Gifts for the king: Public invited to annual lei draping ceremony Friday

The Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association, East Hawaii Region, Mamalahoe Chapter, announces its annual lei-draping ceremony, or Ka ‘Ahulei O Kamehameha, from 5-6 p.m. Friday at the Kamehameha the Great statue in Wailoa River State Recreation Area along Hilo Bayfront.

The ceremony begins with music selections by the Hawaii County Band followed by the seating of the Royal Hawaiian Orders — Royal Order of Kamehameha I, ‘Ahahui O Ka‘ahumanu Helu ‘Ekolu and Hale O Na Ali‘i O Hawaii — and their ho‘okupu, or gift, presentations.

Organizations and the public will begin lining up about 5:30 p.m. to present ho‘okupu, with the rest of the program to follow.

The ho‘okupu sign-up deadline for the public is today. Contact Robert Yamada at ryamada001@twc.com or 960-8128.