Mary Foster. Buddhist Annual of Ceylon, Vol I (1920), 2, p. 5, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75160195

You are cordially invited to a
Commemoration Service for Mary Mikahala Foster

December 17, 2023
9:30 AM Hawaii Time
In person at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin and via Zoom

Mary Mikahala Foster was a native Hawaiian Buddhist and generous supporter of Honpa Hongwanji. We express our deep appreciation to Mary Mikahala Foster for her friendship and legacy at a critical time for Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Hawaii. Please join us for a special service including a dharma message by Kahu Sherman Thompson.

If attending via Zoom: see Zoom connection details.

About Our Speaker

Kahu Sherman Thompson retired from Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus after serving for 47 years, the last 5 years as the school’s chaplain. As Chaplain, Sherman was responsible for the religious educational services program at the schools, as well overseeing the operations of the School’s chapel facility, Bishop Memorial Chapel which serves the campus community and alumni. Previous to that he served in the school’s boarding program as an advisor and head advisor. He also served many years as Associate Chaplain. After retirement, Sherman took up residency on the Island of Kauai.

Over the years, Kahu Thompson served at various churches in Honolulu: Kaumakapili Church, Kalihi Moanalua Church, and Nuuanu Congregational Church. In addition, he’s provided spiritual support and consultation to many Honolulu financial institutions, Waikiki resorts, and commercial and retail establishments, as well the US Navy and US Army. He is often called upon to officiate at weddings and memorial services.

Kahu Thompson is also a strong advocate for interfaith endeavors and has served on many boards in the Honpa Hongwanji organization, including as a trustee of Pacific Buddhist Academy. He was an instructor in the Dharma Light Program sponsored by Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. His public service includes years on the State Civil Defense Advisory Council during Governor Ariyoshi and Governor Waihee’s tenure.

Having been raised a Buddhist since early childhood in Lahaina, Maui, Sherman is a member of Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, which recently lost its temple and adjoining facilities, including the minister’s residence, to the Lahaina Wildfire in August 2023 along with most of Lahaina. His family’s residence, two blocks away from the Lahaina Hongwanji temple, was also consumed by the Lahaina wildfire.

Kahu Thompson attended Kamehameha Schools, Hawaii Pacific University, and UH Manoa.

Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Location

While the address for Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin is 1727 Pali Highway, the access is from Lusitana St. behind the temple. For navigation devices, you may use 1742 Lusitana St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (see map). There are parking lots on both sides of the temple.