HONOLULU — The Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony returns to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific this year, and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is looking for the public’s help to sew up to 38,000 lei to adorn each grave.

What You Need To Know

  • The public is asked to help sew lei for the Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony scheduled for 8-10 a.m. May 30 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl

  • Nearly 38,000 lei are needed to adorn the graves at Puowaina

  • See the list of lei-sewing dates and sites, as well as drop-off sites for lei

  • If you have flower trees, particularly plumeria, flowers may be dropped off at lei-sewing sites

The ceremony observes its 71st year and takes place 8-10 a.m. May 30. Details will be announced later this month regarding the event and how the public can view the ceremony.

“With the tumultuous circumstances created by the pandemic and Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, our appareciation for the sacrifices made by those who came before us demand commemoration now more than ever,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “I am humbled to return our Memorial Day Ceremony to Puowaina, a beautiful location honoring those who gave their lives in defense of our democratic ideals. May this event serve as a reminder that our gratitude is due every day, as we continue to preserve and enhance the principles we hold to be righteous.”

The Dept. of Parks and Recreation has begun a statewide initiative to sew and gather nearly 38,000 lei in the “Sew a Lei for Memorial Day” effort with the goal to adorn each grave at Puowaina in a uniquely Hawaii display of gratitude.

Lei-sewing opportunities and lei drop-off locations leading up to Memorial Day are listed below. They’re also asking for anyone with flower trees, particularly plumeria, to donate flowers at any of the lei-sewing sites during the dates and times indicated.

Lei-sewing sites:

  • May 10, 10-11:30 a.m. - Foster Botanical Garden (ti leaf lei), 808-768-7139
  • May 13-14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden (ti leaf lei), 808-233-7323
  • May 26, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. - Kaneohe Senior Center (adults only), 808-768-6847
  • May 27, 9 a.m.-noon - Kailua District Park (808-768-6832), Kilauea District Park (808-768-6713), Makua Alii Senior Center (808-768-6893), Waianae District Park (808-696-5039), Waiau District Park (808-768-6795), and Waipahu District Park (808-768-6798)
  • May 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - Honolulu Hale (808-768-7139) and Kapolei Hale (808-768-3003)

Lei drop-off sites on May 27:

  • 8 a.m.-6 p.m. - All Honolulu Fire Department fire stations and Federal fire stations (headquarters at 650 Center Dr., Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and Schofield Barracks)
  • 8 a.m.-noon - Frank Fasi Municipal Building
  • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Ala Wai Community Park, Kailua District Park, Makiki District Park, Makua Alii Senior Center, Waialua District Park, Waianae District Park, and Waipahu District Park
  • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale

Lei drop-off on May 28, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. - The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, tourism and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.