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Of course “Star Wars” has its own pseudo-holiday, celebrated on May 4. The international observance, known as May the 4th Be With You, has inspired at least two Hawaii events.
The first, from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Honolulu Community College, will feature “Star Wars”-themed presentations by University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy professors, stargazing with telescopes, keiki activities, traditional Hawaiian navigation using a star compass with HCC instructor Kai‘ulani Murphy, cosplay, characters with the 501st Legion Hawaii and lightsaber demonstrations by Precision Parkour’s Hawaii Saber Academy.
Today is also the last day of instruction on UH campuses, and organizers said the “Star Wars” event is meant to celebrate that and HCC’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs.
The activities, which are free and open to the public, will take place in Building 20 of the Hawaiian Center. The campus is at 874 Dillingham Blvd. For more information, visit honolulu.hawaii.edu.
On the Spot Improv will observe May the 4th Be With You on the 7th — Saturday — at The ARTS at Marks Garage downtown.
Hawaii Saber Academy trainers will be there, and a group of actors will perform a dramatic reading of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” A theme party will follow (cosplay encouraged). There also will be demos of the Star Wars X-Wing: Imperial Assault board game and a pub-style trivia contest.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the stage reading at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $15 ($10 for students, military and cosplayers dressed as “Star Wars” characters); purchase online at eventbrite.com.
The ARTS at Marks Garage is at 1159 Nuuanu Ave.
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