As unique and diverse as our communities are in Hawaiʻi, so are some of our traditions on Memorial Day. One of the more distinct traditions is the placing of lei upon every gravesite within Punchbowl for Memorial Day. Every year the members of the community work together to make 38,000 lei for every service member laid to rest at the cemetery. You are invited to donate lei (made of fresh flowers/ti leaf, measuring 20-22 inches untied, please tie), lei flowers … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: Help Sew 38,000 Lei for Memorial Day
Hobbies & Other Interests
Free comic book days in the Hawaiian Islands
Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) celebrates independent specialty shops selling comic books and related products. On FCBD, you can get a free comic book from well-known publishers like DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Yep! Stories give away comic books--absolutely free--to anyone who comes into their shops. Each comic book specialty shop is unique, with a style and personality all its own. Each shop typically carries comic books, graphic novels, and related … [Read more...] about Free comic book days in the Hawaiian Islands
Tools to recognize, avoid, and report SSA scams
National “Slam the Scam” Day is designated by Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General to raise awareness of government imposter scams, which continue to spread across the United States. Victims shouldn’t be embarrassed if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. We are all vulnerable. Slam the Scam Day is Thursday, March 6, 2025, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, which takes place from March 2-8. However, the information … [Read more...] about Tools to recognize, avoid, and report SSA scams
When and where to experience Lāhainā Noon
We don't often think about the Earth quietly moving around the sun. Day in and day out, our globe slowly rotates through night and day, summer to winter, and around again. Year after year. Every so often, particular phenomenon occur that can make us stop and pay a bit more attention. Equinoxes and solstices anchor the seasons. Full moons and eclipses bring more awe. Another noticeable event occurs at the "subsolar point", when the sun reaches its northernmost or … [Read more...] about When and where to experience Lāhainā Noon
Voter’s guide for the State of Hawaii
Listed below is information about voter registration, Hawaii elections, and how to vote. All Hawaii elections are conducted by mail. The State of Hawaii Office of Elections in Pearl City is responsible for candidate filing, handling of ballots, and voter education. How to register to vote in Hawaii Once you are a registered voter, you do not need to re-register again for any election. However, do keep your registration up-to-date with correct mailing … [Read more...] about Voter’s guide for the State of Hawaii
Oʻahu: public stargazing events around the island
Located in the central Pacific, the the island of Oʻahu offers stargazing opportunities with less light and air pollution compared to other metropolitan areas on the U.S. mainland. In addition, the Hawaiian Islands are the southernmost location in the United States. From Hawaiʻi Island (19.8968° N) to Kauaʻi (22.108543° N), the Hawiian night sky can offer different constellations and celestial objects, such as the Southern Cross (Crux), which is not visible in … [Read more...] about Oʻahu: public stargazing events around the island
Sign up for Emergency Alerts
Hopefully, you are familiar with our emergency alert system (EAS). Most EAS messages are sent by local and state authorities. The public will typically receive emergency alerts for events such as extreme weather (hurricanes, tsunamis, flash floods, etc.) There are also Amber Alerts (for child abduction cases), Silver Alerts (Silver Alert for missing persons – especially senior citizens), and active shooter situations. In addition, public safety alerts can also be … [Read more...] about Sign up for Emergency Alerts
Shaka Auto License Plates available on all Hawaiian Islands
Shaka Auto License Plates are now available on all Hawaiian Islands. First year registration fee varies by county. To get your shaka plates on any island, apply with your local DMV (more information below). The Shaka Pledge I will: FEAR NOT. Be curious, hang loose, be epic… CONNECT. With family, region & history… NURTURE. Inspire, teach, grow… SERVE. People, community & planet… MAHALO. With gratitude, love & … [Read more...] about Shaka Auto License Plates available on all Hawaiian Islands
Wayfinding: Polynesian navigation and the Hawaiian star compass
Many people, of which I am one, consider Polynesians to be the greatest navigators in history. When Greeks and Romans were merely plying the Mediterraean Sea using a few rudimentary directional tools, Polynesians navigated long distances over open ocean without instruments, by using wayfinding techniques that included stargazing and other observations. In simple terms, wayfinding is the process of maintaining a course to a destination. A pet cat uses wayfinding … [Read more...] about Wayfinding: Polynesian navigation and the Hawaiian star compass
Disaster relief: how and where to donate or volunteer
Our hearts go out to everyone on Maui. You will remain in our prayers through recovery and as rebuilding begins. Maui Wildfires ongoing updates On August 8, 2023, wildfires swept through West Maui and leveled business districts, destroyed historic sites, gutted homes, and caused many deaths. The full effects of the devastation will take many months to unravel and rebuild. March 5, 2024: The disaster emergency relief period has been extended through May 4, 2024. … [Read more...] about Disaster relief: how and where to donate or volunteer
