Kahului Candle Light Vigil Offered for Victims of Japan Disaster

By Wendy Osher

File photo by Wendy Osher.

The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui will host a candle-light vigil and offer prayers for victims of the massive earthquake in Japan, and subsequent Pacific-wide tsunami.

The event will be held on Thursday, March 24th, two weeks following the catastrophe.  The interfaith service and community gathering will begin at 7 p.m. on the great lawn of the University of Hawai`i – Maui College campus.

“It’s been heartbreaking to see the devastation experienced by the people of Japan,” said President Tiffany Iida.  “We invite the general public to come together and reflect on the people of Japan as they endure one of the worst disasters in recent times,” said Iida.

“Our hearts go out to all those suffering in Japan and also to those waiting to hear news of their loved ones. Please keep the victims and their families in your prayers,” said Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa.

The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, a non-profit organization, will receive donations for the Japan relief effort at the March 24 event.  All donations will go towards providing relief and recovery services in the devastated region.

The event is co-sponsored by the University of Hawai`i – Maui College, the County of Maui, and Service Rentals & Supplies, Inc.