08/09/23: Email from Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani

Dear Ministers and Temple Presidents,

It is 7:20 am on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. First, I would like to inform you that both Rev. Ai Hironaka (Lahaina Hongwanji) and Rev. Kerry Kiyohara (Makawao Hongwanji) and their families are safe. Rev. Hironaka evacuated to Kahului yesterday. He tried to return to Lahaina yesterday but was unable to enter. He is trying to contact Lahaina Hongwanji members. Regarding the Lahaina Hongwanji Temple building, we are still gathering more information. However, Maui News is reporting that Lahaina Hongwanji is among the structures that caught fire.

Rev. Kiyohara told me that Makawao Hongwanji Temple itself is okay as of this morning. Kula and Olinda’s fires are upcountry, and some members had to evacuate.

We will provide you with more updates when they become available. Everyone, please ensure your safety first and then extend your support to others in any way you can.

Toshiyuki Umitani
Bishop
Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii

If you want to assist by donating to the Mission rebuilding effort, we have found two related sites:

(1) Hawaii Kyodan Website

https://hongwanjihawaii.com/donate/

 

(2) GoFundMe

https://gofund.me/ff77a520