Suspension of Activities at Hakalau Jodo Mission Due to COVID-19

March 18, 2020

Dear Members and Friends,

COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving public health emergency. While there have been few cases in Hawaii so far, the first case on the Big Island was reported yesterday. The situation can and will change quickly.

I talked with Jan Nakamura, the Kyodan President, and concluded we needed to act immediately. We are suspending all services, classes and other gatherings at the Hakalau Jodo Mission from now through April 30th. This includes the Hanamatsuri Service scheduled for April 12, 2020. 

This pause in group gatherings is consistent with the President's Guidelines, shared by Bishop Ishikawa, and the Governor's message yesterday that included a request that churches suspend services and activities. 

There is no need to panic, but there is a need for each of us to slow the spread of this very contagious virus through social distancing and by following good personal hygiene.

Please rely on the guidance of the CDC and State of Hawaii public health officials and governor as updated information becomes available. 

Hakalau is a caring community. I trust that members of our Temple and other members of the community will look out for each other, offering assistance and encouragement in this stressful time. 

In gassho, 
The Hakalau Jodo Mission
Junshin Miyazaki, Minister  and Jan Nakamura, Kyodan President

The Hakalau Jodo Mission exists to:

  • Promote and teach the doctrines, principles and disiciplines of the Jōdo-shū sect of Buddhism, following the Pure Land Teachings of Honen.
  • Encourage, promote and conduct the religious, educational, charitable and other work to better the condition of mankind; 
  • Promote happiness among our members and the community.

Services

  • Apr 12, 1pm - Hanamatsuri (Buddha’s Birthday Service) CANCELED
  • May 30, 10 am - Memorial Day Service at Hakalau Monument, Hakalau Veterans Park
  • Aug 15, 5:30 pm - O-Bon Service followed by Bon Dance at 6:30 pm
  • Sep 13, 10 am - Joint Higan Service at Hilo Meishoin 
  • Nov 15, 1 pm - Ojuya (10 day-10 night Nembutsu service)   
  • Dec 13 - 1 pm - Jodo-e (Bodhi Day Service) 

Bulletin​​s

Presentations

In June 2019, the Hakalau Jodo Mission began offering presentations on Cultural Traditions, Plantation Values, and Aloha and Malama `Aina. The presentations held so far are listed below. As presentations are made available for the website, they will be noted in a hyperlink (example: "The End of Sugar".
  • In June, for the first Cultural Traditions presentation, “Ready, Set, Obon!”, Rev. Miyazaki and Akiko Masuda shared some Buddhist history and some dance steps in preparation for the Obon season. About 40 neighbors participated.
  • In August, part-time Wailea resident, Heather Fryer, Ph.D.presented “Uncovering the History of Shinmachi”, with history, stories, and photographs highlighting the ways in which plantation values sustained Shinmachi’s small business families through the Great Depression, World War II, and the destructive force of the tsunami.  Eighty two people attended including approximately 20 Shinmachi survivors and their descendants.
  • In October, John Cross, "The End of Sugar", providing the foundation for our understanding this area based on its history during and immediately after the era of the sugar industry. This was the first presentation in our Aloha ‘Aina and Malama ‘Aina series, focusing on caring for the land. Seventy people attended.
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Audience at the October 18, 2019 presentation, "The End of Sugar".Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Hansen.

Become a Friend of the Hakalau Jodo Mission

For more than a hundred years this special place has served our families, friends and neighbors as a year-round gathering place for inspiration, celebration and community events where everyone is welcome.

Today, we are asking for your kokua in joining the Friends of Hakalau Jodo Mission with a pledge of annual support. All gifts are tax deductible and all "Friends" will enjoy receiving the Mission Newsletter by email with regular announcements of special events, memorial services, improvement projects and the articles from Reverend Miyazaki.

Thank you for your support.

Jan Nakamura
Kyodan (Board of Directors) President
​Hakalau Jodo Mission
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Our Commitments to the Community

Offering Church Services in the tradition of ​Pure Land Buddhism
​Photos courtesy of Yumiko Bamba and Julie Goettsch
​Providing Senior Luncheons at the Mission to support the well-being, independence, and dignity of our seniors in an environment of their choice
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Photo courtesy of Jan Nakamura
Held weekly, these luncheons feature great food, music, exercise, companionship, and lots of laughter. This is a Project Dana* Program supported by the Wailea Village Historic Preservation Community. Miyo Harumi of Miyo's Restaurant prepares the food for the Senior Luncheons at Hakalau Jodo Mission. (*Dana means selfless giving.)
Hosting Obon, our annual ritual to honor our ancestors and to celebrate the community
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Photo courtesy of Kerry Browning
​Each August, the Jodo Mission comes alive with the celebration of Obon, a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestor. This festival is complete with music, dancing, laughter and lots of food! Usually, dancing takes place on the lawn in front of the Temple. 
Sponsoring the annual Memorial Day observance at the Hakalau Veteran's Park to show respect to both those who were killed in military conflict and to those who served, and to celebrate our community
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Memorial Day Service 2019
Special Ceremonies 
Periodically, the Hakalau Jodo Missions holds ceremonies to celebrate anniversaries of the mission and other special occasions.
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Yula Yula, Candle Night, 2014