Pastor Sheldon & Heidi Lacsina

Lead Pastor

Pastor Sheldon and Heidi began attending New Hope in 1990. Shortly after, they started serving in the youth ministry together. They continued to serve in various ministries for 11 years and then began an 8 year transition moving Pastor Sheldon and Heidi into the role of Lead Pastor in May of 2009.

Pastor Sheldon's heart is to connect every generation in their love for Jesus. As he instills hope in the dreams of our younger generations, he recognizes the value of our kupuna (seniors) and their wisdom needed to guide our future leaders. He enjoys paddle boarding and is a very gifted and talented artist.

Heidi is a small business owner creating unique country-chic gifts and crafts. She loves horses and looks forward to the day she and Pastor Sheldon own a ranch. She is also an excellent cook and loves to garden.

Pastor Sheldon and Heidi have two sons, Justin and Jordan. They are also the grandparents to Jayden, Landen and Oakley.

Pastor Bunny Correa

Executive Pastor

Aloha! I'm Bunny Correa, happily married to my high-school sweetheart, Holi, and blessed with four incredible adult children: Kai, Isaiah, 'Ailana, and Ethan. Family is the heartbeat of my life, and I treasure every moment spent with them, including my lovely daughter-in-law, Ashley and soon to be daughter-in-law Kaili.

Our home is always buzzing with energy and laughter when our grandkids Harper, Ryu, Avyn, Kamila, Jaxtyn-Holi, Sophia, and Arya are over. Being a grandma brings me immeasurable joy, and I cherish every precious moment with them.

When I'm not immersed in family time, you can often find me exploring the great outdoors on leisurely hikes or enjoying quality time with friends.

I have a few passions that truly light up my life: I'm a self-proclaimed purple freak, an avid Star Wars fan, and I eagerly await new episodes of Top Chef each season. But above all, my deepest passion in life is Jesus. My life is a testament to His grace and love. So, whether I'm whipping up a delicious meal for family and friends, diving into a good book, or embarking on new adventures, I find fulfillment simply by loving God while on this beautiful journey called life.

Contact me at 657-0104 or email me at bunny@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Kat Konanui

CORE Team Pastor

I'm so blessed to do life with my best friend and husband Brandon. I'm surrounded by love with my 4 children: Nicole, Erika, AJ, and Aidan, my son in law Keanu, my step children Brandee and Malu, and 5 grandchildren: Adison, Mikayla, Mila, Noah and Liam. (Never a dull moment in our house). I love serving on the worship team, food, video games, food, singing karaoke, food, and am still a fan of the TV show "Friends", and "NCIS"!

Contact me at 657-0114 or email me at kat@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Ben Urbanozo

Frontlines Pastor

Blessed to be married to my amazing wife Catie Ann, as we raise our tribe of four little rebel princesses (Catelyn, Breeann, Adrienne, and Leia) and one baby Yoda (Luke). Lover of food, music, superhero things, and of course, JESUS!

Contact me at ben@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Pauline Spencer

Associate Pastor

I am blessed to have a loving and supportive husband and a close-knit family of 2 children, 4 grand children, and 4 great-grand children. We both love football. I’m a Seattle Seahawks and KC Chiefs fan and Guy favors the Denver Broncos. We have been with New Hope Hilo since 1980. And I am so grateful for the honor to serve Jesus on staff since 1987.

Contact me at 657-0102 or email me at pauline@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Marsha Krieger

Support Staff Pastor

I love an adventure! On my downtime, I enjoy going hiking, finding roads that are off the beaten track, accompanying my best friend/husband aka Tom on photography outings (although I'm not a fan of the cold at the Mauna Kea summit) At home, I like messing in the kitchen making bread, homemade yogurt, kombucha and sauerkraut.  My favorite time of week is Sunday afternoon when our family, which consists of our three adult kids, their partners and our ten grandkids descend upon our house for family dinner!

Contact me at  marsha@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Jonathan Miyasato

Support Staff Pastor

I am humbled and overjoyed to be a member of New Hope Hilo for over 30 years. Being part of a fellowship that puts Christ in the center has been monumental in my personal growth as a Christian. I am blessed with two wonderful children, (Aaron and Emily), and two fabulous dogs (Max and Nacho). I enjoy fishing and watching NCIS and Seinfeld. But the greatest thing, in all my life, is knowing Jesus Christ more and more. It’s da best!!!

Contact me at jonathan@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Ward Kanakaole

Support Staff Pastor

Work hard at what ever you do...knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance. Honoring the Lord with devotion and sincerity of heart.

Contact me at ward@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Tom Krieger

Support Staff Pastor

I am happily married with three adult children, a great daughter-in-law, wonderful son-in-law and 10 grandchildren that I love spending time with! I enjoy photography and spending time with my wife, Marsha. In our free time we enjoy going on drives throughout the island looking for places to hike or take pictures. I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them and their stories. I feel very blessed to serve alongside such an incredible staff who I also get to call friends.

Contact me at tomkrieger@newhopehilo.org

Our Staff

Erika Giraud

Communications Team Director/Creatives Team Member
Bringing joy and fun into every situation and occasion are constant goals in my everyday life. Married to my best friend, Keanu, and a mommy to Noah and Liam.
I enjoy photography, singing, movies, and crocheting.
Loved and encouraged to follow my dreams, love people, and expand God's kingdom, I have been blessed to be a part of the amazing team at New Hope Church.

Contact me at erika@newhopehilo.org

Ethan Correa

Campus Director
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."
Psalm 28:7

Contact me at ethan@newhopehilo.org

Karen Ribordy

Office Administrator
Loving Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

“You've won my affection, You've captured my heart. You have my devotion, my worship is Yours. You've won my affection, You've captured my heart. Now I am Yours, completely Yours forever!”

Contact me at karen@newhopehilo.org

Kelsie Kepo'o

The Well Manager
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Hebrews 13:8

Contact me at kelsie@newhopehilo.org

Kim Ucker

Baby Marvels Director/Mighty Marvels Activity & Events Director
Blessed to be married to my husband John, we have 6 grown children, over 30 grandchildren and also 3 great-grandchildren! I love spending family time with them whenever I can!
It is my Joy and Honor to serve alongside the many families, keiki and staff here at New Hope Church! I have served as a volunteer with the children's ministry since New Hope Church first began and loving it still!! I enjoy doing worship, bible lessons and fun crafts with the kids each week. We love making church a fun place to learn about God and the Bible!
Jesus has done amazing things in my life and in our kids at New Hope Church!
Bring your kids....We will will be there to meet them with a smile!
#ReachingkidsandfamiliesforChrist | Jeremiah 29:11

Contact me at 657-0113 or email me at kim@newhopehilo.org

Mea Wong

Frontlines Director
It is such a privilege to serve in the Kingdom of God. I am married to my beautiful wife Jessica and a father to my three children. I love spending time with my wife and children, coaching and playing basketball, golfing and cooking. I look forward to all that God has in store as we expand His Kingdom.
Galatians 2:20

Contact me at mea@newhopehilo.org

Shayna Kaneko

Finance Director
"Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Matthew 6:10

Contact me at shayna@newhopehilo.org

Travis Haspe

Creatives Team Director/Communications Team Member
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” - Matthew‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
My hope is that through my God given creativity, I may shine His light and inspire others; in the hopes of reaching those who are lost. I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places and cultures, capturing moments through my Photography and Film, making Music, and I LOVE eating tacos!

Contact me at travis@newhopehilo.org