Hui will plant trees across state to mark its charitable funds
The Hawaii Community Foundation will plant hundreds of ulu (breadfruit) trees across the state to symbolize each active charitable fund established with the organization.
The foundation launched the Hawaii Giving Grove to express gratitude to 740 charitable fund creators that have partnered with the foundation as it embarks on its centennial anniversary next year.
“We wanted to do something that is a living testimony to the generosity of these people,” said Kelvin Taketa, the Hawaii Community Foundation’s president and chief executive officer.
The first breadfruit tree was planted Tuesday at Kokua Kalihi Valley, a facility for seniors. Different varieties of breadfruit will be planted across the islands with the help of more than 20 nonprofit organizations.
The organization plans to continue to plant additional trees annually to represent new charitable funds established with the foundation.
Big waves forecast for north, west shores
Big-wave surfers are getting ready for high surf this weekend as wave heights are predicted by the National Weather Service to reach as high as 24 feet.
The Pe‘ahi Challenge on Maui’s north shore at a place known as “Jaws” is scheduled to take place Sunday, said Rodney Kilborn, who is helping to organize the event.
Weather officials have issued a high-surf advisory for the north and west shores of the Hawaiian Islands until early this morning, with surf heights to diminish later in the day.
The high surf is expected to be 10 to 15 feet on north-facing shores of islands and 8 to 12 feet at west-facing shores, and then diminish. Officials expect strong breaking waves along the shore and rip currents, making swimming difficult.
Weather officials said surf is expected to rise by Saturday afternoon as a separate series of swells comes from the northwest with wave heights reaching their peak Sunday afternoon.
Royal Hawaiian Band to give free concert
The Royal Hawaiian Band and several local entertainers will present a free Christmas concert Thursday at the Hawaii Theatre.
The concert — which will feature Jerry Santos, Frank De Lima and Karen Keawehawai‘i, along with hula halau Ka La ‘Onohi Mai o Ha‘eha‘e, the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus and more — will begin at 7 p.m. The Royal Hawaiian Band will play a selection of holiday tunes, new arrangements and perhaps something from a galaxy far, far away.
The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Honolulu City Lights begins Saturday
The City and County of Honolulu, in partnership with the Friends of Honolulu City Lights, will present the 31st annual Honolulu City Lights, starting with the opening-night tree-lighting event at 6 p.m. Saturday. The celebration will continue daily at Honolulu Hale from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. until Jan. 2, including on holidays.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
New dog park in Makawao opens Saturday
The Maui Department of Parks and Recreation will hold the grand opening of the Upcountry Dog Park at 9 a.m. Saturday.
The dog park is on a slope of more than 2 acres at the Eddie Tam complex in Makawao, with access off Hale Kipa Road, a driveway beyond the turn into the recycling station.
The project to allow dogs to run freely off leash was requested by residents who worked with the Parks Department to make it happen.
The Maui Humane Society will be on hand to help dog owners obtain dog licenses, which are required under the county code. Owners who bring proof from their veterinarian that the dog is neutered or spayed may obtain a dog license at a cost of $7; without such proof the cost is $31.
