Holiday meal preparation is expected to get underway shortly after sunrise this morning for a crowd of about 2,000 diners headed to the annual Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinner — a 45-year tradition on Oahu.
The doors open at 11 a.m., when the Salvation Army Brass Band will kick off entertainment at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the Salvation Army’s Maj. John Chamness will ceremoniously carve the turkey at about noon, when dinner will be served.
In addition to the help being provided by volunteers today, the Salvation Army welcomes help in assisting the needy throughout the holiday season.
In a news release, Chamness, divisional leader for the Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, said, “Supporting the Salvation Army’s programs during the holidays not only addresses short-term, immediate needs, but also helps increase an individual’s sufficiency for the long term through our programs and initiatives like Pathway of Hope and others.”
He added, “We seek cash and in-kind donations of goods and volunteer service from Hawaii businesses and the public this Christmas season. Together, we can continue ‘Doing the Most Good’ in our communities across the state.”
Here are some of the ways individuals, families or businesses can help:
>> Adopt a family or senior citizens during the holidays. For details, contact the Salvation Army’s development department, 988-2136.
>> Take part in the Angel Tree program, which provides toys to children and seniors. At Central Pacific Bank and stores statewide, Christmas trees are decorated with paper angel tag ornaments — each includes the first name, age and gender of a keiki or senior. Remove one or more tags from the Angel Tree and purchase appropriate gifts described on the tags. In partnership with Aloha United Way, cash donations can be made at all Burger King Hawaii restaurants through Dec. 13.
>> Donate $25 or more to help cover the costs of food, clothing and other necessities for the needy.
>> Red Kettle holiday donations are accepted on each island. Businesses and individuals also can set up virtual red kettles on a website.
For more information about the activities above, visit hawaii.salvationarmy.org.
THROUGH THE FOUR-DAY holiday weekend, vehicles will not be permitted to park on the right side of the road along the Lanikai loop.
The same restrictions were enforced over Statehood Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Presidents Day and Labor Day weekends.
The Lanikai loop includes Aalapapa Drive and Mokulua Drive, where a bike lane runs along the right side of both streets. Parking is always prohibited in the bike lane, with a potential fine of $200.
Motorists should also not drive in the bike lane, stop and/or unload people or equipment in the bike lane. Bike lanes are reserved for bicyclists. This holiday weekend, barriers will be placed adjacent to the bike lane on the Lanikai loop, notifying motorists that no parking is permitted on the right side of Aalapapa and Mokulua drives over the Thanksgiving Day weekend.
Motorists who fail to comply with the restrictions will be subject to citation and/or tow by the Honolulu Police Department.
What’s open and closed today
GOVERNMENT
Federal offices: Closed
State offices: Closed
City, county offices and all satellite city halls: Closed
SCHOOLS
Public, private: Closed
University of Hawaii: Closed
PUBLIC SERVICES
Blood bank: Closed
Humane Society: Closed
Most libraries: Closed
Municipal golf courses: Open
Open markets: Closed
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Most banks: Closed
Most savings and loans: Closed
Stock brokerages: Closed
ATTRACTIONS
Arizona Memorial: Closed
Bishop Museum: Closed
Botanical Gardens: Open
Children’s Discovery Center: Closed
Hawaii’s Plantation Village: Closed
Hawaii State Museum: Closed
Honolulu Museum of Art: Closed
Honolulu Zoo: Open
Iolani Palace: Closed
Lyon Arboretum: Closed
Mission Houses: Closed
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor: Closed
Paradise Cove: Open
Polynesian Cultural Center: Open
Queen Emma Summer Palace: Closed
Sea Life Park: Open
Senator Fong’s Plantation and Gardens: Closed
Spalding House: Closed
USS Bowfin: Closed
USS Missouri: Closed
Waikiki Aquarium: Open
Waimea Valley Audubon Center: Closed
OTHER
TheBus: Sunday schedule
On-street parking: Free
Traffic: No coning
Trash: Regular pickup
Mail: No delivery
City landfills: Open
