HONOLULU — It may be hard to believe, but the holiday season will be on full display in three months. To prepare for the annual City and County of Honolulu’s city lights display at Honolulu Hale, the city urges nonprofit organizations who wish to create a display on the grounds to submit their applications by Sept. 9.

Completed applications must be postmarked by Sept. 9 or hand delivered by 4:30 p.m. to the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (550 South King St., Honolulu HI).

There are only five display sites available and permits will be issued via a lottery held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 23 in the Mission Memorial Building Hearings Room (550 South King St.). Applicants are welcome to attend, but attendance isn’t necessary to be selected.

Nonprofit organizations falling under HRS Chapter 414D, as well as charitable organizations formed pursuant to HRS Chapter 467B or under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are eligible, per the city and county. Submit proof of this designation with the application.

Organizations receiving a permit will be responsible for the set-up, maintenance and removal of the display.

For permit applications, instructions and rules governing the use of the Civic Center grounds, contact the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts, 808-768-6622, or email chamara.silva@honolulu.gov.

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