A nearly century-old bronze Buddhist temple bell, stolen from Papaaloa Hongwanji Mission near the former Laupahoehoe Sugar Co. on Oct. 21, was found today. 

A man who pulled off the side of  Old Onomea Road spotted the cast bronze bell sitting near a lauhala tree “nestled” in a brown plastic tarp, said the temple’s secretary, Rose Broughton. 

Under the bell was a flyer for the missing bell carefully placed in a Ziploc bag. She said she believes the bell was placed somewhere it would be safe and would likely be found. 

Broughton said the members are joyful and grateful that it’s back, she said. 

Police detectives took the bell into custody, she said. 

She said the 32 members, most of whom are in their 80s and older, wish no ill will on the person who took it. 

“They live it (Buddhism). They are compassionate, very awesome people,” she said.