In Brief

Hilo Daijingu festival July 31

Hilo Daijingu will host its first Natsu Matsuri (summer festival) and Bon Dance from 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 31, at its activity center. Everyone is welcome.

Before the bon dance, a Mitama-Matsuri memorial service will be observed in the shrine at 6 p.m. This service honors deceased ancestors and loved ones.

The concession area will be open 6-10 p.m., featuring local favorites such as andagi, spam musubi, homemade baked goods, ice cake and more.

Puna Taiko will make a special appearance. Hilo Daijingu towels also will be available.

Hilo Daijingu is located at 10 Anela St. For more information, call 959-8611 or email hilodaijingu@gmail.com.

School bells to ring in Pahala

Summer is coming to a close and Ka‘u High &Pahala Elementary School faculty and staff are excited to start a new year.

Parents and guardians are reminded classes begin Friday, July 31, for students in pre-K, kindergarten and seventh and ninth grades. All other students will return Monday, Aug. 3.

HJC awards scholarships

The Hawaii Japanese Center awarded college scholarships to four recent Hawaii Island high school graduates.

All four impressed the review committee with their academic accomplishments, community service and strength of character.

The students also demonstrated an interest in Japanese culture.

The recipients are:

• Abigail Atkinson, Hilo High School, Brown University, $1,000.

• Jamie Ikeda, Waiakea High School, University of Hawaii at Manoa, $500.

• Gavin Sako, Waiakea High School, Hawaii Community College, $1,000.

• Ashlynn Shiraishi, Waiakea High School, University of Northern Colorado, $500.

School to honor Big Island man

Pacific Buddhist Academy on Oahu will pay tribute to four community leaders, including a Big Island resident, at its annual “Lighting Our Way” fundraising dinner Oct. 2 at Waialae Country Club.

Among the honorees is Frederick Nonaka, a Hawaii Island landscaper and first board chairman of PBA.