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Posted: Wednesday, December 3rd, 2003 3:33 PM HST

Former Big Island council leader to head cultural center

By Associated Press

(Honolulu-AP) -- Former Hawaii County Council chairwoman Keiko Bonk has been named president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. She replaces Susan Kodani, who resigned in August. Bonk will be responsible for developing cultural programs, building partnerships with other organizations, broadening the center's financial base and membership and increasing community participation. The center in Moiliili had been struggling with a nine (m)million dollar debt that threatened it with foreclosure. But enough money was raised by the end of 2002 to keep the doors open. Bonk, a member of the Green Party, served two terms on the Hawaii County Council. She retired from politics after an unsuccessful run for Big Island mayor. Bonk is an artist and musician and recently had been lecturing at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. (Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)