USO Hawaii announced today the launch of an exciting new campaign that allows individuals and organizations in Hawaii to raise money in support of U.S. troops and their families during the seasonal barbecue timeframes of Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day 2013.

Barbecue for the Troops is a fundraising campaign that encourages communities across the country to host barbecues and raise funds for USO programs and services that support deployed troops, military families, wounded, ill and injured troops and their caregivers and families of the fallen.

As many Americans celebrate the summer season and its peak barbecuing holidays with outdoor barbecue festivities, Barbecue for the Troops offers an easy-to-use platform for individuals to make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of those who serve, while enjoying the summer barbecue tradition.

Honolulu -- Memorial Day events to remember and honor all military members who have served or are currently serving our nation will take place May 26 and 27 at the National Memorial of the Pacific ("Punchbowl").  For further information, please call the cemetery office at 532-3720.

Sunday, 26 May 2013

8:00 a.m.       Honolulu Shinto Renmei Tribute is a memorial service sponsored by four Shinto Buddhist shrines.  Participants will pay tribute to American veterans as well as call for peace and reconciliation among the nations of the world.

10:00 a.m.     "Roll Call of Honor in Remembrance" Ceremony will be conducted by the Pacific American Foundation to recognize the dedicated service, sacrifice and special contributions made by Pacific-Island veterans.

It is a new step up for Honolulu Police Department officers.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha announced the promotion of 28 officers in a ceremony at the Mission Memorial Auditorium Wednesday morning. The officers will begin their term on Sunday.

“Your promotion is just the beginning,” Kealoha said addressing the promoted officers. “Don’t just get promoted – make HPD better.”

Newly-promoted Lieutenant Dee Ann Koanui described her focus for her upcoming term.

“I will be in charge of uniform support in the main Honolulu area working with plain-clothes units,” Koanui said. “We will be focusing on things like the Occupy Honolulu, getting ready for our fourth of July fireworks and things that are occurring in Chinatown.”

Kealoha started with HPD patrolling districts in 1983 and worked his way up to police chief on Nov. 25, 2009. His vision for the police department is, “making Honolulu the safest place to live, work and play.”