AN APPEAL OF SUPPORT FOR MAUI

It is with a heavy heart that we share this call for support. Many of you have probably heard about the devastating fires on the island of Maui. A fellow Temple of MBT’s, the Lahaina Hongwanji and its sangha members are facing an unbelievable challenge. The Temple, columbarium, classroom building, and minister’s residence were completely destroyed in the fires. The Temple’s sangha members have been forced to evacuate and many of their homes have been burnt to the ground.

As our Sangha and community at the Midwest Buddhist Temple come together to celebrate our Ginza weekend, let us hold in our hearts and minds the Sangha members of Lahaina Hongwanji, as well as the larger community of Lahaina and Maui.

Both the Hawaii Hongwanji and the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) have reacted quickly to direct support to those who have been affected. MBT will make a direct donation, and we ask all of our members and friends to consider donating to the relief effort (direction are contained in the two letters below). 

In Gassho,

Rev. Ron Miyamura
Rev. Todd Tsuchiya
Jason Matsumoto, MBT President
MBT Board of Directors

August 10, 2023

Dear Dharma Friends,

We have been watching in disbelief the tremendous destruction caused by the recent wildfires on Maui. The loss of life, livelihood, and property has been devastating. Lahaina Hongwanji and its Sangha were directly affected by the fires. The temple, columbarium, classroom building, and minister’s residence were completely destroyed in the horrific fires that devastated historic Lahaina town. Many temple members were forced to evacuate, and many homes were burnt to the ground. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by this disaster. As residents and our fellow Sangha members begin the process of rebuilding and healing, Hawaii Kyodan is committed to supporting relief efforts on Maui.

Please click to read the full letter with links to donation options:

Hawaii Kyodan – Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund Drive letter

In response to the fire that has devastated Maui, the BCA has put in place the following disaster relief effort to help support our Dharma friends in Hawaii through our BCA Social Welfare Committee:

Here is how you can help:

  1. Donations can be made on-line through: https://bca.kindful.com/
  2. Donations can also be made by check. Please make check payable to: BCA Endowment Foundation (Please note on memo line: MAUI RELIEF)
  3. Mail checks to: BCA Endowment Foundation – 2140 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA  94704

Also, below please find the letter from the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani, President, Dr. Warren Tamamoto, and Rev. Blayne Higa, Chairman – Committee on Social Concerns) which details their disaster relief efforts.

Please share all of this information with your members and friends.  Your support of our Dharma friends in Hawaii is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Gassho,
Rev. Michael Endo
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
BCA Headquarters