WHM Dharma School and Gakuen families joined with members from Kahului, Lahaina, and Makawao Hongwanji for the annual VIDSTA Dharma School Kickoff Picnic on August 31 at Keopuolani Park’s football field. Tents were set up along the hillside of the park “pit,” offering shade from the scorching sun and humidity as everyone gathered for a fun-filled day of fellowship. The morning began with a brief opening service led by Rev. Shinkai Murakami, followed by a lively series of relays that had children laughing and competing with enthusiasm. Box, burlap sack, ball-on-sticks, and ball-in-thecup races kept the energy high as teams raced to the finish line. A special MAHALO goes out to WHM Junior YBA members Kamauoha Tomita and Sam Marie Quipotla, who worked hard to keep the younger children organized and encouraged throughout the games. One of the highlights was the watermelon-smashing game. Blindfolded children took turns swinging, with plenty of hits and misses, until Aaron Tsai landed the final strike to split open the melon to everyone’s delight. The tug-of-war closed out the games, with kids winning the first round but losing the second when more adults jumped in to pull.
After all the activity, everyone enjoyed delicious cheese and pepperoni pizzas together. Of course, the sloping hills of the “pit” proved irresistible, with children gleefully sliding down on pieces of cardboard long after the games ended. To launch WHM’s Dharma School year, students and families enjoyed a private bowling party at Wailuku Lanes on September 7, 2025. About 30 participants filled all ten lanes, sending balls rolling toward the tenpin targets. Laughter and cheers filled the alley as students enjoyed friendly competition and fellowship, while parents offered guidance and even worked on perfecting their own bowling swings. A warm mahalo to Tamara Manley for making the arrangements and for her generous donation that made this fun event possible!
