Celebration of Life lantern event returns

Hawaii Care Choices, formerly Hospice of Hilo, announces the return of the “hugely popular” Celebration of Life Lantern Floating Event at Reeds Bay from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 28.

After two years of experiencing a global lockdown due to COVID-19, Hawaii Care Choices welcomes all communities to participate in person once again. The event is presented by Kris Speegle of Allstate Insurance.

This heartfelt celebration is to honor the memory of loved ones passed — honoring the life they’ve lived, and the lives they’ve lovingly touched.

This year’s Celebration of Life will offer free parking and shuttles from the Civic Center.

This year, there will be a special memorial tribute to honor late former Mayor Billy Kenoi, who died on Jan. 26, 2021.

“Billy was a super supporter of hospice care,” Brenda Ho, Hawaii Care Choices CEO, said in a statement. “Once he experienced the compassionate care his dad received in his final days, Billy became a ‘believer’ and made it a personal mission to ensure everyone in our communities would receive that same comfort care to ease the suffering for both the patient and their families at the end of life. Billy truly did so much for Hawaii Care Choices and the entire Hawaii County.”

Remembrances will be shared along with a proclamation by current Mayor Mitch Roth during the program.

Luminaries to decorate are now available online at www.hawaiicarechoices.org/celebrationoflife through May 27 at 4 p.m. and also at the event for $25.

Luminaries ordered online can be picked up at the Kris Speegle Allstate Insurance office (969-7767) at 680 Manono St. in Hilo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The final day to pick up luminaries is 4 p.m. on Friday, May 27.

The event is outdoors. However, masks are kindly suggested because social distancing will be challenging due to the large crowds expected.