Members of Honpa Hongwanji organizations including Hawaii Betsuin, Jikoen Hongwanji, Windward Buddhist Temple, Pacific Buddhist Academy, and Hawaii Betsuin BWA participated in the 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade from Magic Island to Kapi‘olani Park on January 20.
We passed out origami peace cranes — including many shipped from California especially for use in the MLK parade by the Ego family — to delighted parade-watchers. Mahalo, Ego family!!
New this year, we wheeled a kansho (temple bell) with us to “Let Freedom Ring!” Many thanks to Troop 49 Scoutmaster Brad Fujino, Albert Wong, and Caden Fujino for constructing the 4×4 framework to support the bell on the cart! It was a resounding success 😊.
A Pacific Buddhist Academy “Buddha Bus,” adorned with signs and strings of cranes flying from the windows, followed along with those who chose to ride. Big thanks to Head of School Josh Hernandez Morse for driving the bus!
Joining the parade was a joyous and meaningful way to honor MLK and his teaching of nonviolence, equality, and universal brotherhood/sisterhood. #TheMarchContinues
– David Atcheson (Photos courtesy Rick Tabor, Wendie Yumori, David Atcheson)