Submitted by Stacy Bradshaw, Executive Director
Stacy Bradshaw, Hawaii Betsuin Executive Director (2014 photo)
For nearly 10 weeks our temple has kept its doors closed, due to the state’s stay-at-home initiatives. We hope that you have been minimizing your contact with others and have been practicing safety measures such as wearing masks in public and washing your hands thoroughly throughout the day. Because the data on COVID-19 shows good progress, we can look forward to the next step.
On May 21, 2020, the Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed an order, approving the opening of temples and churches for in-person religious services, starting from June 5, 2020. Our temple leadership is working with the ministers and lay staff to create a plan for reopening the temple. Despite our eagerness to see all of our members and friends back at the temple, we are taking serious precautions to ensure the safety of everyone.
After careful consideration, we have decided that the earliest that the Betsuin should reopen is July 1, 2020, provided there are no new government regulations put in place. The extra time will allow us to prepare the temple with proper signage, resources, and cleaning and sanitizing routines to ensure the wellbeing of our ministers, staff, and visitors.
Our current plan is to open the temple in phases. In the first phase, we will focus on:
- opening the business office,
- having funeral and memorial services with 9 or fewer participants plus the minister, and
- opening the columbarium for visitations on an appointment basis.
The intended start date for phase one is July 1 (subject to change based on evolving conditions). We sincerely appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we work to open the temple and its facilities.
Please remember that the Betsuin’s ministers and staff are here to assist you and that we are only a phone call away. Take care and stay safe.
Related Information in Japanese, Provided by Rev. Shingo Furusawa
本派本願寺ハワイ別院は、現在閉鎖させていただいておりますが、７月１日より、活動を再開させていただく予定です。具体的には、
ビスネスオフィスのオープン
１０人未満のお葬式、ご法事のお勤め、
ご予約をされた方の納骨堂へのお参り
を予定しております。これらは、状況によって変更になる場合があることをご了承下さい。
ご質問のある方は、本派本願寺ハワイ別院８０８－５３６－７０４４にお問合せ下さい。