Autism expert to give talk at state Capitol

Autism expert Dr. Margaret L. Bauman will present a workshop from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 9 at the state Capitol auditorium.

Bauman, a Harvard professor, is a pediatric neurologist and research investigator who has spent the last 25 years studying autism.

The cost of the workshop, "Autism Spectrum Disorders: Complex but Manageable," is $20 per person and includes a continental breakfast. A few scholarships are available for family members of people with autism spectrum disorders. Contact Angela Thomas at 887-1228 or e-mail athomas@fofhawaii.org for more information.

Bauman has been involved in the establishment and development of the Autism Research Foundation and the Autism Research Consortium, among other organizations associated with the developmental disorder.

She will also appear at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Dec. 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Swap meet offers a fun way to learn

Buy a gift for your kids while helping other children learn a lesson about economics.

The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center is hosting a Keiki Swap Meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Kakaako Makai Gateway Park.

Children are responsible for collecting all sale items, pricing and handling cash transactions at the swap meet, which is an educational event designed to teach children about money, economics and trade.

For more information, call the Discovery Center at 524-KIDS or go to www.discoverycenterhawaii.org.

Local authors share books at Ala Moana

Add a local touch to books for your children this holiday season.

The authors of several children’s books, including "Celebrating Holidays," "Hawaiian Sea Life Origami," "Lucy and Lilo Help the Honu," "Maile and the Huli Hula Chicken," and "Nai’a to the Rescue" will read and sign books at Barnes & Noble at Ala Moana Center at 11 a.m. today, along with a craft demonstration for kids.

Tomorrow, author Mary Braffet will sign "Maile and the Huli Hula Chicken" at 11 a.m. at Barnes & Noble in Kahala Mall, followed by a book signing/craft demonstration at noon by Leslie Hayashi and Kathy Bishop, authors of "Celebrating Holidays."

Trolley rides a great way to see city lights

Looking for a relaxing way to enjoy Honolulu City Lights? Why not sit back and enjoy a trolley ride?

The fun-filled tours depart from Ward Warehouse every evening from Dec. 5 through Dec. 30, at a cost of $5 per person (while children ages 3 and under who ride on laps are free).

The round-trip tours last about 30 minutes starting at about 6:30 p.m., and take riders through downtown Honolulu’s city lights display, past the Municipal Building, Board of Water Supply building, Tamarind Park and Honolulu Hale.

Tickets go on sale on Friday , with a limit of 10 per adult at the ticket counter next to T&C Surf Designs at Ward Warehouse.

Proceeds from the sales benefit the Hawaii Foodbank. Visit wardcenters.com/Events/default.html for more information.