Anti-war rallies planned

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Peace activists in Hawai'i will join others across the country with demonstrations and prayer meetings this weekend to mark the first anniversary of the war in Iraq.

Tomorrow, the anti-war group Not in Our Name will hold its Global Day of Protest from 2 to 7 p.m. at Ala Moana Park's McCoy Pavilion. The activities coincide with a national day of protest to oppose the U.S. occupation of Iraq.

"There's a tremendous amount of dissatisfaction — people feeling they're being lied to, that the whole war was predicated on lies and that this is an occupation that's completely immoral and unjust," said Carolyn Hadfield, organizer of Not in Our Name in Hawai'i.

Hadfield said 45 organizations will take part in tomorrow's event, which will feature panel discussions, entertainment, information booths and films on the Middle East. Students from a Japanese Peace Boat are expected to attend.

On the Big Island, the Malu 'Aina Center for Non-Violent Education & Action will hold prayer gatherings and conduct sign-waving today to protest the war.

From 9 to 10 a.m., sign-holders will gather in Kona at the intersection of Palani Road and Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, and in Hilo at Kamehameha Avenue across from the Hilo Farmers Market. At 11 a.m., a silent vigil will be held at the main gate of the Pohakuloa Training Area.

At 3 p.m., a 24-hour kupuna prayer gathering will be held at Pu'uhuluhulu, at the Mauna Kea summit turnoff on Saddle Road.