Anyone who is 60 years, or older, on Sept. 1 is eligible to participate in the 2024 Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee that will contest on Oct. 26 at Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin on the Pali Highway in Honolulu.
Eligible kupuna spellers are encouraged to register online by visiting www.kupunaspellingbee.com by the Sept. 1 deadline. Unlike previous years, there will be no other preliminary competitions on the other neighbor islands or on O‘ahu.
There is a $35 registration fee. Net proceeds from the annual event will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association that will be hosting its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Kaua‘i on Oct. 19 at Puakea Golf Course.
Unlike previous years, there will be no other preliminary competitions on the other neighbor islands or on O‘ahu.
As one of the two presenting sponsors of the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee, Hawaiian Airlines is donating 50,000, 30,000, and 20,000 miles for the first, second and third place winners, respectively, to the spelling bee winners of the Hawai‘i Island preliminary contest, which will take place on Sept. 14 at the Hawai‘i Island Adult Care starting at 9 a.m.
Additionally, the Big Island finalists and their guest will receive complimentary airline transportation to O‘ahu for the statewide Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee competition.
“The Kiwanis clubs throughout our state are grateful that Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines will once again be the presenting sponsors of the 2024 Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee,” said Kiwanis Division 22 Lt. Gov. Neil Yamamoto.
The first, second, and third prize winners of the state Kiwanis Spelling Bee on Oct. 26 will earn cash awards of $2,000, $1,000, and $500, respectively.
Additionally, Alaska Airlines will provide the state champion with a trip for two to any destination Alaska Airlines flies.
For more information, visit www.kupunaspellingbee.com or email kiwaniskupunaspellingbee@gmail.com.
