(This page was last updated: 05/12/2025)

Search & Transition:
​THE SIXTH BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I

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With Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick's announcement of resignation released on April 25, 2025, this webpage was set up to help keep the Diocese informed on the search and transition process for the next Bishop of the Diocese of Hawai'i. The process involves three teams, the Diocese's Standing Committee with oversight, a Search Committee, and a Transitions Committee. They have begun an important 18-month timeline of meetings and events with plans to conclude in November 2026, with the Consecration of the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Hawai'i.

Bishop Fitzpatrick's Announcement:

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick, fifth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, formally announces his resignation on Friday, April 25, 2025, and calling for the election of the Sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i.

​In addition to his video message, a copy of the Bishop's official letter of resignation is available to view and download HERE. ​The letter contains important information including a timeline for the next 18 months as it pertains to the search process and transition to a newly elected Bishop.

This section lists all communication, recorded meetings, and documents pertaining to the search and transition, the most recent listed first. Click on the linked article titles to read. If you would like to receive the Diocesan news directly to your inbox, sign up HERE.

Latest News:

• Saturday, May 3, 2025 - Online Town Hall Meeting with the Standing Committee
• Monday, Apri 28, 2025 - Special Announcement from the Standing Committee, Search & Transition for Sixth Bishop
• Friday, April 25, 2025 - Special Announcement from the Bishop: Resignation, Search & Transition

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Upcoming Events:

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Click to download and view:

bishop_transition_calendar_of_events_4-28-2025.pdf
File Size:	133 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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STANDING COMMITTEE TALK STORY SESSIONS:

All clergy and church members are invited to attend the Standing Committee's Talk Story sessions being held on all islands. These ongoing “talk story listening sessions” are to hear comments and concerns, or answer any questions that members might have about the search for a bishop, the Diocese, the state of the Church, or any other issue related to our common life and ministries with each other:

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025: TALK STORY - O'AHU
1:00 PM, at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 1801 10th Ave, in Palolo. 

FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025: TALK STORY - BIG ISLAND (EAST SIDE)
(Details TBA)

SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025: TALK STORY - BIG ISLAND (WEST SIDE)
(Details TBA)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025: TALK STORY - MAUI
1:00 PM at Trinity By=the=Sea Episcopal Church, ​100 Kulanihakoi St., Kihei 

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TIMELINE CHART 2025 & 2026
Click on images for larger view or download the file below:

timeline_update_5.17.25.pdf
File Size:	73 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Recorded Meetings & Documents:

SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025: VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
The Diocese's first virtual Town Hall Meeting for the Search & Transition took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The recorded session and accompanying slideshow presentation are shown below:

Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.

Your Search & Transition Committees:

STANDING COMMITTEE:
Chuck Spence, President (Maui)
Bill Bonnet Secretary (Maui)
Doug Adams (Big Island)
The Rev. Jazzy Bostock (O‘ahu) 
Mary Carpenter (O‘ahu) 
The Rev. Keleawe Hee (O‘ahu) 
The Rev. Andrew McMullen (Kaua‘i) 
The Rev. John A. Hau‘oli Tomoso (Maui) ​

SEARCH COMMITTEE:
​Sheryl Seaman, Chair (O‘ahu)
The Rev. John Lunn, Chaplain
The Rev. Dcn. Alberta Buller (Big Island)
Joseph Cascio (Maui)
The Rev. Amy Crowe (Maui)
Pam Fern (O‘ahu)
The Rev. David Gierlach (O‘ahu)
The Rev. Dcn. Hannah Lee (Guam)
Jadine Lujan  (Guam)
The Rev. Dcn. Mary Margaret Smith (Kaua‘i)
Evette Tampos (Big Island)
Marc Walz (Kaua‘i)​

TRANSITIONS COMMITTEE:
​Roth Puahala, Chair (O‘ahu)
​The Rev. Libby Berman (O‘ahu)
The Rev. Dcn. Lani Bowman (Big Island)
The Rev. Keleawe Hee (O‘ahu) 
Velma Lee (O‘ahu)
The Rev. Paul Nahoa Lucas (O‘ahu)
The Rev. Irene Egmalis Maliaman (Guam)
Deann Megonnell (Kaua‘i)
Brian Shuster (Maui)

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If you have questions for any of the different committees, send it using the contact button shown. Once received by the Search & Transition Administrative Assistant, your question will be directed to the proper committee/person for a response.