World's Largest Group Hug Planned for Soldiers

The event will take place in Aloha Stadium on August 16 at 11 a.m.

The Hawai‘i Army National Guard’s 29th IBCT will be heading to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. About 1,700 Soldiers will be mobilized for this deployment.

Families and friends are invited to attend the Deployment Ceremony to recognize Hawai‘i’s deploying warriors. 

“Our nation is engaged in many challenges of war, and these deploying Soldiers are proving their resiliency yet again on behalf of our citizens,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “It is only fitting that Hawai‘i shows its aloha spirit to these true warriors in what will be the world’s largest group hug. I encourage all of our citizens to participate.”

“We are going to send off our 29th IBCT and the 100th, 442nd Infantry again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee. “The departure ceremony is an opportunity for loved ones to say goodbye to our Soldiers as one unit in Aloha Stadium."

The idea to set the group hug record was suggested by Ashley Kakazu, an 11-year-old Punahou Case Middle school student. The current world record is 6,623 and was set in Mexico.

Ashley, who is serving as the group hug organizer and has a strong desire to raise awareness about hunger in Hawai‘i families, is asking that all participants also bring a canned good for donation to the Hawai‘i Food Bank.

Many companies and organizations such as The Elks Club, Tri-West, BAE Systems, USO, Girl Scouts of America and others will generously donate bentos and drinks for the deploying Soldiers and their families.

In order to be a part of the hug, participants can find more information and pre-register online at www.grouphughawaii.com.