Children’s Day has been a national holiday in Japan since 1948. In Hilo, the tradition of flying koi (fish windsocks) will be continued Friday through Tuesday at Lili‘uokalani Gardens and along Banyan Drive to celebrate several events planned the next
Children’s Day has been a national holiday in Japan since 1948. In Hilo, the tradition of flying koi (fish windsocks) will be continued Friday through Tuesday at Lili‘uokalani Gardens and along Banyan Drive to celebrate several events planned the next two weeks.
Spearheaded by Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens, volunteers will gather Friday to “Rake the Island” of Mokuola and erect bamboo poles with koi. Bring a rake and join in the fun starting at 8 a.m. Koi will be placed starting at 10 a.m.
“We want to bring color and joy to several springtime celebrations in the neighborhood,” said Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens president K.T. Cannon-Eger. “We have gathered enough koi donations to connect Lili‘uokalani Gardens to Mokuola as well as flying some at local businesses on Banyan Drive.
“I love this tradition and I want to see it continue,” said Friends adviser Harvey Tajiri. “Koi are flown in the hope that children will grow up strong and healthy. This event is one that expresses our hope for the future.”
The March of Dimes fundraising walk, “March for Babies,” starts with registration at 7 a.m. followed by the walk at 8 a.m. Saturday at Lili‘uokalani Gardens. Local efforts are being coordinated by Eden Patino.
Starting at 11 a.m. Sunday on Mokuola is Hilo Huli, the Rotary Club of South Hilo’s annual fundraising event. Admission by ticket only and advance purchase is highly recommended. The event is chaired by Doug Adams.
On Tuesday, the governor of Hiroshima, Japan, members of the governing body and school board will come to Lili‘uokalani Gardens to rededicate the stone lantern. This is the 50th year of the Sister State relationship between Hiroshima and Hawaii and 50 years since the stone lantern was placed in the gardens.
Preparations are organized by the East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai and the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Culture and Education.
For more information about the individual events, contact the different sponsoring organizations. For information about the volunteer workdays and koi, visit Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens on Facebook.
