2,500 Memorial Leis Being Made for Veteran Graves

Leis, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Organizers of a community lei making event hope to string a total of 2,500 lei to be placed on the graves of Maui veterans for Memorial Day.

The free lei-making event will take place on Friday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the County Building lawn in Wailuku.

The completed lei will then be placed on the graves of veterans at the Makawao Veterans Cemetery by Girl Scouts on Memorial Day.

The event is sponsored by Kaunoa Senior Services and the Office of the Mayor.

In support of the event, parking and a free shuttle to the County Building will be available from the War Memorial Football Stadium parking lot every half-hour starting at 8:30 a.m.

Flower donations are requested and can be dropped off between 9 and 10 a.m. on the day of the event, at the South High Street parking lot fronting the County Building.

Event organizers say examples of materials needed include: lei needles and crochet thread; green ti leaves (cut and frozen); crown flowers; orchids; bozu flowers; plumeria (buds and partially open); and other sturdy flowers.

Pre-sewn lei are also welcome.  Completed lei should be 20- to 24-inches long before tying.

More information is available by calling the Kaunoa Senior Center at 270-7308.