By Sandy Takahashi, Hāmākua Jodo Mission Member and volunteer at Honoka‘a Heritage Center

In early 2022, Dr. Patsy Iwasaki, an accomplished author, researcher and instructor of the English Department at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UHH), contacted Hāmākua Jodo Mission (HJM) about scheduling a visit.  Dr. Iwasaki was making plans to bring a group of students on a field trip to the Hāmākua Coast to visit various historic points of interest, such as Laupāhoehoe Point, Waipiʻo Valley lookout, the Honokaʻa Hongwanji Mission, and wished to add Hāmākua Jodo Mission to the itinerary.

The students were enrolled in a hybrid pilot course called “Kuleana & Community” which encourages students and instructors to develop and strengthen their connections with the University, the Hilo community and Hawaiʻi Island as a whole.  Reciprocity through community service is a key element.

When HJM’s President Masa Nishimori learned about Dr. Iwasaki’s request, he was ecstatic; sharing Hāmākua Jodo Mission’s history with the younger generation was something he had been aspiring to do for years.  He arranged to give the students a tour of the facilities and a history lesson.  He had always hoped that the history of the Mission, along with the story of Katsu Goto, a Japanese immigrant turned labor rights activist, could be incorporated into Hawaiʻi’s school curriculum.  Goto, a pioneer of his time, is buried at the Hāmākua Jodo Mission cemetery.

Cemetery Tour

Sandy Takahashi shared the story of Katsu Goto before his gravesite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sadly, Mr. Nishimori passed away unexpectedly before the students’ visit.  Dr. Iwasaki asked HJM member Sandy Takahashi if she could step in and provide the tour. Ms. Takahashi, who has done extensive research on the temple with the help of the Honokaʻa Heritage Center, agreed.  In doing so, she hoped to honor Mr. Nishimori’s dedication and commitment to teaching others about HJM and Katsu Goto.

Katsu Goto

On the afternoon of April 9, 2022, Dr. Iwasaki, a teaching assistant, another instructor and thirteen students (including three from Japan), arrived for their visit. During the 30-minute tour, the group learned about the history of the temple and its origins, including the people who helped create it.  The story of Katsu Goto’s life, tragic death and legacy was highlighted.

The afternoon ended on many positive notes.  The students gained a better understanding of the significance of the temple and the immigrants who endured hardship and made many sacrifices to help build it.  They also gained a deeper appreciation of the Hāmākua Jodo Mission as a beacon of hope, pride and values for the Honokaʻa community.  The students also completed a community service project for HJM before leaving.  They worked together harmoniously to gather and haul away dead leaves, overgrowth, and fronds and debris around the property.

Student volunteers help clear debris from temple grounds.

 

Their volunteerism was greatly appreciated beyond words.  Prior to his passing, Mr. Nishimori did all of the maintenance of the property by himself for years.  Now that he is gone, HJM is in dire need of active volunteers to help steward the site and care for the property. Although a handful of members regularly volunteer in their spare time, with a property that spans over 3.5 acres, many more helping hands are needed and additional volunteers are always welcome!

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer at Hāmākua Jodo, please feel free to send an email to: contact@hamakuajodomission.org or call 808-775-0965.

 

 

 

To learn more about Hāmākua Jodo Mission and Katsu Goto, please check out the following websites:

All images courtesy of Hāmākua Jodo Mission.

Hāmākua Jodo Mission received an HHF Preservation Grant in 2017 to replace its roof.  A second award to HJM in 2021 supports the preservation and stabilization of the temple and parsonage; this project is currently in progress.

HHF Historic Preservation Grants support preservation as a mechanism for building community, enhancing Hawaii’s sense of place, and support for improved societal relationships. Rehabilitation or restoration projects that preserve the character-defining features of a historic building or site are eligible to apply.  The application deadline for the next round of grants is June 17, 2022. Please see the link for further details.