Free native plants available Saturday
In celebration of Arbor Day, a variety of native, Polynesian-introduced and popular fruit trees and flowering shrubs will be given away — 7,000 in all — on a first-come, first-served basis at various locations around the state Saturday.
Among the dozens of varieties to be given away are cacao, mao hau hele (a native yellow hibiscus that is also Hawaii’s state flower), loulu palms, red ti leaf and mountain apple.
On Oahu, certified arborists and volunteers from Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program, the Urban Garden Center, Wahiawa Botanical Garden and Waimea Valley will distribute free plants and offer advice starting at 7 a.m. at Hawaiian Electric Co.’s Ward facility, Kahe Power Plant in Waianae and Koolau Baseyard in Kailua and at the Urban Garden Center in Pearl City.
The giveaway at Wahiawa Botanical Garden and Waimea Valley starts at 9 a.m.
For those interested in learning more about native plants, the Hoakalei Cultural Foundation is offering an hourlong workshop and a free kit of three native plants at 8 and 10 a.m. at Keoneula Elementary School in Ewa Beach. Email kupuna@hoakaleifoundation.org by Monday to register.
Arbor Day in Hawaii officially falls on Friday. Visit www.arbordayhawaii.org for more information.
Browse book sale at summer palace
Join the Daughters of Hawai‘i for its Sixth Annual Book Day at Queen Emma Summer Palace from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Local authors will discuss and autograph their latest editions at the free event. Nearly 100 titles will be offered for sale at a 20 percent discount, including Daughters of Hawai‘i publications.
The Queen Emma Summer Palace ‘Ukulele Club will perform, and free tours of the palace will be conducted from 2 to 4 p.m.
Free parking will be provided on palace grounds, 2913 Pali Highway.
Book Day proceeds will go to the restoration and preservation of Hulihee Palace in Kailua-Kona, and Queen Emma Summer Palace, formally known as Hanaiakamalama. The Daughters maintain and care for both palaces and King Kamehameha III’s birthplace.
For more information, call595-6291 or visit daughtersofhawaii.org.
Vietnam War film screening at Ward
Filmmaker Chris McIntyre has a slew of motion picture credits, mostly for action films that have gone straight to DVD. However, for Vietnam veteran McIntyre, his most recent work, 2009’s "21 and a Wakeup," traded on his experiences in Southeast Asia.
It is the first Vietnam War movie filmed in Vietnam, and stars Faye Dunaway, Danica McKellar, Tom Sizemore, Ed Begley Jr. and Ben Vereen.
Former Army Community Theatre director Vanita Rae Smith announced a one-night-only screening of "21 and a Wakeup," hosted by McIntyre, at 7 p.m. Thursday at Consolidated Ward 16. Suggested donation is $10. For reservations and information, call 225-6927 or email vanitaraesmith@hawaii.rr.com.
