The public is invited to a series of events across the state during Tsunami Awareness Month in April to learn more about the threat of tsunamis and importance of being prepared.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, International Tsunami Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Hawaii State Civil Defense and county emergency agencies will provide information at various events.

The events will kick off with a program from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Holy Trinity School Gymnasium, 5919 Kalanianaole Highway.

Speaking will be Gerard Fryer, geophysicist, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center; Manny Mattos, Pacific Tsunami Museum board member and community volunteer; John Cummings, Oahu Department of Emergency Management education and training officer; Sister Rose Schillinger, Holy Trinity School principal; and Dan Walker, tsunami adviser to the Oahu Department of Emergency Management.

Kupuna Kainoa Wright, 95, of Lanikai, and her son, Earl Kaina, will describe what happened at their Lanikai home during the April 1, 1946, tsunami. A letter of appreciation and NOAA weather radio will be presented to Wright.

A new tsunami poster Walker created to educate people about tsunamis will be introduced.

Among other events:

» NOAA tsunami experts are available to answer questions and provide preparedness information at the Hawaii Ocean Expo from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. The booth is in the Ocean University aisle.

» The Pacific Tsunami Museum, 130 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, will open an exhibit at 5 p.m. Wednesday on “;The Wave Machine: Energy of Moving Water.”;

» Kauai Civil Defense Agency experts will answer questions and provide disaster preparedness information at the Contractors Association of Kauai Home Show from 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, Lihue.

» The 7th Annual Tsunami Talk Story Festival will be held with a dinner and program at 6 p.m. next Sunday at the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Sangha Hall, 130 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, People called upon to rescue survivors and victims of dangerous situations will be honored. The cost is $25. For reservations, see www. tsunami.org/storyfestfirst_responders.html.

» The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and International Tsunami Information Center will sponsor a “;Mauka to Makai Earth Day”; from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11 at the Waikiki Aquarium with a display, keiki activities and preparedness materials. Admission is free.

NOAA also will sponsor a display and keiki activities and provide tsunami preparedness information at the following events:

» From noon to 6 p.m. April 17 and 18 at the Iolani School Fair and Earth Day Fair.

» April 17 (no time listed) at the Molokai Earth Day at Mitchell Pauole Community Center, 90 Ainoa St., Kaunakakai.

» April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kahala Mall Earth Day.

» April 24 (no time listed), Hilo Earth Day, Hawaii Community College.

» April 25, the Pacific Tsunami Museum will sponsor an information booth from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the third annual Ocean Day Hawaii at the University of Hawaii-Hilo's Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center, Kalanianaole Avenue in Keaukaha.

For more information, see www.tsunami.gov or www.noaa.gov.