Students will get to see inauguration

HILO » Twelve Waiakea High School students will attend the inauguration of the nation's first Hawaii-born president this month.

The 11 seniors and one junior from Hilo began planning for the trip about four years ago, back when they had no idea President-elect Barack Obama would be sworn in on Jan. 20.

The group will witness Obama taking the oath of office and delivering his inaugural address. They will also get to watch the inaugural parade. The students will visit the White House and Supreme Court and meet members of Congress.

The Waiakea teens are getting the opportunity as participants in a weeklong educational program for students in Washington, D.C., called “;Close-Up.”; They will be joined by other students from around the country.

Marsland estate donates to hospital

The Charles F. Marsland Jr. Estate recently contributed $1 million to Shriners Hospital for Children to help build a new hospital, which will cost $73 million.

Shriners intends to raise $14 million locally to build the hospital at its Punahou location.

“;Shriners Hospital does amazing things for children of all ages,”; said Pauline Grigg, a lifelong friend and partner of Marsland, the late Honolulu prosecutor. “;The Marsland family was very involved with Shriners, and we truly see the benefit their services provide.”;

Marsland, who served as prosecutor from 1981 to 1988, died April 11, 2007, at age 84.

The hospital has launched its first capital campaign in 86 years. The new hospital will be 40 percent larger than the original building, and will include state-of-the-art medical equipment and a child-friendly interior environment.

Construction is ahead of schedule and the new hospital is expected to open in May. Shriners Hospitals are dedicated to pediatric specialty care, research and teaching.

Hospice group seeks volunteers

Hospice Hawaii, which provides end-of-life care to patients and families, is seeking volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities include patient care, bereavement support for families, creative arts, office work, speakers' bureau and community representative positions.

A 20-hour training program will be offered starting Feb. 18. For more information on volunteering with Hospice Hawaii, please contact Jamie Cambra-Pang at 924-9255 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).