Ministers and members of Maui Buddhist temples gather at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission for Mayor Richard T. Bissen’s Proclamation of April 5th to 11th, 2026 as Hanamatsuri Week throughout the County of Maui. The proclamation recognizes the significance of the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha, the contributions of the Buddhist Community to Maui County and encourages everyone to embrace the values of compassion, peace, and mindfulness.
Mayor Richard Bissen, along with WHM Board of Directors, participates in the Hanamatsuri Proclamation signing on March 30. Participating in the signing of the 2026 Hanamatsuri Proclamation were (L to R) Reverend Murakami, Board Chair Gary Murai, Vice Chair Luly Unemori, Mayor Richard Bissen, Gwen Hiraga, Pat Tomita, and Eric Ikeuchi.
Participating in the signing of the Hanamatsuri Proclamation were Bobbi Nakagawa, Reverend Maya Hara, Luly Unemori, Rev. Gensho Hara, Diane Omura, Rev. Kerry Kiyohara, Janet Shimada, Mayor Richard Bissen, Yumi Takedatsu, Rev. Shinkai Murakami, Jocelyn Tengan, Rev. John Hara, Gwen Hiraga, Iris Nitta, and Gary Murai.
