‘Imiloa Astronomy Center invites the community to join in the celebration of its 14th birthday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. This year’s theme is Birthday Re-Wrapped, which showcases a full day of hands-on activities, planetarium shows, presentations and exhibits on ways to recycle, reuse and reduce waste.
Sponsored by KTA Super Stores, admission to ‘Imiloa’s birthday event is free for the whole family. Birthday cupcakes will be distributed to the first 1,000 visitors or until the supply runs out.
“Building a healthy and sustainable community is increasingly vital as the world progresses around us. Equally vital is the loyal support of KTA Super Stores toward ‘Imiloa’s educational and cultural mission and outreach throughout our 14-year history,” said ‘Imiloa’s Executive Director, Ka‘iu Kimura.
“We are extremely grateful to the late Barry Taniguchi for KTA’s steadfast contributions to ‘Imiloa and for exemplifying what a strong community pillar can achieve. Toby Taniguchi’s demonstrated passion, diligence and abilities will allow us to welcome new collaborations in addition to honoring Barry’s legacy,” added Kimura.
‘Imiloa’s birthday offerings will include a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. The full dome digital planetarium will offer a rotating delivery of two shows: “Space Junk” (a new live show) alternating with “Fragile Planet.” Hands-on activity stations include Cardboard Kingdom which uses cardboard boxes to make toys and playhouses for kids; Imagination Station which shows ways to repurpose buttons, bottle caps and paper by creating artwork and toys through imagination and creativity; Stitch-n-Fix where visitors can learn how to mend clothing to prolong its use; Bee’s Wax Wrap where one can learn how to use fabric and bees wax to make wraps for covering food instead of using the standard plastic wraps.
Presentations on recycling-related topics will be held in the CyberCanoe room, housed within the exhibit hall.
“Happy 14th Birthday ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center! ‘Imiloa’s continued community outreach to educate and encourage learning, such as spreading awareness of reducing, reusing, and recycling, will help make our community a better place! KTA Super Stores is proud to support an organization dedicated to educating our community and investing in our island home. Little things can make a big difference! Malama honua!” said KTA’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Toby Taniguchi.
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in Hilo. For more information, visit ImiloaHawaii.org or call 932-8901.