It has been almost two months since the wildfire devastated Lahaina. It took many lives, houses, and a whole community. There are still hundreds of people missing. It was the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history, CNN reported. The Lahaina Hongwanji Mission in the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (HHMH) and surrounding buildings including the minister’s residence burned down, but miraculously, the Nokotsudo (columbarium building) survived the fire. The Jodo Mission on the other side of Lahaina was also destroyed.

I would like to share the interview with Rev. Ai Hironaka, Resident Minister of the Lahaina Hongwanji publicized in the Jiji Press online dated August 22, 2023.

　``I wanted to take the principal image and the past book (in which the deceased was recorded), but I had no choice but to give up.'' Mr. Hironaka was disappointed. He and his wife and four children are staying with an acquaintance in Kahului, about 20 kilometers east.

　In the early hours of the 8th, when the fire broke out, strong winds were blowing. Trees and utility poles along the street had been torn down. After a power outage, he was on his way back home after collecting food when he heard an explosion. He left home with two days' worth of clothes and his passport, but ``I never thought the temple would burn.''

　Concerned about leaving the principal image behind, he stopped his car and ran back alone. However, the fire spread around the temple and they had no choice but to turn back.

In his letter, Rev. Toshiyuki Umitani, Bishop of HHMH, says that the Maui recovery could take years. Many people are living in anxiety about their uncertain future. As fellow travelers of the Nembutsu, let us stand in solidarity with those experiencing suffering and sorrow brought about by this unprecedented encounter.

Rev. Marvin Harada, BCA Bishop, talks about a story from the Jataka Tales that goes like this

Once there was a huge forest fire, and all the forest animals were running away from the fire for safety. One little bird was flying into a lake, dipping its wings in water, then flying over the forest fire, dropping little drops of water to fight the fire. Back and forth, the little bird flew. The other animals shouted to the little bird, “What are you doing? You cannot put out the fire that way?!” The little bird shouted back, “I may not be able to stop the fire, but this is all that I can do. I must try.”

Rev. Harada says that facing such devastation, we will all do what we can do, whether it is to contribute to the disaster relief, to share our encouragement, or for those in Maui, to begin to rebuild, one step at a time, doing what they can do.

According to the recent Lion’s Roar online article, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama wrote to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green offering his condolences to the people of Hawaii, stating,

“I have had the privilege of visiting Hawaii several times and have also visited Maui. I deeply appreciate the people of Hawaii’s interest in my efforts to promote basic human values and inter-religious harmony. Also, during my interaction with the Hawaiian people, I have been touched by their deep devotion to their traditions and heritage. Therefore, I am particularly sad to learn of the damage caused to the former capital in the wildfire. I pray that you and the people of Hawaii will find the spiritual strength to deal with this tragedy. While the damage to buildings may be irreparable, I understand that everything is being done by the federal, State of Hawaii, and other agencies to provide necessary help and support to the people affected by this calamity.”

BCA and Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (HHMH) have set up the Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund to send monetary dana to the Lahaina Hongwanji to support their sangha members and future temple reconstruction. BCA social welfare committee donated $50,000, and OCBC generously donated $10,000 to HHMH. Individual donation methods are shown on the OCBC website.

Because of this unprecedented time, we should not forget our Buddha Amida’s immeasurable deep compassion, always embracing people who have lost their loved ones and all properties. Now is when we, Shin Buddhists, hold together and help each other in the Buddha’s light of wisdom that arises the power of resilience.

Namo Amida Butsu
Rev. Dr. Mutsumi Wondra