About Us

Mission Statement

Having been awakened to the Compassion of Amida Buddha's Universal Vow (Namo Amida Butsu) and rejoicing in the assurance of Buddhahood, we gratefully endeavor to live a life of service to others.

History

Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin is one of 32 temples that make up the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, a Buddhist organization dedicated to sharing the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. The Mission is part of the broader Jodo Shinshu tradition, with its head temple, Nishi Hongwanji, located in Kyoto, Japan.

The history of Jodo Shinshu in Hawaii began in Hilo, where the islands’ first Buddhist temple was established in 1889. Originally built on land now known as Mooheau Park, Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin later relocated to its current site at 398 Kilauea Avenue, spanning approximately four acres. More than a historical landmark, Hilo Betsuin remains a vibrant center for spiritual practice, community connection, and the transmission of the Buddha’s teachings.

As a place of refuge and learning, the temple serves as a dojo—a sacred space for listening to and reflecting on the Dharma. We welcome a diverse Sangha of approximately 450 member families, embracing people from all backgrounds. While originally founded to support Japanese immigrants in maintaining their faith and cultural identity, today, it stands as a multicultural community where all are invited to walk the path of the Nembutsu together.

The temple's mission remains steadfast: to revere the compassion of Amida Buddha, share the wisdom of Jodo Shinshu, and cultivate a Sangha rooted in gratitude and service.

Beyond spiritual guidance, Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin has long been a center for education and cultural enrichment. The temple has played a pivotal role in the community by establishing and supporting a preschool and Japanese language school, fostering early childhood education, and preserving Japanese heritage. Additionally, we offer martial arts classes, including judo, and a variety of cultural programs, ensuring that future generations continue to engage with and appreciate these rich traditions.

Our dedication to service manifests in many ways, including social outreach programs, community gathering spaces, support for local organizations and initiatives, cultural education, and early childhood learning programs.

Weekly services are held every Sunday, with the Family Dharma Service beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by Dharma School classes for children. All are welcome to join in listening to and reflecting on the Buddha’s teachings, fostering a path of wisdom and compassion in daily life.


Ministerial Staff

Rimban Kazunori Takahashi

Rimban Kazunori Takahashi was born and raised in Nagato, Yamaguchi, Japan. He graduated from Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Buddhist Studies.

He came to Hawaii in 2007 and was first assigned to Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin. He then served at Kapaa Hongwanji from 2009 to 2014, Lihue Hongwanji from 2014 to 2018, and the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Headquarters as the Executive Assistant to the Bishop from 2018 to 2021. He was also a Jodo Shinshu Correspondence Course Instructor from 2015 to 2018 and served as a Pacific Buddhist Academy chaplain from 2019 to 2021.

Since March 1, 2021, he has been serving at Hilo Betsuin. In addition, since January 2024, he has also been overseeing Honohina-Papaaloa, Honomu, and Papaikou Hongwanji Missions.

He is married to Noriko and has a child, Hironori.

Reverend Blayne Nakasone Sakata

Rev. Blayne Nakasone Sakata was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He graduated from Pacific Buddhist Academy in 2014. He studied at UH Hilo and graduated in 2018 with BA degree in Philosophy and Japanese Studies. He attended Chuo Bukyo Gakuin, in Ukyo-ku, Japan in the spring of 2019 for two years, completing school in 2021. In that same year, he entered Ryukoku University in the School of Literature, Masters program with a major in Shin Buddhist Studies. Rev. Blayne returned to Hawaii, started ministry, and graduated from Ryukoku University in 2023. 

He enjoys perpetuating Okinawan culture through the Sanshin, Koto, and traditional Okinawa Dance and Kumiudui. As well as being a taiko player for 14 years, currently a part of Ryugen Taiko based out of Wahiawa. 

Rev. Blayne was formerly an associate minister at Hawaii Betsuin and chaplain at Pacific Buddhist Academy. As of August 2024, he has been an associate minister at Hilo Betsuin. In addition, he has also been overseeing Honohina-Papaaloa, Honomu, and Papaikou Hongwanji Missions. 

Kyodan Officers & Board Members 2025

Kyodan Officers

President: Jill Atwal

President-Elect: Dean Kubo

Immediate Past President: Ed Hara

Secretary: Susan Nakatsu

Assistant Secretary: Grace Funai

Treasurer: Ivan Nakano

Assistant Treasurer: Diane Shiro

Board of Trustees

Layne Funai

Karen Hayashida

Dean Kubo

Karen Maedo

Casey Nakatsu

Dave Okamura

Joni Onishi

Kelvin Sewake

Patti-Taira Tokuuke

Art Taniguchi

Burt Tsuchiya

Keith Yamakawa

Board of Spiritual Affairs

Cindy Nakamoto

Ronald Nakamichi

Myra Hironaga

Jane Iida

Susan Nishioka

Kerri Okamura

Sandra Osborn

Douglas Pickarts

Robyn Taniguchi

Sandra Tomiyama

Edythe Vassall

Cyrus Wilson

Board of Buddhist Education

Dawn Fukumura-Sawada

Candice Imamura

Terilyn Kubo

Michelle Ojiri

Lissa Onishi

Megan Pascual

Gayle Sato

Dana Sewake

Sandra Taniguchi

Nolan Yamaki