A Message from Prudence Kusano, President of Kailua Hongwanji Mission
KHBWA Update
Headquarters Update
Events Calendar
Mahalo Rev. Umitani
The year-end service also marked the conclusion of Rev. Toshiuki Umitani's assignment as Kailua's interim minister. Mahalo Rev. Umitani and family for being a part of our temple in 2017!
Year End Family Service
In his year-end Dharma message, Rev. Umitani asked us to express gratitude for the past year and reflect on the interdependency on all life and all the things that have made it possible for one to live through the year. The saying, ichinichi senkin (一日千金), "every day is worth a thousand pieces of gold," reminds us that each and every day holds great meaning for our lives and we must live it wisely and meaningfully.
After the service, we rang the kansho (temple bell) to celebrate the end of the year. Jyo-ya no Kane (除夜の鐘) is the Japanese tradition of ringing the temple bell 108 times on New Year's Eve. Watch the video and see if we came close (we weren't counting!). After ringing the bell, we enjoyed soba noodles, also a year-end tradition.
The year-end service also marked the conclusion of Rev. Umitani's assignment as Kailua's interim minister. Mahalo Rev. Umitani and family for being a part of our temple in 2017!
Happy New Year!
Sunday Family Service
For today's Dharma message, Betty shared stories about Rev. David Nakamoto, who recently retired as Kailua Hongwanji's minister. Betty has known Rev. Nakamoto for many years. We're looking forward to Rev. Nakamoto being our Dharma Talk speaker on January 14, 2018.
At the conclusion of today's service, Joy and Brin treated us to a special oboe and flute rendition of "Let it Snow." Click on the play button below to enjoy their awesome performance!
Sunday Family Service
For today's Dharma message, Rev. Umitani asked everyone to pause for a moment during the busy holiday season and think of the gift of life we've received, each day, each morning, and each moment. The holidays are a time for families and friends to share stories, smiles, and laughter and it is important to feel this sense of togetherness and oneness.
KHM Officers & Directors 2018
From left to right: Joyce Nishita, Merle Tashiro, Dennis Tashiro, Keiji Kukino, Bob Nishita, Geraldine Ochikubo, Gerald Matsuda.
2018 Board of Directors
Directors:
- Allen Kusano
- Keiji Kukino
- Jean Fukumoto
- Joy Nishida
- Daikichi (Bob) Nishita
- Merle Tashiro
President: Prudence Kusano
Vice President: Shirley Yanagisawa
Secretary: Joyce Nishita
Treasurer: Gerald Matsuda
Auditor: Geraldine Ochikubo
Immediate Past President: Dennis Tashiro
General Membership Meeting & Lunch
The Annual General Membership Meeting was held on December 10, 2017, immediately following the Bodhi Day Service.
Kailua Hongwanji Mission Officers and Directors for 2018 were confirmed and installation of the officers by Rev. Umitani followed the meeting.
- President: Prudence Kusano
- Vice President: Shirley Yanagisawa
- Secretary: Joyce Nishita
- Treasurer: Gerald Matsuda
- Auditor: Geraldine Ochikubo
- Immediate Past President: Dennis Tashiro
- Directors:
- Allen Kusano
- Keiji Kukino
- Jean Fukumoto
- Joy Nishida
- Daikichi (Bob) Nishita
- Merle Tashiro
After the meeting, we enjoyed lunch at New Mui Kwai II in Kailua.
Bodhi Day Service
We celebrated Bodhi Day, which was on December 8. Bodhi Day commemorates the day that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. A Bodhi tree in the temple was decorated with lights representing enlightenment, a string of beads representing all beings' interdependence, and three bulbs representing the Three Jewels, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
In his Dharma Talk, Dennis reflected on the past year. What inspirations and influences have we received during the last 12 months? While we reflect back with satisfaction, we look forward with anticipation of our days to come.
The Family Service was followed by the General Membership meeting and the installation of officers for 2018.
First Sunday Family Service
Prudence spoke about Bodhi Day, explaining so the children (and adults) could understand why we observe Bodhi Day. She based her talk on the book “Prince Siddharta.” Pictures projected on the wall added to her talk and captured the attention of all.
