Films for kids focus on ocean, fantasy

The Kids First! Film Festival is partnering with the Waikiki Aquarium to celebrate World Oceans Month. The festival kicks off with "Sharks and Rays," by underwater filmmaker Annie Crawley, at 3 p.m. today at the University of Hawaii Art Auditorium. Children in attendance will receive a coupon for free admission to the aquarium with a paying adult on Wednesday, when the aquarium will screen "Who Lives in the Sea?," "Once Upon a Tide" and "Plastic Perils of the Pacific" in its SeaVisions Theatre from 10 a.m. until closing.

Other movies on the festival to be shown at 3 p.m. at the UH Art Auditorium:

» June 30: Nine award-winning shorts about characters who never give up, from a robot left behind in space to a cupcake searching for love. Ages 8 and up.

» July 14: "I Wish I Went to Ecuador," a shorta animated film about rain forests, followed by "My Best Friend," a heartwarming film from Singapore about a girl who learns the importance of trees. Ages 5 and up.

» July 21: Seven short films cover topics from young love and family relationships to playing chess. Ages 10 and up.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m; free parking on campus.

More information at www.summer.hawaii.edu/kidsfirst or call 956-9883.

Salvation Army seeks donations

Don’t be confused about the season when you hear Salvation Army bells ringing Tuesday — it’s a special red-kettle fundraising effort in observance of "Leon Day," the halfway point in the year to Christmas. ("Leon" is "Noel" spelled backward.)

The charity notes that funds are needed throughout the year to assist needy families and communities. To help set the mood, KSSK’s "Perry & Price Morning Show" will play holiday tunes Tuesday, when red kettles will be set up outside Longs and Walmart stores. Call 998-2136 or visit www/salvationarmyhawaii.org.