​Seventh Minister: Yamanaka Ryokai (1929-1937)
 
In 1928, Yamanaka Ryokai was assigned to be an assistant minister in Hakalau and came to the church with his wife Yoshi. He was appointed to be the resident minister on August 26, 1929. During his time he demolished the old building and newly built the existing two story church (with Hall downstairs) and a new minister’s residence building, which are the currently existing buildings.
 
He resigned in April 1939 and went home to Japan.
The Reverend Yamanaka
He was born in Kozutsumi, Shinohara village, Yasu county, Shiga prefecture, became a minister at Hozen-ji temple in Shinohara village in the area. He was initiated on February 23, 1912, registered on March 19th. On November 25, 1925 he was ordained, and on February 10, 1926, he became a minister at Hozen-ji temple in Shinohara village in Shiga prefecture. On August 7, 1928 he became the minister of Hawaii Jodo-shu and was assigned to Hakalau Church. On August 26 of the following year, he was appointed as a resident minister of the church and has worked diligently for the mission till present.
 
Mrs. Yamanaka
She was born in Fukui prefecture, graduated from Women’s Teacher School after finishing Fukui prefectural Women’s High School and obtained license as a registered teacher. She was appointed as a Hawaii missionary assistant in 1928. She has been the resident missionary at Hakalau Church till present.
Picture
Rev. Yamanaka and his wife as shown in the 1934 publication, The Light on the Ocean, page 64. Translation to the left.
For the Hakalau Kuleana, our responsibility is to care for the land, the people, and the culture. We are guided by cultural values of YESTERDAY: Engage in collective effort. Look out for each other. Honor hard work. Show respect for those who came before us. Aloha and Mālama `Aina. In 2021, Akiko Masuda added two more values to the list: Consistently show up. Whatever has to be done, jump in and do it!