City seeks leis for veterans' graves

The city is asking for the public's help in keeping the tradition of placing fresh flower leis on the graves of veterans on Memorial Day.

Some 50,000 flower or ti leaf leis are needed for graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl and the state's veterans cemeteries.

The leis must measure 20 to 24 inches long and be tied, according to an announcement. Floral sprays such as ti leaf and anthuriums are also welcome.

Loose plumeria blossoms also will be welcomed and should be dropped off Thursday at Waipahu District Park, Kailua District Park or Makua Alii Senior Center, 1541 Kalakaua Ave.

Leis should be delivered Friday to the following locations:

» From 6 to 11 a.m. at any Oahu fire station.

» From 9 a.m. to noon at Waianae District Park, Kailua District Park, Waialua District Park, Waiau District Park, Hauula District Park.

» From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ala Wai Community Park, Makiki District Park, Kaneohe District Park, Waipahu District Park, Makua Alii Senior Center, 1541 Kalakaua Ave.

Charity walk raises $925,000

The annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk yesterday raised $925,000 through events on four islands.

The walk, sponsored by the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, is the largest single-day fundraiser in the state and benefits 100 charities.

Organizers said 6,585 walkers participated on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

The amount raised is less than last year, when more than $1 million was collected.

“;We are very proud of the effort,”; said Fred Orr, the chairman of the fundraiser, in a written news release, “;especially given these difficult economic times.”;

Free lunches for kids in Palama

Free lunches will be served at Palama Settlement during the summer to youth aged 18 and younger.

The Summer Food Service Program will run from June 15 to July 24, except holidays, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Palama Settlement is at 810 N. Vineyard Blvd. in Kalihi.

Neighbor Islands

Waikalua, Kauai » State officials recently announced $4 million in highway improvements on Kauai. About $2 million will be spent creating left-turn lanes from Kuhio Highway onto Waikalua and North Waikalua streets. An additional $965,000 will be used for a dedicated right-turn lane at the intersection by Wilcox Memorial Hospital. A little more than $1 million will improve the Ala Wai Road intersection on Kaumualii Highway in Waimea.

Wailuku, Maui » Maui Community Correctional Facility will be open for visitation today after visits were canceled yesterday because an inmate was diagnosed with Influenza A, or the common flu.

The inmate reported to the facility Friday afternoon and a routine medical screening found he had the flu, said a Public Safety Department spokeswoman. The facility was closed for visitation out of an abundance of caution, the spokeswoman said.

Hilo, Hawaii » The fourth annual Hilo Inter-Tribal Powwow will be held over Memorial Day weekend at Wailoa River Park in Hilo. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A ceremony honoring military veterans will be held at 1 p.m. on May 25.