Big Island police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 23-year-old California man.

Sean Ryan was last seen at a friend's home in the Fern Acres subdivision in upper Puna on Aug. 12. At the time of his disappearance, he may have been wearing white shorts or blue flannel pajama bottoms and likely did not have on a shirt. Police said he suffers from a medical condition for which he should be taking medication.

The missing man is described as 5 feet 10 and 160 pounds, with a slim build and short blond hair that is curly on top.

Police ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the police nonemergency number at 808-935-3311. People who prefer to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 808-961-8300 in Hilo or 808-329-8181 in Kona. All CrimeStoppers information is kept confidential.

JACKPOT RODEO TODAY IN WAI'ANAE

The sixth and final jackpot rodeo of the 2007 season will be at 10 a.m. today at the Diamond J Ranch Arena in Wai'anae. The rodeo is sanctioned by the Hawai'i Women's Rodeo Association and will feature open barrel racing, 3D barrels, keiki barrels, and pole-bending events.

There is no charge for admission or parking. For more information, contact HWRA president Lu Faborito at 668-9006 or visit www.rodeooahu.com.

CAR WASH BENEFITS US VETS HAWAII

Hawai'i Pacific University social work graduate students will volunteer at a car wash today in McCully to raise money for US Vets Hawaii, an organization that helps homeless veterans. The organization recently lost $200,000 in federal funding.

The car wash will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Union 76 station at 2105 S. King St.

"We are challenging local businesses to match 100 percent of the total monies raised from the event, to show their support for our local veterans here in the state of Hawai'i," said Beverly Rowe, an HPU graduate student and Air Force veteran.

CAN, BOTTLE DRIVE FOR PROJECT GRAD

Kailua High School's Project Graduation committee is holding a HI-5¢ can and bottle drive today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school's parking lot. The group will accept donations of redeemable aluminum cans, plastic bottles and glass bottles.

Project Graduation is a post-commencement celebration that is alcohol- and substance-free.

BRUSHFIRE IN WAI'ANAE VALLEY

Honolulu firefighters last night were battling a brushfire in a gulch near Kaneaki Street in Wai'anae Valley.

At least four engines were sent to the fire, which was reported shortly after 10 p.m., the fire department said.

The fire did not appear to pose an immediate threat to homes in the area, officials said.