More than 5,000 metallic pinwheels were planted on the lawn of the state Capitol this morning to call attention to child abuse.

The Pinwheels for Prevention Project is sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii and the Child Abuse Prevention Planning Council.

The event is part of a monthlong series of events funded by the state Department of Health to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The 5,000 pinwheels represent the number of calls received each year by The Parent Line, a confidential statewide hot line that offers support and information to parents, caregivers and professionals.

On Oahu, The Parent Line is 526-1222. Neighbor Island callers can phone 1-800-816-1222.

Dozens of volunteers from the Lions Club, children from area preschools and other concerned citizens helped to plant the pinwheels.

For more information about the Pinwheels for Prevention program or about child abuse prevention programs and activities throughout the year, call Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii at 951-0200 or go to preventchildabusehawaii.org.