Children’s Day, Lili‘uokalani Gardens Events Scheduled

Lili‘uokalani Gardens. Crystal Richard photo.

Children’s Day (formerly Boy’s Day) has been a national holiday in Japan since 1948.

In Hilo, the tradition of flying koi (fish windsocks) during Kodomo no Hi will continue at Lili‘uokalani Gardens and along Banyan Drive Friday through Tuesday, May 5 through 9, to celebrate several events in early May.

Volunteers are asked to bring rakes and  gather Friday, May 5, at 8 a.m. to “Rake the Island” of Mokuola and to erect bamboo poles with koi starting at 10 a.m. These events are spearheaded by Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens.

“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 of Lili‘uokalani Gardens Advisor 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 fund raising walk “March for Babies” will be held in Lili‘uokalani Gardens on Saturday, May 6, starting at 8 a.m.; register at 7 a.m. Local efforts are coordinated by Eden Patino.

The Rotary Club of South Hilo will hold its annual fundraising event Hilo Huli on Mokuola Sunday, May 7, starting at 11 a.m. Only ticket-holders will be admitted; Advance purchase is highly recommended. The event is chaired by Doug Adams.

Tuesday, May 9, the governor of Hiroshima, members of the governing body and school board will gather at Lili‘uokalani Gardens to re-dedicate the stone lantern. This is the 50th year of the Sister State relationship between Hiroshima and Hawai‘i, and 50 years since the stone lantern was placed in the gardens.

Preparations are organized by the East Hawa‘i Hiroshima Kenjin Kai and the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks & Recreation Division of Culture and Education.

For more information on the individual events, contact the sponsoring organizations.

For information on the volunteer work days and koi, contact the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens.