More disaster-weary children to visit Aloha State from Japan

The second group of students from regions of Japan devastated by the earthquake and tsunami will visit Hawaii for nine days this month.

The 25 middle school students from Iwate and Fuku­shima prefectures are scheduled to arrive Dec. 21. The Japan-America Society of Hawaii says members of the group lost parents in the tsunami or are evacuees from the nuclear accident area in Fuku­shima.

Their visit is organized by Rainbow for Kids, an educational, cultural learning and exchange program.

Society President Ed Hawkins says the children will return to Japan refreshed and motivated to better their lives.

Planned activities include attending camp on the North Shore of Oahu, visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and dining at a Christmas Eve party at a Waikiki hotel.