Families gathered on Hawaii Island to remember people they have lost, in a free community ceremony that draws many of the same mourners back year after year.

• Floating lanterns were released off the Kohala Coast to honor loved ones who have died.
• North Hawaii Hospice runs the event every year, and it is free and open to anyone.
• Some people come back annually to write messages to family members they lost, describing grief as love that needs somewhere to go.
• One regular attendee lost his father as a teenager, then survived a car crash that killed his mother and his son.
• This year's ceremony was moved from its original August date.

Outlook: The hospice is expected to hold the ceremony again next year, with the same open invitation to the community.