The Daifukuji Soto Mission in Honalo held a Peace Ceremony April 30 to dedicate a Peace Pole planted by the Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise.
The program included a blessing by Rev. Jiko Nakade, the Metta Sutta chanted in Hawaiian by Holeka Goro Inaba, and speeches by Charlene Iboshi of the Rotary Club of Hawaii Peace Initiative and special guest Al Jubitz. Robert Command, deputy managing director for the Mayor’s Office, presented a message from Mayor Mitch Roth which included these words:
“Peace Poles are the most recognized monument dedicated to peace on earth. They represent the highest aspirations of peace and goodwill inherent in the human heart transcending race, religion, and creed. Peace Poles serve as vehicles to carry the message, May Peace Prevail on Earth, out to every corner of the world. They are planted to uplift, empower, and elevate the human consciousness and embrace the oneness of our global family.”
The temple’s Happy Strummers ukulele group and Kona Daifukuji Taiko performed. The singing of “Hawaii Aloha” and a hula ended the program.
Over 2,000 origami cranes made by Daifukuji members were hung around the pole and danced in the morning breeze. This is the 21st Peace Pole planted by the Rotary Club on Hawaii Island.