Aloha!
Hamakua Jodo Mission (“HJM”), the first sanctioned Buddhist temple built in Hawaii, is a historic landmark based on its one-of-a-kind architecture, and having one of the oldest cemeteries on the island,
Most importantly, our temple symbolizes not only a religious institution, but also a place of community that defined the hopes and dreams of Japanese immigrants seeking a better life for their children and generations to come. 128 years later, we are proud that HJM is alive and thriving with a new, younger generation continuing what our ancestors began in 1896.
In recent years, we were fortunate to have been awarded two grants from the Historic Hawaii Foundation to help preserve our temple and structures on the property. These grants were a life-line to us, as many long-standing repairs and preventive measures that were beyond our financial means such as new roofing, foundation repairs, erosion mitigation, termite treatment, tree trimming, and other critical maintenance projects were completed with the grant funding.
Many pressing structural and cemetery repairs, long deferred due to the lack of fundraising for generations, still need to be addressed and will unfortunately cost thousands of dollars.
One of our biggest goals is to pursue the purchase of the land from Kamehameha Schools so that HJM does not have to worry about lease renewals, rent increases, and to finally own the land free and clear. In order to achieve this, we need to raise substantial funds to cover multiple expenses involved in the purchase which includes surveying, the consolidation and re-subdivision of the two parcels that our temple and cemetery are located on, in addition to the purchase price itself, and closing costs.
We humbly ask for your consideration in making a charitable donation to help us maintain our historic temple and achieve our goal in purchasing the land to ensure HJM’s longevity, preserve our history, and perpetuate into eternity, as our immigrant ancestors envisioned when they built and established our temple.
If you are interested in helping us, please mail your donation check or money order made payable to Hamakua Jodo Mission to: Hamakua Jodo Mission, P.O. Box 7, Honokaa, HI 96727
If you prefer to donate online using a credit card or PayPal, please click on the donate button below:
Your kokua is greatly appreciated!
Hamakua Jodo Mission 