Aloha,

On August 8, 2023, wildfires broke out on the island of Maui, burning 17,000 acres and destroying 2,200 buildings. We remember and pay tribute to the 102 victims and the two that still remain missing. It hits close to home as Lahaina Hongwanji Mission and some of their Sanghas’ homes were affected and destroyed.

Throughout the State of Hawai’i and world, we united as one and found ways to support the victims affected. Many businesses created their own fundraisers seeking monetary donations and items, with proceeds going to various organizations, groups, and individuals.

We wondered how we as a Hongwanji Sangha could help and support Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, their Sangha members and the communities of Maui Island. The idea of creating our own Maui Shirt came to life and the project was sponsored by Mō’ili’ili Hongwanji Mission.

Along with a local graphic designer – Keri Kubota, we created our shirt design, “A modern design while incorporating some Aloha, our Hongwanji Sagarifuji wisteria, and the Maui Island flower, the Lokelani.”

We launched our project in November 2023 and concluded the project in September 2024. Our project was very successful as we received orders throughout the State of Hawai’i and continental US- California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, New York, Florida and even internationally, from Japan. Some temples placed bulk orders: Hilo Hongwanji Mission, Puna Hongwanji Mission, Wailuku Hongwanji Mission, San Diego Buddhist Temple Buddhist Women’s Association, Mountain View Buddhist Temple Dharma School.

On February 7, 2025, we presented our proceeds to the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai’i Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund at the 113th Legislative Assembly Giseikai. Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai’i will disperse the funds to Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, to their Sangha members and the community of Maui. Through donations and profit from the sales of the shirts & stickers, we raised $28,281.48!

Much mahalo to Squeeze Play for printing our shirts and for supporting our project! Also, thank you to Keri Kubota for your design expertise. Finally, a big mahalo to everyone for supporting this special project. It was very gratifying to see the worldwide support for this project.

Mahalo,
Ryne Masuda
Hongwanji for Maui Shirt Project Chair