Mayor Mike Victorino (right) proclaimed May 12-18, 2019, “National Hospital Week” at Maui Memorial Medical Center on May 14 and thanked Maui Health System “for proudly investing in our people, services and facilities.” Attending dignitaries included Sen. Kalani English (center). Maui Health System operates three hospitals in Maui County: Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kula Hospital on Maui, and Lanai Community Hospital. Also pictured is Maui Health CEO Mike Rembis.

WAILUKU – Mayor Michael Victorino is asking residents to honor veterans by participating in the County of Maui’s annual “Blossoms for the Brave” event from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 24, on the front lawn of the Kalana O Maui Building in Wailuku.

“This community lei-making event prepares volunteers for the placement of lei at each grave site of the 2,920 heroes on Memorial Day at the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao,” Mayor Victorino said.

“We say, ‘Many hands make for light labor.’ So, the more the merrier. Please come and honor the memory of our veterans who sacrificed so much for our country.”

The event is hosted by Kaunoa Senior Services, the Department of Housing and Human Concerns and the Mayor’s Office.

A free shuttle service will be available from the Ichiro “Iron” Maehara Baseball Stadium parking lot.

Buses will depart every half hour from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Donations of lei-making materials are requested. These include green ti leaves (cut and frozen); crown flowers; orchids; Bozu flowers; plumeria (buds and partially open); Bougainvillea flowers and leaves and other sturdy flowers.

Loose flowers are also needed for the aerial drop on Memorial Day.

Flowers and greenery may be dropped off any time after 7 a.m. on the day of the event at the South High Street parking lot fronting the County Building.

Pre-sewn lei are also welcome; finished lei should be 16 inches long before tying. Lei-making will begin at 9 a.m.

For more information, call Kaunoa Senior Center at 270-7308.