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The Endangered Buddhist Temples of Hawai'i
(O'ahu): How Can I Help?
by
ALOHA DEAN
Inspired by these two articles , one by Rod Ohira with Title "Hawai'i temples, often unnoticed, slowly decay" and second by Catherine E. Toth "Temples in the 'aina" at Honolulu Advertiser, I decided to give my pledge to endangered Hawaii Buddhist Temples.
As Rod Ohira wrote: Hundreds of people pass by it each day, but few ever notice the small church building at 1710 Liliha St., one of only 10 remaining grand Buddhist temples in Hawai'i featuring traditional Japanese style of architecture.
| LILIHA SHINGON MISSION | ||
 Liliha Shingon Mission |
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Liliha Shingonji Mission, built in 1911, is among the 41 temples built in Hawai'i in a 22-year period, starting in 1898 with the building of Honoka'a Hongwanji and ending in 1921 with Kona Soto Daifukuji on the Big Island, in the traditional design that featured unique ornamentation and the ridge roof of temples in Japan.
| JODO MISSION OF HAWAII | ||
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In addition to Liliha Shingonji Mission, located on the 'Ewa side of Liliha Street next to the Liliha Medical Building and across the street from Yagura restaurant, the other existing temples featuring traditional designs are: Hamakua Jodo (1896), Kapapala Nichiren (1902), Hawi Jodo (1905), Kona Daifukuji Soto Zen (1914) on the Big Island; Koloa Jodo (1909) on Kaua'i; Pa'ia Mantokuji Soto (1907) and Lahaina Jodo (1912) on Maui; and Hawai'i Shingon Headquarters (1917) and Honolulu Myohoji (1931) on O'ahu.
HONGPA HONGWANJI HAWAII BETSUIN
Hongpa Hongwanji Hawaii
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At one time, there were more than 300 temples in Hawai'i built by seven Buddhist sects, said Palumbo. Honpa Hongwanji built 139 temple structures, she added. From traditional Japanese design, the architecture evolved into three other styles: Hawai'i eclectic, East-West and contemporary.
HONOLULU MYOHOJI MISSION
Honolulu Myohoji Mission
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| KOBOJI SHINGON MISSION | ||
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According to Palumbo's research, there are 22 Buddhist churches with "Hawai'i eclectic" designs, among them Waialua and Pearl City Hongwanji; 24 with East-West influence, such as the Indian-Western look of Hawai'i Jodo headquarters near the H-1 Freeway's Punahou Street off-ramp; and 42 with a contemporary design such as Honpa Hongwaji on Pali Highway.
SHINGON SHU HAWAII
 Shingon Shu Hawaii |
 Shingon Shu Hawaii |
| NICHIREN MISSION | ||
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Because of a shrinkage in congregations and neglect, many temples have
fallen into disrepair. Some have been closed, while some that have been
rebuilt have lost their traditional architectural character.
KAGYU THEGCHEN LING
MOILIILI HONGWANJI MISSION celebrating
100th Anniversary
1906-2006
to be continued....
The Endangered Buddhist Temples of Hawai'i (Big Island): How Can I Help?
