A record number of Hawaii public schools are offering free breakfast and lunch to children this summer, according to the state Department of Education.

Seventy-one schools across the state are serving meals through its summer food service program called Seamless Summer Option. More than 40 schools on Oahu — from Makaha Elementary to Laie Elementary and Roosevelt High — are participating. Last year 69 public schools participated.

Starting this month the program will be available at public schools around the state free of charge to all children 18 years and younger. Meals will be served at select locations Monday through Friday, except King Kamehameha Day on June 11 and July 4.

Parents are encouraged to call their child’s school directly to find out the specific times for meal service.

The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was established to ensure that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer. To be eligible, 50% or more of a school’s regular enrolled students must qualify for free or reduced-price lunches and offer some type of summer program on campus.

Meal recipients do not have to be enrolled in classes to be served.

Maeda is named state veterinarian

Dr. Isaac Maeda was appointed state veterinarian of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, effective Monday.

The state veterinarian, also administrator of the Animal Industry Division, oversees the Animal Disease Control Branch, Animal (Rabies) Quarantine Branch, Aquaculture and Livestock Support Serv­ices Branch and Veterinary Laboratory Services Section.

Maeda has been acting administrator of the division since January and program manager of the Animal Quarantine Branch since 2001.