Last week Wednesday afternoon, firefighters responded to a reported vessel that ran aground at Mala Boat Ramp. Lahaina firefighters found a 20-foot sailboat wedged into the corner of the old Mala Wharf pier structure and the rock breakwater protecting the boat launch ramp. The vessel was unoccupied and banging up against the old pier. The owner arrived after firefighters had secured the vessel to boulders on the breakwater. The sailboat was moored within the Mala vessel mooring area and apparently broke its mooring from strong, gusty winds blowing about 35 to 40 mph at the time. The sailboat was not seriously damaged and was not leaking any fuel. More strong winds are forecast this week. PHOTO BY FIRE CAPT. KAULANA KINO.

Hawaiian groups to honor Sacred Taro Patch

LAHAINA – Na Kupuna O Maui and Aha Moku O Maui will honor the Sacred Taro Patch of Pi’ilani on Sunday, April 17, at the first annual Na Pua o Haloa at the Old Lahaina Courthouse.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Hawaiian cultural event will be, first and foremost, educational with live entertainment and arts and crafts.

“E komo mai; come and join us,” said Na Kupuna spokesperson Aunty Patty Nishiyama.

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At the Relay For Life of West Maui 2016, come celebrate those who have survived, remember those lost and fight back against cancer! If you are a cancer survivor, event participants would love to honor you on Saturday, July 16, at 6 p.m. at the Lahaina Aquatic Center. Register today at www.relayforlife.org/westmauihi or call Chelsea Katzeman at 244-5554. Relay planners meet the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Lahaina Hongwanji Mission; all are welcome to attend.

Event to celebrate Banyan Tree’s 143rd birthday

LAHAINA – LahainaTown Action Committee will host the 143rd Birthday Celebration of the Banyan Tree next week Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24.

The event will feature a birthday cake, live music, silent auction, 25 Maui artists, and Magician Brenton Keith and his bag of tricks.

Entertainment will include music by the Kalama Ukulele kids, Maui Jam, Kulewa and Haiku Hillbillies, and keiki hula by Na Kamali’i Nani O Lahaina.

Maui Spider Jump will be in the park for $5 per ride. Keiki activities will include games and piatas. Call 667-9175 for information.

Renowned as the longest-running weekly keiki hula show in the state, and now celebrating 50 years of existence, the Napili Kai Foundation teaches local children the history, arts, crafts, language and dances of Polynesia. Every Tuesday evening at Napili Kai Beach Resort, 5900 Lower Honoapiilani Road, foundation students present a delightful program of Polynesian song and dance from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children five and under. Call 669-6271.

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LHS Class of ’73 to reunite in Las Vegas

LAHAINA – The Lahainaluna High School Class of 1973 is holding their class reunion on June 10-11, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Activities scheduled for the two-day event include a welcome cocktail party, and an emceed dinner reunion celebration on Saturday, both at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa. A Saturday morning golf tournament at Siena Golf Course is also set. The deadline for classmates to sign up is May 10.

Assistance with locating other members of the Class of 1973 is still needed and appreciated. For more information, how to register, and stay in contact, call/text Gregg Wada at (808) 264-8795 or e-mail jcatwada@aol.com, or call/text Louisa Van Der Linden Shelton at (808) 281-4029. Also find the group on Facebook at “Lahainaluna Classofseventythree.”

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Lahaina Baptist Church to hold silent auction

LAHAINA – Lahaina Baptist Church will hold a silent auction on Sunday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lahaina Cannery Mall to help Lahaina youth and children attend camp.

The silent auction will include luau and magic show tickets, dinners, activities, ice cream, boat trips and artwork. Call Nancy at (808) 298-6642 for information.