The Hiroshima torii in Mo'ili'ili is getting a makeover compliments of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, the Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry and four O'ahu businesses that are donating the materials and labor to repaint the gate.

The project began Monday and is expected to be completed by Oct. 13, weather permitting.

The gate, where King and Beretania streets meet at University Avenue, will be painted primarily orange to replicate its original color.

The torii was donated by the Hiroshima Chamber to the Honolulu Japanese Chamber in 2000 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber.

The gate was then turned over to the City and County of Honolulu in 2002.

Early next month, the Hiroshima Chamber will send a delegation to Hawai'i to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the sister relationship with the Honolulu Japanese Chamber. As part of its goodwill mission here, the delegation will visit the Hiroshima torii gate.

Representatives of the four O'ahu companies that are contributing to the painting effort are: Raymond Shimamoto of Raymond's Painting, which is donating labor; Scott Higa of Robert Kaya Builders, which is donating the cost of equipment; Dave Tsuchiya, manufacturer's representative for Devoe Paint, which prepared the specifications for the job and is donating paint; and Wayne Kato of Painter's Warehouse, which is also donating paint.