Mahelona’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Léo Azambuja

Left to right, Shaylyn Kimura, Iolana Pereira, Roxanne Belmonte and Halia Pereira

Good things should last. At Mahelona Memorial Hospital, Christmas lasted for three weeks. The hospital’s staff, residents and volunteers welcomed the community during the 2^nd Mahelona Memorial Hospital’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 4. The lights in the courtyard stayed on until Christmas, for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Hundreds who came enjoyed entertainment by Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and Ukulele Band, Micah Saulibio and his trumpet, violinist Kim McDonough, Showtime characters and more. There were also free cookies, popcorn, cotton candy and hot chocolate for everyone.

Josie Pablo, the hospital’s regional director of Recreational Therapy Department, said the event was also an opportunity for hospital residents to interact with the community.

Kimberly McDonough

Left to right, Lisa Saraos, Tunga and Martine Twist

Left to right, Jon Barretto, Martine Twist, Josie Pablo, Lisa Ledesma, Rhonda Kauer, Dorrie Michioka, Hayden Aguinaldo, Lisa Van Fossen, Brandon Vallejos and Lisa Tomita

Left to right, Jlyn Espinosa, Kylee Espinosa and Malia Alonzo

Clockwise from bottom left, Spencer Brumen, Allauna Brumen, Bre Brumen, Abbey Brumen, Carina Brumen, Avei Ruvalcaba and Addison Ruvalcaba

Jillian Presley, left, and Halli Holmgren

Josie Pablo, left, and JoAnn Yukimura

Arnold Leon, left, and Ben Choms

Left to right, Chris Reyher, Tu Nguyen, Josie Cortez and Nicole Sakurai

Lily Gatasova and Alex Gatas