It was a great honor for me as your resident minister to celebrate Kapaa Hongwanji Triple Celebration which is the new altar dedication, Kyodan 80^th anniversary, and Women’s Association 90^th anniversary with you. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to celebration committee chair Dimples, all the sub-committee chairs, members, and their families and friends. I firmly believe, without your selfless dedication, we would not achieve this once-in-a-life big event.

The triple celebration committee was organized in February 2001. Since then, we carried out many projects and activities. In April 2001, Senior Buddhist Association donated the floor buffer machine and cleaned the hall floor in October 2002. In December 2001, Jr. YBA published the cook book. They will be replacing handicapped railing in the temple building after the celebration by selling their cook books. In March 2002, Women’s Association donated PA system in the temple. In April 2002, Clyde, Dimples, Milton, Dennis, and I traveled to Japan to attend our New Amida Buddha’s Statue Inspection Ceremony at Honzan in Kyoto, and checked all the new ornaments at Wakabayashi Company in Kyoto. In June 2002, temple building was fumigated for termite treatment. From June 13-16, 2002, new altar was installed by members and Wakabayashi Company. Women’s Association donated beautiful pictures below the scrolls of Shinran Shonin and Rennyo Shonin. Dharma School donated a set of chrysanthemum lamp for Shinran Shonin and Rennyo Shonin. On June 15, 2002, we sponsored Kikyo Musicians’ Association Concert at Kauai Community College. On June 23, 2002, we observed New Altar Dedication Service. In July 2002, we published booklet for the celebration. The temple building was painted by members. The temple floor was fixed and will be replaced the floor after the celebration. In August 2002, the hall building and minister’s garage was painted by a company which donated all the materials and labors. The back room of the temple was renovated and painted by members. In September, Kokee Hongwanji cabin was painted by members as a service project. The temple ceiling was replaced. The floor of back room of the temple was replaced. New fans were installed in the temple. The interior of the hall was painted by members. In October, mochi for the celebration was made. New cushions for temple pews were installed. The time capsule was made by Senior Buddhist Association and will be buried in the ground by Jr. YBA after the celebration. New fans were installed in the hall. The curtains on the stage in the hall were cleaned. On October 19, 2002, the celebration banquet was held. Keirokai who was over 80 years old was honored for their many years of their dedication. On October 20, the Ceremonial Procession Service was observed at Costas with Kapaa Hongwanji’s old statue of Amida Buddha. The Ceremonial Procession (Chigo Parade) was started from Costas to the temple. The Triple Celebration Commemoration Service was held in the temple.

The primary purpose of a religious organization and significance of having a temple is to learn its teaching. I think as a ways and means to learn the teaching, it is necessary to enhance our positive attitudes to the Buddha and the teachings by practicing Buddhist teachings through the projects such as you just carried out for the temple and the community.

Our path to the future depends on what we do now. If our situation is that of, "we do not have to do anything because we are comfortable with our present status" or "I just do my share" or "the temple exists only for my generation. Let the younger generation do what they want for their generation," then, Kapaa Hongwanji will surely meet its natural death sometime in the future.

After completing all the projects for triple celebration, now is the time to reflect upon our history and rededicate ourselves and start new programs and projects for the temple, community, and ourselves. Let us take on the Buddhist heritage as we move forth positively into a new history of the Kapaa Hongwanji Mission. I look forward to continue working with you for the future of your temple and Jodo Shinshu and to keep the mind of oneness in the Nembutsu teachings.

Namo-Amidabutsu