron@cckapolei.com )
Mr. Bernard Hvidding (bernie@cckapolei.com )
Joe Gruzinsky (joe@cckapolei.com)The Pastoral Staff also serve on the Board of Elders
Pastor David Yamashiro
Pastor Arlen Nagata
Other Ministry Leaders:
Kathy Paulo-Hirai -- Worship
kathy@cckapolei.com
Mrs. Kathy Paulo-Hirai, M.Ed. is a gifted vocalist, drama instructor and worship leader. She was formerly an entertainer in Waikiki before becoming an educational specialist for disabled children as she teaches at Kapolei Elementary School. She’s married to George and has three children: Kristen, Georden & JJ.
Joe Gruzinsky -- Worship Service Coordinator
joe@cckapolei.com
Joe Gruzinsky is a man of many talents with a humble and teachable spirit. As the Resident Manager of Kulalani in Kapolei, he works with many teams and vendors as well as individual residents. And he has brought the skill of working with people and projects to CCAK as the leader of the Setup and Breakdown Ministry. He is married to Arni and they have two children.
Ed Shiroma -- Finance
info@cckapolei.com
Ed Shiroma is a retired supervisor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and an entomology specialist. God has used his attention to detail, ability in the financial field, and great faith to build a solid financial support team for Christ's Church at Kapolei. He is married to Jane.
Marian Matsuda -- Children's Ministry
marian@cckapolei.com
Marian Matsuda is a wonderful woman of prayer and compassion. She is a terrific leader and team builder. She is a graduate of Honolulu Business College who uses her business experience to handle purchasing at Straub Clinic as well as organizing magnificent ministries at our church.
Marilyn Kawazoe -- Women's Ministry President
marilyn@cckapolei.com
Marilyn is a talented seamstress and costume designer. She is also an organized business women who uses her many talents and abilities to serve the Lord.
Bernie & Siu Hvidding -- Marriage Ministry
bernie@cckapolei.com
Bernie and Siu host a powerful marriage ministry through small groups. A certified social worker, Bernie is professionally trained to aid couples and families. A registered nurse, Siu also has professional training which enriches her ministry. Together they have raised five children and believe that a strong, godly marriage is the key to a successful home and happy parenting.