Services

Rev. Satoshi Ka’imipono Tomioka offers a variety of services catering to the diverse needs of individuals, all inspired by Amida Buddha’s boundless wisdom and compassion. These services include memorial ceremonies, funerals, weddings, blessings, community events, counseling, infant rite ceremonies, and more. Essentially, his support spans from cradle to grave, affirming that throughout every stage and event of life, one is always enveloped in compassionate care.

Here is an overview at a glance.

Sunday Service: Every Sunday at 9 a.m. Hawaii Time, Rev. Tomioka leads the service, which includes chanting, singing, and a dharma message. His messages articulate the joy of Amida Buddha’s Compassion in a way that is both relatable and comprehensible, while also occasionally challenging the listeners’ appreciation of life. See also Sunday Service.

Reflecting on life: Religious and spiritual services for departed loved ones are provided through bedside services (pillow service/Aloha & Mahalo service), pre-cremation rituals, funerals, a series of memorial services, and inurnment. It is a period for respecting the deceased and for profound reflection on how we live our own lives. Service is provided with respect and care, irrespective of your membership status.       See also Memorials/funerals.

Rites of passage: Marking significant turning points in one’s life and are milestones for the individual and their loved ones. Conducting these ceremonies in a religious setting (in front of Amida Buddha) emphasizes the importance of spiritual guidance at each life stage. These events also provide an opportunity to recognize the factors that led to this moment, allowing family and friends to gather in celebration, expressing gratitude for the present moment, and offering a unique perspective that deepens the appreciation of the life event. The events include, but are not limited to, infant rite ceremonies, birthday parties, graduations, weddings, vow renewals, and age-related celebrations such as yakudoshi (calamitous-years), retirement, and milestone birthdays. See also Rites of passage information.


Blessing:  The intention is to extend a sacred wish for universal Compassion and Wisdom to all people, places, and times, fostering the realization of loving-kindness when blessings are given. This can encompass community events, gatherings, homes, vehicles, shops, and any occasion that requires guidance through the realm of truth.

Counseling/meeting:  Regardless of our strength—be it physical, mental, spiritual, or financial—challenges are inevitable. In those moments, solutions may seem futile, leaving us at a loss. Rev. Tomioka offers a compassionate ear. In a private and confidential setting, your concerns and experiences are listened to with care and accepted without judgment. Rev. Tomioka’s approach is to listen rather than to lecture, advise, or placate, believing that the path forward is discovered through and within you, via conversation. “You are never alone” in Amida’s compassionate care.

Visitation: Loneliness can be one of the most challenging experiences. Whether in a hospital, care home, residence, or any facility where you or your loved ones are staying, Rev. Tomioka will be there to offer a greeting. Visits are typically brief, lasting about 15 minutes, but may be shorter or longer depending on the situation. Simply call or send a message to the temple or inform your family and friends that visitation is an option. It’s comforting to know that someone is there to think of you.

Community Event: Puna Hongwanji aims to serve as a community temple, and so does Rev. Tomioka. If you’re hosting events or activities and need someone to take on a role, or if you’d like to inform us so we can offer support, please reach out. Although Rev. Tomioka may be shy, as a minister, he is capable of singing (in the style of Elvis Presley), speaking, and doing his utmost to contribute to your event.

Buddhist Education Classes: Life is a continuous learning process. Rev. Tomioka provides a range of classes in-person, via Zoom, and through YouTube videos to share the teachings of Buddha. Whether you’ve spent years passing by the temple, curious about the white building in Keaau, or you practice Buddhism yet seek a deeper understanding, engaging in Buddhist studies can enlighten you about yourself and the life we all share.


There are more services offered by Rev. Tomioka. If you have any questions, comments, or anything you want him to know or do, please contact us at mpunahongwanji@twc.com, or call 808-966-9981. Thank you for supporting and nurturing Rev. Tomioka so he can grow not only as a minister but also as a person in the community.


See also: