The Chinowa Kuguri, the Shinto midsummer ceremony using a large ring of reeds, will get a Hawai'i touch when it is performed July 7 at the Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha — Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine.

Ti leaves will be used to create the Chinowa ring, since ti is of cultural and historical significance here.

Visitors will be welcomed at the ceremony from 4 to 9 p.m. at the shrine, and there will be traditional Japanese summer games and a make-and-take Tanabata Star Festival Sasa (bamboo decoration).

Park at Damien Memorial High School to catch the free shuttle.

Information: Axel Obara, 721-2935.

TEMPLE HOLDING VARIETY SHOW

The Jikoen Hongwanji Mission will hold its third annual variety show, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 8 at the temple, 1731 N. School St.

Guests from Okinawa, Japan, will be on hand to see the performances, including comedy, music, storytelling, tai-chi and dancing.

Tickets are $10, free for children younger than 16.

Information: 845-3422.

4TH OF JULY TO BE MARKED ON JULY 1

The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church will celebrate Independence Day a bit early with an honor guard and flags from Hickam Air Force Base.

The event will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the church, which meets at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, 150 Kapahulu Ave., in the second-floor Queen's Room. Patriotic music will be presented by the church choir.

Information: 922-6011.