07-04-2025
Lantern construction begins for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi
HONOLULU (KHON2) — We're less than two months away from the 27th annual Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi.
Be behind the scenes for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi
Shinnyo-en Hawaiʻi and dozens of volunteers gathered at Griffith St. House on Beretania Street to begin constructing lanterns for the ceremony.
'Our volunteers are essential to ensuring this tradition continues, and we deeply appreciate the time and energy they give to support this meaningful event,' said Rev. Craig Yamamoto, Shinnyo-en Hawaii Community Relations Liaison.
Mike Armstrong, from Kalihi, and his wife have been volunteering for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii since 2016.
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'We do it just to show our stake in the community, but to also remember our loved ones that have passed, whether it's family or friends,' Armstrong explained.
'It's just a nice way to break away from everyday life and it's very quick place. To slow it down and remember where you come from, it's very special.'
It's the first step to making sure all 6,000 candle-lit lanterns are set afloat from the canoes during the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26.
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi will be held at Ala Moana Beach Park with the theme 'Many Rivers, One Ocean' to honor fallen service members and loved ones.
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The ceremony will also be broadcast live on KHON2 and KHII from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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