The ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest, a free festival celebrating ‘ʻōhiʻa trees, will be held on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.

The event will include Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) information, live music, entertainment, talks, games, prizes, face painting, a photo booth, educational booths and displays, crafts, demonstrations on how to reduce the spread of ROD, free admission into ʻImiloa, food and more.

The schedule of events includes a hula performance by hula hālau Nā Wahine a nā kane punahele ‘o ka pu‘uwai, music by the Bioblitz Band, a presentation on ʻōhiʻa traditions of Hawaiian culture, ʻōhiʻa seed banking, ROD science updates and taiko drumming by Hui Okinawa Kubodo Taiko.

“We are so excited to host the First Annual ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest as it is our hope to bring the community together to celebrate ʻōhiʻa trees, their importance in our native ecosystems, our culture and as a collector of fresh water,” said Department of Land and Natural Resources Outreach and Education Specialist Anya Tagawa. “This is a free community event that has something special for all ages, so please mark your calendars and join us on Sunday, Aug. 27!”

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‘Imiloa will offer $10 off all levels of membership, whether you are new to ‘Imiloa or renewing your membership. This discount will be reserved for memberships purchased on-site on Sunday, Aug.27. If your membership isn’t about to expire, you are welcome to take advantage of this discount and renew early.

ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest is proudly hosted and sponsored by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife; the University of Hawai‘i; Hawai‘i County Council Member Eileen OʻHara and the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program. This event is in collaboration with the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center.

This event is a collaboration with the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center.

This will be a zero-waste event: Don’t forget your reusable water bottle. Free refill stations with ice-cold water will be on-hand.

For more information about Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death, visit rapidohiadeath.org and imiloahawaii.org.

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place.