June 1, 2004
Source: Honolulu Advertiser
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Jun/01/ln/ln05a.html
On June 1, 2004 the Honolulu Advertiser reported, "A sea of glowing lanterns floated from the shores of Magic Island yesterday evening, their flickering orange light a symbolic beacon to the dearly departed as they return to the spirit world. Thousands of people went to Magic Island last night for the annual Toro Nagashi ceremony. Toro Nagashi is the Buddhist ritual launching of lanterns bearing prayers for the departed. A Buddhist ceremony was held before the lanterns were placed into the water at Magic Island. As the canoe launched from shore, it met with eight other canoes with 1,100 smaller lanterns."