Gov. Neil Abercrombie ordered all Hawaii flags be flown at half-staff at state offices and the Hawaii National Guard through Tuesday as a mark of respect for the victims of the Newton, Conn., mass shooting.

The order follows President Barack Obama’s directive that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff at the White House and other public grounds; military posts and ships; and U.S. embassies and facilities abroad through sunset Tuesday.

"With the President, our hearts are heavy today over the loss of so many innocent lives in Connecticut," Abercrombie said in a written statement. "Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the people of Connecticut in this time of tragedy. It is horrific that anyone would take away so many young lives. Schools should always be a safe and nurturing place for our children and educators."

The Rev. Jonipher Kwong of First Unitarian Church of Honolulu said the Nuuanu church will hold an interfaith vigil in memory of the victims Saturday from 6 to 7 p.m. The public is invited. The church is at 2500 Pali Highway.