About Us

Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Kung Sheong Doo Society has been working since 1930 to preserve the culture, values, and memories of our Chinese homeland. Members are descendants of emigrants from the sixth and seventh precincts, Kung Doo ( Gongdu) and Sheong Doo ( Changdu), of Guangdong Province in the People’s Republic of China.

Our History

Kung Sheong Doo Society was established in 1930, during an economic depression, by founders Loo Mung Ying, Hu See Leong, Hong In Ping, Loo Yuke and Chock Lun. The first meetings were in Aala Park, under a spreading poinciana tree.

Through the exertions of this initial group and their kinfolk, who fundraised door-to-door, particularly in the Chinese community, the Society was able in only five years to erect a two-story commercial structure at the foot of the former Hall Street. The upper story served as a clubhouse, and the two units on the ground floor were rented out to businesses. Two additional houses to the rear of the property were also rented.

In 1943, the Society was granted a 50-year charter of incorporation, which was renewed in perpetuity a year before it was due to expire. The Society’s Hall Street property was one of the last parcels of land of what has been described as the “Chinese settlement” to be razed, in 1964, by the city’s Kukui Redevelopment Agency for the Honolulu Urban Development Project.

Furnishings from the clubhouse were stored in a room at the Nuuanu Chinese Buddhist Church, for a monthly rental of $75. Eventually this room had to be vacated as well, so the items were moved to space within the Palolo Chinese Home.

In 1967, revenue from the forced sale of the Hall Street property was reinvested in a commercial parcel at 1465 North King Street, which subsequently increased many times in value. Income from this property continues to support the charitable work of the Society.

Activities

In its initial years, the Society held luncheon and dinner meetings at the clubhouse, with food donated and brought in by members. The Hall Street society hall was equipped with teak wood furniture, a fine assortment of silverware, framed pictures and many valuable artifacts.

Membership and Mission  

Members must have ancestors who lived in the Kung Sheong Doo Region, Kwangtung, and be of good moral character.  The original mission of the Society was conceived in terms of providing basic needs to members and others in the Chinese community.

The following is adapted from the mission statement in the original charter: “To provide relief to the poor and indigent, including clothing, shelter, and medical aid; to alleviate human suffering and assist in the burial of the dead; and to receive contributions and gifts from members and from the public to carry on the charitable work of the Society.”

In the spirit of these earliest goals, the Society continues to provide support
to charities such as the Palolo Chinese Home, the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society, and the Heart Fund.

These days, the focus of the Society has shifted from immigrant needs to the welfare of the younger generation. A new goal is to perpetuate the Chinese culture, so that descendants of the original members become aware of their heritage. To this end, the Society is conscientious in providing scholarship aid to university and Chinese language school students.