WHERE WE WORSHIP
Mililani Hongwanji marks 25th anniversary

By Mary Kaye Ritz
Faith Editor

The Rev. Akinori Morii, resident minister of Mililani Hongwanji, traces the history of the congregation back to when Mililani was a growing community and people who drove to the Honolulu mission wanted a temple closer to home. Eugene Tanner The Honolulu Advertiser

Our denomination: This branch of the Hongwanji Buddhists is also of the Jodo Shinshu Nishi Hongwanji denomination, based in Kyoto, Japan.

Where we are: 95-257 Kaloapau St. in Mililani.

Our numbers: 210; about 100 attend services regularly.

Our pastor: The Rev. Akinori Morii.

What we believe: Members of Mililani Hongwanji follow the Jodo Shinshu teachings of the Amida Buddha, the Buddha of infinite light and life.

"Having awakened to the compassion of Amida Buddha and rejoicing in the assurance of Buddha food, we shall endeavor to live a life of gratitude and service," Morii said.

Jodo Shinshu, which means "pure and true teaching," is an awakening that comes through the path set down by Amida Buddha, the sect's central figure of worship, who promised salvation.

Our history: Mililani Hongwanji was established 25 years ago, on Feb. 6, 1977.

"Mililani Town was growing," said Morii, when some 44 members of the Hongwanji temple in Honolulu decided to start a temple where they and many of their children were setting up homes and raising their families.

The first advising minister 25 years ago was the Rev. Norito Nagao. The first resident minister was the Rev. Kojun Fuehira, who came from Kaua'i in 1979 when the building — with the temple downstairs and the minister's residence upstairs — was under construction; the temple was completed the next year.

A second building, the educational building, which houses a Sunday school as well as before- and after-school programs, was built in 1986. Their Sunday school is called a Dharma school. ("Dharma" is the principle or law that orders the universe.)

Morii arrived in Hawai'i from Japan a decade ago, but didn't go directly to Mili-

lani. It wasn't until 1998 that he left the Jikoen Hongwanji Temple in Kalihi to become Mililani's fifth resident minister.

What we're excited about: Tomorrow the church will celebrate its 25 anniversary with a commemorative service at 9 a.m., followed by a luncheon, group picture-taking, entertainment and the dedication of a time capsule. "The Golden Chain of Love" is the theme for the celebration year. Members 80 and older will be honored during the service.

Also to celebrate the anniversary year, the gateway to the temple grounds was dedicated in January. A new church sign and the two flagpoles were installed, displaying the American, Hawaiian, Buddhist and Hongwanji flags.

Also, a public lecture is set for 7 p.m. on March 25 by Taitetsu Unno, a retired professor from Smith College. The topic is still to be announced.

What's special about us: While the core group of temple members, which included many young people and families, is older today by 25 years, Morii notes, the location continues to draw young people and families.

"We have a good dharma school, so parents are happy to send their children," he said. "Plus, we provide workshops and retreats."

The average age at other temples is over 65, he notes, but it is lower in Mililani because of the many young families.

They have English services weekly. There is a monthly service in Japanese.

Information: mililanihongwanji.org or call 625-0925.

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