MEDIA RELEASE

What: Tsunami Commemoration

Where: Seawall, Historic Kailua Village, Kona, Hawaii

When: 7-7:30 a.m. Sunday, March 11

Who: Groups working to organize the Tsunami Commemoration include Ahuena Heiau Inc., Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, County of Hawaii, Hulihee Palace, Island Breeze, Kailua Village Business Improvement District, Kai Ehitu Canoe Club, Kai Opua Canoe Club, Keauhou Canoe Club, Kona Hongwanji Mission, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Mokuaikaua Church and Tui Tonga Canoe Club.

Why: Sunday, March 11 marks the one-year anniversary of the tsunami that came ashore in several locations along the West Hawaii coastline. A ceremonial exchange of Aloha between the citizens of Japan and the communities of West Hawaii will be commemorated with blessings, Hawaiian chant, taiko drumming, floral offerings from canoes in Kailua Bay and a hula finale.

Everyone is invited to mark this occasion and to honor the memory and resiliency of all those affected by this natural disaster.

For those interested in donating flowers for the canoes, loose blooms/petals only (no strung lei) will be accepted 6-6:30 a.m. seaside at Kamakahonu.