Reverend Ai Hironaka is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist minister currently serving as the Resident Minister for the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission on Maui. He gained significant public attention following the 2023 Maui wildfires, which completely destroyed the historic Lahaina Hongwanji temple building. 

Role and Recent Activities (2025–2026)

As of early 2026, Reverend Hironaka remains a key leader in the spiritual and physical recovery of the Lahaina Buddhist community. 

• Temple Rebuilding: Following the removal of debris in early 2024, Hironaka has been leading efforts to rebuild the Lahaina Hongwanji. In early 2025, committee members began viewing the site to plan for the new temple.

• Community Services: He continues to conduct services for the local "Sangha" (community), often traveling to other missions like the Kahului Hongwanji or Puna Hongwanji to guest speak and maintain connections with displaced members.

• Outreach: In 2024 and 2025, he traveled across Hawaii and to Northern California to express…