Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
The late Dr. Stephen Tokunaga and his wife, Dr. Joji Tokunaga, raised eight children in a household rooted in faith, service and Catholic education. All the children were taught by Dominican Sisters — starting at Rosary Preschool in Waipio Gentry, then at St. Elizabeth School in Aiea during their elementary years. Camden continued on to Saint Louis School, and Remi attended Sacred Hearts Academy.
Joji (above center), Camden (left) and Remi Tokunaga reflect on their recent medical mission in Iloilo, Philippines, and their shared love of volunteering.
Dr. Joji Tokunaga: I’ve been joining medical missions since 2016. This was my second time serving in Iloilo, and we’re very grateful to Sister Leonarda Montealto, OP, for inviting us. Being with the Dominican Sisters feels like being at home. All my children were shaped by their early education with the sisters, and that foundation stayed with us.
Dr. Camden Tokunaga: All of us had Sister Merle Lebaquin, OP, as our preschool teacher. It is special to see her volunteering here too. Our parents really instilled in us the importance of giving back. We grew up doing community service, and now we lead with that same spirit. It’s part of who we are.
Dr. Remi Tokunaga: This was my first mission. I was nervous because it was my first time providing optometric exams in a rural setting, but I’m really grateful for the experience, especially serving alongside my mom. When we were younger, she’d take us along to missions. Back then, I helped with dental supplies. This time, I brought donated eyeglasses from my clinic in Hawaii and helped fit patients with what they needed.
Joji: Her clinic was so generous. They collected gently used glasses that people didn’t need anymore. They were really busy preparing for this mission. The donations have been so appreciated by those served.
Camden: Whatever mom has been doing since 2016, we have been doing. I joined her team in 2018 as I was still in school. As I was a student doctor, she didn’t let me come along. This is my second time in Iloilo. I’m a general dentist, but as I’m good at surgery, I like to think I am a specialist. (On one) of the busiest days, we saw 176 patients. We had four dentists and one medical doctor on site. The support was incredible.
Joji: People often ask how we manage to do this as a family. The truth is, we’ve always prioritized staying close.
Remi: Going to church together every Sunday helped keep our faith strong. That’s our foundation.
Camden: Living a Catholic life means living a life of service. If we didn’t have to worry about bills, car payments, mortgages, etc., we’d do this full time, for free. That’s why we’re always happy to be invited on missions. We do it pro bono as much as possible, because we genuinely love what we do.