Talk will focus on ‘Hi’iaka’ legend

A little more than a century ago, Hawaiians were considered the most literate society on the planet, with virtually all natives of the kingdom able to read and write the Hawaiian language. Dozens of Hawaiian newspapers and publications thrived — and are now mostly lost to history.

Puakea Nogelmeier, a language and cultural scholar at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, has made it his scholarly mission to study the remaining scraps of Hawaiian-language writing from the 1800s, so it’s appropriate that he will give a talk on the subject Wednesday for the Mission Houses Museum, where the first press in the islands was installed.

The free event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Kanaina Building near Iolani Palace.

Nogelmeier will focus on the tale of "Hi’iaka," by Ho’oulumahiehie, originally published in the Hawaiian-language newspaper Ka Na’i Aupuni and revived in 2007 as "Ka Mo’olelo o Hi’iakaikapoliopele (The Epic Tale of Hi’iakaikapoliopele)," published by Awaiaulu Press in both Hawaiian and English.

In addition to the legend, Nogelmeier will examine the repository of Hawaiian-language materials and explain the political scene in the Hawaiian kingdom.

Nogelmeier will sign copies of his books "Hi’iaka" and "Mai Pa’a" prior to his presentation. For information, call 447-3916 or go to www.missionhouses.org.

Protect your pet at Pet’s Discount

Pet’s Discount at the Waikele Shopping Center will hold a low-cost vaccination clinic from 1 to 3 p.m. today.

Veterinarians from Animal Clinic Mililani will offer a complete set of vaccinations and worming services at a cost of $38 for dogs and $22 to $38 for cats.

The Waikele store also is hosting a "puppy swap meet" from 1 to 5 p.m. today, with breeders on hand to discuss their litters. All stores in the pet store chain are offering discounts on pet gifts and a "puppy package" that includes food, examinations and discounts.

Call 678-8808 for more information.

Historical society hosts book sale

The Hawaiian Historical Society will hold an open house and book sale from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at its Library Reading Room on the grounds of the Mission Houses Museum, 560 Kawaiahao St.

The one-day sale features price discounts on books about Hawaii’s history, and the Mission Houses Museum Gift Shop will be open during the event. Refreshments will be served on the library lanai. Call 537-6271 for more information.

Winning wreaths now on display

Kathy Tosh’s wreath was named best in show in the City and County of Honolulu’s 25th annual holiday wreath contest. Tosh is a repeat winner from last year and received the Mayor’s Holly Award and a $200 cash prize.

Her wreath, crafted from dried plant material, paint, ribbon and Mardi Gras beads, was selected from 49 entries submitted by island residents and community groups. Tosh works for the Friends of Honolulu Botanical Gardens.

Marian Bernal captured the adult category, and Henrietta Ah Loy and Doreen Takemura were named Judges’ Choice winners.

Fourth-graders in Le Jardin Academy’s Extended Day program took the top prize in the youth category, while the program’s fifth-graders and kindergartners were named Judges’ Choice winners.

First place in the theme category was awarded to the Hawaii State Hospital Occupational Therapy Department’s art class, and Mary Anne Quidilla and the Bridge Church Town Pier Group were picked Judges’ Choices.

"Kalakoa Kalikimaka — A Holiday of Colors" was the theme of this year’s contest. Entries will be on display in the John C. Lane Gallery of Honolulu Hale through Jan. 2.

Kids can win cash in contest

Kids, help us trim our pages with the holiday spirit. It’s time for our annual Keiki Kalikimaka drawing contest. Design an ornament and you’ll have a chance at our prizes of $100, $75 and $25 cash. The daily finalists are being printed on Page 1 of the section through Christmas eve. On Christmas we’ll run all 29 finalists and announce the randomly chosen winners.

The contest is open to kids up to age 12. All entries must be between 5 and 8 inches wide. No 3-D entries (don’t glue on any objects). We must receive your drawing in the mail — no faxes or e-mails. Ornaments cannot be returned. Attach the entry form at right. The last day to enter is Dec. 20.

Submit holiday displays for guide

If you go all-out on your outdoor holiday decorations, get listed in our Holiday Lights guide. Provide a description of your display, and include your street address and phone number.

E-mail information to features@staradvertiser.com or mail it to Honolulu Star-Advertiser, c/o Holiday Lights, 7-210 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96813. Please submit Holiday Lights listings by tomorrow. The listing will be published Dec. 13.

Send us your baby pictures

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser would like to help you announce the birth of your baby on the Ohana page of the newspaper and on our website, www.staradvertiser.com.

Please submit a color or black-and-white photo of the baby alone or that can be easily cropped to only show the baby, along with a copy of the baby’s birth certificate and a signed copy of the Star-Advertiser birth announcement form, available at staradvertiser.com.

Mail the items to Birth Announcements, Features section, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. For more information, call 529-4777.