Celebration of Life Lantern Floating Event Returns to Reeds Bay

The Celebration of Life Lantern Floating Event returns after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hosted by Hawaiʻi Care Choices, formerly Hospice of Hilo, the in-person event will take place at Reeds Bay on Saturday, May 28, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. While the celebration will be outdoors, Care Choices officials suggest those planning to attend consider wearing a mask as social distancing might be challenging due to the large crowds expected.

There will be free parking and shuttles to the event available from the Civic Center. This year, there will be a special memorial tribute to honor late former Mayor Billy Kenoi, who died on Jan. 26, 2021.

“Billy was a super supporter of Hospice Care,” stated Brenda Ho, Hawaiʻi Care Choices CEO. “Once he experienced the compassionate care his Dad received in his final days, Billy became a ‘believer’ and made it a personal mission to ensure everyone in our communities would receive that same comfort care to ease the suffering for both the patient and their families at the end of life. Billy truly did so much for Hawaiʻi Care Choices and the entire Hawaiʻi County. He is so dearly missed.”

Remembrances will be shared along with a dedicated proclamation by current Mayor Mitch Roth during the program.

Luminaries are available to the public through May 27 till 4 p.m. as well as at the event. A luminary cost $25.

They are available online and can be picked up at Kris Speegle: Allstate Insurance office, located at 680 Manono St. in Hilo, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, click here.