Article and photos by Ruth Tokumi On January 26, 2017, Hawaii Betsuin Choir members shared an enjoyable musical evening with Rev. Satoshi Tomioka following choir practice. Tomioka Sensei played his ukulele and led choir members in singing “Shojoji” and “Yuyake Koyake” and one of his favorite gathas, “A Special Place.” Following the presentation of gifts […]
Rev. Chikai Yosemori, the retired 14th Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, died on Wednesday, April 13, 2016. He was 84 years old. For all of his 42 years as a minister and his work after retirement, the foundation of Rev. Yosemori’s philosophical beliefs centered around the values of knowledge, respect, and gratitude. […]
Hawaii Betsuin held its annual membership meeting and New Year’s party on the afternoon and evening of January 30, 2016. The event included the installation of the 2016-2017 board of directors, a membership meeting and award presentation, a silent auction, dinner, and bingo. Unlike in recent years, the event was held on a Saturday instead […]
The December 2015 Headquarters Update is now available. Content highlights: The Accession Ceremony (Dento Hokoku Hoyo) Minister News: Rev. William Masuda assignment to Makawao Hongwanji Mission Rev. Tatsuo Muneto recognition at the Giseikai Aloha Luncheon and the Living Treasures Recognition Program to be held February 13, 2016 Rev. Blayne Higa to continue his education and training […]
Rev. Tatsuo Muneto will retire from active duty for the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Kyodan effective December 15, 2015. During his 50 years’ service to the Hawaii Kyodan temples, Rev. Muneto was assigned to Hawaii Betsuin four times: in 1965 as a new minister, in 1970 as Director of the English Department, in 1990 as Fuku-Rimban […]
After serving with Mari Murakami as co-director of the Hawaii Betsuin Choir for the past two years, Megan Pascual is moving on to the Big Island. Megan will be student teaching in general and special education on the way to graduating from the University of Hawaii in May 2016. She intends to pursue her teaching […]
The Interfaith Alliance Hawaii holds its Thirteenth Annual Awards Celebration and Dinner at the Hawaii Betsuin social hall on November 1, 2015. The theme is “Positive Response to the Houseless Crisis” and the event features keynote speaker Rick Blangiardi, Hawaii News Now General Manager. Among the 18 individuals and organizations to receive awards for their […]
The following is a selection from the July Goji newsletter by Rimban Tatsuo Muneto. In past years, Hawaii Betsuin has conducted Bon Mairi Services on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the second week of July. This format will change this year. All of the Bon Mairi Services will be combined services, and they will be held on three […]
Thanks to all who turned out for the first night of Bon Dance 2015 at Hawaii Betsuin! Join us again on Saturday evening, June 27, for another night of Obon. Here’s the schedule: 5:30 p.m. – Food booths open 6:00 p.m. – Taiko performance 6:15 p.m. – Short service 6:30 p.m. – Dancing starts 10:30 […]