Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Plans have changed for the memorial service honoring entertainer Don Ho, set for May 5 at Queen's Surf Beach. Events have been moved from day to evening, and the scattering of Ho's ashes off Waikiki will now precede a musical tribute.

The scattering of Ho's remains will take place at 4:30 p.m., with canoeists launching from the beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian hotel.

A ceremony celebrating Ho's life will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the site of Sunset on the Beach. Fans gathered at the Sunset on the Beach site will also be able to watch live video of the scattering of Ho's ashes from this location.

Cha Thompson, who has served as the Ho 'ohana spokesperson since the entertainer's death on April 14, said organizers are working with city and state officials to set up the event.

The tribute will be co-hosted by Thompson, co-owner of Tihati Productions, and John DeFries, Big Island developer of the Hokuli'a project and a longtime Ho friend.

With approval from Haumea Hebenstreit Ho, Don's wife, Thompson has finalized a roster of participating entertainers, including Nina Keali'iwahamana, Melveen Leed, Willie K, the Society of Seven Las Vegas, Marlene Sai, Iva Kinimaka, Jimmy Borges and Matt Catingub.