Request for Donations for Maui Fire Disasters
To all members of the Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii District temples and Hawaii Betsuin,
In the early morning hours of August 8, 2023, a wildfire broke out on the island of Maui, burning the town of Lahaina and affecting many people. We express our deepest sympathies to the victims and our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and their families. Three Japanese American Buddhist temples (Lahaina Jodo-in Temple, Lahaina Honpa Hongwanji Temple and Lahaina Shingon Mission) were destroyed by the fire. According to reports, the fire quickly swept through the city of Lahaina and temples throughout the city, forcing ministers and their families to evacuate without sufficient time to get out of their homes and with nothing to take with them.
Rev. Gensho Hara of the Lahaina Jodo-in Temple said, “The truth of the impermanence of all things was clearly shown to us.” We live in a world where everything is constantly changing and moving. We are living in a world where anything can happen, where life is unpredictable, and where we cannot see one inch ahead of us. We say that this world is impermanent, but when we witness a disaster like this, we cannot say anything. All we can do is stand in front of it in awe. But no matter how long it takes and how much it costs, we must work as one toward recovery.
The Hawaii Buddhist Council (HBC) has established a fund for the three monasteries above. Donations will be delivered directly to the three temples through the HBC’s account.
Check payable to: Hawaii Buddhist Council
Memo: Lahaina Disaster Fund
Mail to: Hawaii Buddhist Council
c/o Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
1727 Pali Highway
Honolulu, HI 96813
Honolulu, HI 96813
The Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin and Hawaii District temples would like to support the rebuilding and recovery efforts of the three temples. We would appreciate your support and cooperation.