Hawai‘i Conference Office Is Closed Due to Electrical Problem

As you may have heard on the news, fire trucks responded to an alarm at Topa Financial Center’s Bishop Street tower on Thursday, July 23, where the Hawai’i Conference Office is located. It was discovered that there was an air conditioning chiller leak in the basement, which led the electrical system to spark and generate smoke. The smoke activated the sprinkler system in the basement and caused a power outage for the entire building. There was no fire affecting the tower, no offices were damaged, and no injuries were reported.

The Topa Financial Center building is without electricity and remains closed until further notice. Topa Building Management estimates that the Bishop Tower will not reopen for at least one month. As a result, the Hawai’i Conference Office will also remain closed until the situation is resolved. The Conference Staff is in communication with the Topa Financial Center’s building management regarding the situation.

David Popham, Conference Minister, remains on sabbatical through August 19. Jonathan Roach, Associate Conference Minister, is available for any pastoral emergencies. He can be reached via his normal email and cell phone.

All other concerns may be addressed to Lori Yamashiro, Chief Operating Officer, via her email (lyamashiro@hcucc.org) or cell phone.

Office staff are working from home during regular office hours and will be checking email periodically. The office is still able to receive mail through the United States Postal Service. Please understand that there may be delays in getting work out and responding to inquiries.

We apologize for any inconvenience this office closure may cause. Thank you for your concern and understanding.