This report was prepared by Rev. Blayne Higa, chair of Hongwanji Hawaii’s statewide Committee on Social Concerns, for the August 2026 Headquarters Update. We are posting it here due to the time-sensitive nature of the content.Fund Drive Reminder
Action needed: The current Social Concerns Fund Drive runs through August 31, 2026, and temples are asked to submit all collected donations to Hawaii Kyodan HQ by September 30, 2026. We encourage your contribution so the Committee on Social Concerns can respond compassionately to urgent needs in our community.
Individuals may also donate directly to the Social Concerns Fund online by using this button:
Social Concerns Fund
How Donations Help
Through your generosity, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii is able to support worthy organizations and programs by funding their continued work in our community and providing aid during times of disaster.
We continue to award Golden Chain Grants to encourage sharing the Dharma through compassionate service and the Dana Matching Grant to double the impact of charitable giving by organizations within the Hawaii Kyodan Ohana.
Approved Disaster Relief Donations
The Committee on Social Concerns recently approved the following disaster relief donations:
- $5,000 to Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha for relief efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan.
- Spokane, Washington Wildfires Recovery
- $1,000 to Second Harvest Inland Northwest “Spokane Wildfire Response”
- $1,500 to Catholic Charities Eastern Washington “Spokane Complex Fire Support Fund”
- Hurricane Lala Recovery
- $2,000 to Vibrant Hawaii
- $2,000 to The Food Basket
- $2,000 to the American Red Cross
- $2,000 ʻO Kaʻū Kākou
- $500 Omimai for Lahaina Hongwanji
- $500 Omimai for Puna Hongwanji
- $500 Omimai for Pahala Hongwanji
- $500 Omimai for Naalehu Hongwanji
Hurricane Lala Resources
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Lala. May Amida Buddha’s boundless wisdom and compassion surround and sustain us all. The recovery resources below may be helpful.
Tropical Storm Lala: District-by-District Impacts & Recovery Resources
Your support directly impacts the lives of others. Mahalo for your generosity!
In Gassho,
Rev. Blayne Higa, Chair
Committee on Social Concerns