Soil and water conservation meeting planned
The Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District meeting will be from 4-6 p.m. Thursday at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Waimea office, 67-1185 Mamalahoa Highway, Suite H148.
If accommodation is needed, call 885-6602, ext. 100.
Kona Historical Society celebrates Children’s Day
Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day, is a national holiday and one of Japan’s major spring festivals. Happening every May 5, Kodomo no Hi is a time honoring children for their individual strengths and wishing them happiness.
Visitors to Kona Historical Society’s Kona Coffee Living History Farm on Friday will have the opportunity to participate in some of the holiday’s traditions. Koinobori, or carp-shaped flags, will be displayed and mochi will be pounded.
The Kona Coffee Living History Farm is at 82-6199 Mamalahoa Highway in Captain Cook, near mile marker 110. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.
Info: 323-3222, www.konahistorical.org.
Rotary Club of Kona Mauka celebrates 50 years with gala
Rotary Club of Kona Mauka will celebrate its 50th year anniversary with a “Golden Jubilee” Gala Dinner from 5:30-8 p.m. on Saturday at the ocean lawn of Sheraton Keauhou Resort &Spa.
For information and to purchase tickets: Don Taylor, 854-1762, rotaryhonu@gmail.com.
AstroDay returns to Hilo mall
The 16th Annual AstroDay celebration is back at Hilo’s Prince Kuhio Plaza on Saturday, May 6.
More than 30 science and cultural organizations from around Hawaii Island will engage participants with fun, educational activities and demonstrations. Exciting science programs, entertainment and awards will be on the mid-mall stage from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Highlights include Starlab — a portable planetarium provided by Gemini Observatory, solar viewing by experienced science guides, robotic telescopes, educational games and toys, and many hands-on activities.
Info: www.mkaoc.org/programming/astroday.
In addition to astronomy and science activities, AstroDay will share the stage with the Martin Luther King Peace Poem Awards between noon and 1:30 p.m.
Free emergency response training offered
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency has scheduled an in-depth Community Emergency Response Team or CERT Basic Training Course. Training will take place over four consecutive Saturdays starting May 6 and be held at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building-G.
This CERT Basic Training Course offers classroom and hands-on instruction in safety, fire suppression, first aid, light search and rescue and emergency communication. There is no charge for the training, but seating is limited.
Sign up: hawaiicert@gmail.com.
Hilo craft fair supports Big Island Substance Abuse Council
The Big Island Substance Abuse Council will partner with Malamapono Events Management, LLC for its Mother’s Day Extravaganza Gift and Craft Fair.
The fundraiser for the council will feature crafters and food vendors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Sangha Hall in Hilo. Admission is $2.
Info: bisac.org, 969-9994.
Free comic book day, cosplay competition at library
All ages are welcome at the Kailua-Kona Public Library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday to receive two free comic books while supplies last.
A cosplay competition is open to fourth- through 12th-graders with registration from 10-10:30 a.m. The competition, with audience participation, will be from 10:30-11 a.m. Cosplay can be from any source and original characters are welcome.
Two winners will each receive a $25 Regal Movie Theater gift card. Young children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Info: 327-4327.