Women at their best, working to help other women to be their best

Soroptimist, loosely translated from Latin, means best for women.

SIH is committed to improving the lives of women and girls in Hawaii

through economic empowerment, elimination of violence and gender equality.

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women
and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, at a time when women were not permitted to join service organizations.

SIH is a part of the Founder Region of Soroptimist International of the Americas,

one of five federations that make up Soroptimist International,

which now has over 75,000 club members in 122 countries.

Join Soroptimist International of Honolulu!

Celebrating the Life of an Amazing Soroptimist, Martha Chiyeka Komori Yasue

(1920-2022)

Soroptimist International of Honolulu wishes to honor the amazing life and positive influence of Martha Yasue.

Martha Chiyeka Komori Yasue passed peacefully on August 3, 2022, in Honolulu at the age of 102. Born May 22, 1920, the 4th child of Yoshitaro and Esther Komori's 7 children, Martha embraced life to the fullest, ready to meet the challenges of each day with her dynamic, outgoing personality.

A dedicated employee of the Queen's Medical Center, Martha retired as Manager of Business Services. She was voted "Credit Woman of the Year" in 1976 and 1977 by the Honolulu Credit Women International and received the "William G. Folder Merit Award" in 1977 for outstanding service by the Hospital Financial Management Association.

Martha joined Soroptimist International of Honolulu in 1973, served as President of the organization in 1977 and 1978 and was considered a “Lifetime Member”, having served the club with much passion and dedication for 49 years.

During her retirement, Martha focused her life on her "mind, body, and spirit." As a member of Kapahulu Bible Church, she always loved attending the church's worship services. Martha enjoyed socializing with others and, fortunately for her family and friends, was an excellent cook and baker. Her weekly regimen also included gardening as well as playing bridge and mahjong at the Ala Wai Community Center, activities that not only challenged her mind but also gave her much joy.

Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. She is survived by sons Allan and Glen (Judy), daughter Virginia Low, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Private services were held, thanking the Lord for blessing Martha with a long life and keeping her happy and at peace in His care.

The members of Soroptimist International of Honolulu will remember Martha as a lady of grace, positivity, a lot of spunk, a wonderful sense of humor, and a woman who truly lived life to the fullest. She was our unofficial historian and an inspiration to us all. We know that this is how Martha would’ve wanted us to remember her.

Rest in love, our dear friend…

Home: Who We Are

Making A Difference Thru Fundraising, Awards & Service

SIH gives thousands of dollars in cash awards annually to women who are the main support for their family and are working to improve their economic status through education. Additionally, we grant funds to young women in high school in recognition for their community service and conduct and support programs for empowerment, education and benefit of young women.

SIH also offers Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls and conducts local service projects that benefit our local community and support other charitable organizations with like-minded missions.

Please visit us on Facebook for the latest about SIH!

Home: What We Do

Congratulations to our 2023 LYD and VRA Award Recipients! With your support, we awarded $21,500 in grants this year!

2023 Live Your Dream Awards Recipients

Sophia Kaawa Aweau

Marjan Azaripour

Tania Goode

Grace Hermoso

Deedee Laniola Teisina

Ashley Viluan

2023 Violet Richardson Award Recipients

Esther Chan

Mariah Iris Ramo

Allyson Tamayose

Awardee Spotlight

"Mrs. Skipper Jones,

Thank you for your generous donation. I am very happy and appreciative that I have been selected to receive the “Live Your Dream” award.

Last summer, I decided to take a big step to go back to school to obtain an associates in applied science degree in criminal justice. I am currently taking 12 credits per semester and will be completing my first year this May. I am also proud to say that this past fall semester, I earned 4.0 GPA and made the President's List while I work full time. Once I complete my associates, I will be pursuing a degree in criminology.

This award will help lighten my financial burden which will allow me to focus more on the most important aspect of school learning. I hope more people in this world are as phenomenally altruistic as you. It's because of your kindness you have made it possible for me to “Live My Dream”!

Always,

Michelle McCann"