Maui Disaster Relief

August 10, 2023

Dear Dharma Friends,
We have been watching in disbelief the tremendous destruction caused by the recent wildfires on Maui. The loss of life, livelihood, and property has been devastating. Lahaina Hongwanji and its Sangha were directly affected by the fires. The temple, columbarium, classroom building, and minister’s residence were completely destroyed in the horrific fires that devastated historic Lahaina town. Many temple members were forced to evacuate, and many homes were burnt to the ground. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by this disaster. As residents and our fellow Sangha members begin the process of rebuilding and healing, Hawaii Kyodan is committed to supporting relief efforts on Maui.

In the spirit of compassionate action, we have established the MAUI WILDFIRE DISASTER RELIEF FUND. You can donate in the following ways:

1. Online at www.hongwanjihawaii.com by clicking on the “Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief” button under the “Donate” tab.

2. Through GoFundMe at the following link: https://gofund.me/ff77a520

3. Check and cash donations can be sent directly to Hawaii Kyodan Headquarters.      Please make check payable to HHMH
    In the memo line designate “Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief” to ensure proper credit.
    Mail to:Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
1727 Pali Highway
Honolulu, HI 96813

All donations collected will go to support Lahaina Hongwanji and relief efforts on Maui. The Office of the Bishop and Committee on Social Concerns will prioritize addressing the immediate and short-term needs of temple families displaced by the fires and supporting the greater community as it rebuilds. The Committee will select reputable relief agencies and organizations to support in order to ensure our donations will directly aid those impacted by this disaster. Updates will be shared on our website at www.hongwanjihawaii.com.

Mahalo for your generosity and support during this time of tragedy

Dr. Warren Tamamoto
President

Rev. Blayne Higa,
Chair Committee on Social Concerns

Dear Ministers,Temple Presidents, and Affiliated Organization Leaders,

Thank you for extending your compassionate words and actions to those who are affected by the disaster on Maui. Due to the high volume of inquiries, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Headquarters would like to ask you to please first go to our website at www.hongwanjihawaii.com (click “Fire Updates”) for the latest information regarding the disaster on Maui and our relief efforts for those on Maui. All of the official information/communication from HQ will be shared through this website. If you have any further questions, concerns, or requests, please contact us at (808) 522-9200 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Currently, Lahaina Hongwanji’s phone number is forwarded to the HHMH main line.

Please share this information with your temple members and community. Thank you.

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Dear Ministers and Temple Leaders,
If your temple or organization is planning to hold any special activities (such as fundraising, memorial service, etc.) for those on Maui, especially activities that are available/open to the public, may I ask you to please share the information with the HQ? For example, Jikoen Hongwanji is holding an emergency fundraising on 8/20 by selling curry rice and andagi. We will compile that information in one sheet and share it with others occasionally so that more people will participate in our relief efforts. We can also share those events via social media if you would like. Please feel free to send information to Rev. Daido Baba at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Required Information:
Event Name
Date & Time
Place
Simple description of event
Contact person
Contact number

(We won't share contact information for public without your request)

Thank you for your cooperation

The State Ministers Association assisted by the Maui District Ministers Association would like to host a memorial service for the Maui wildfires under the guidance of Bishop Umitani.

The following is the service date and time.

Maui Wildfires Memorial Service
Date: Sunday, September 24
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
Platform: In-Person and Zoom
DharmaTalk: Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani

All donations from the service will go to the HHMH Maui Wildfire Relief Fund.

Everyone is invited to the service in-person and Zoom.

More details will be shared at a later date.

We’d like to humbly ask for your support of the Maui members and sharing of the Dharma together.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Rev. Tomo Hojo, President of the State Ministers Association. Tomo Hojo West Kauai Hongwanji Mission

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.