Stamp Prices Rise to 42 Cents Today
The cost of mailing a letter goes up to 42 cents on today. A new law regulating the post office makes it easier to raise rates as long as the agency doesn't exceed the rate of inflation. The Forever stamp remains valid for first-class postage regardless of any increases. With the rate increase approaching, sales of the Forever stamp reached 64 million-a-day in April, postal officials said. Forever stamps currently sell for 41-cents, but can be used after the rate increase without any additional postage. However, when the rate goes up, so does the price of Forever Stamps. A set of five 42-cent stamps honoring pioneering journalists went on sale in April, as did a set of four stamps featuring the American flag flying at different times of day. A 42-cent Frank Sinatra stamp will be released tomorrow. The cost to mail a post card will also go up a penny, to 27 cents.

Hawaii Foodbank collects record amount of donations
The Hawai'i Foodbank got an estimated 350,000 pounds of food collected on Saturday which was the lone day for the National Association of Letter Carriers' drive. Four containers of food still need to be sorted on today. The Foodbank needs volunteers today from 8 a.m. to noon to help sort the donations at the Foodbank warehouse at 2611 Kilihau St., Mapunapuna area. The Foodbank provides food to 270 agencies on O'ahu, which then gives food to needy families and individuals.

Lei Donations Wanted for Memorial Day
Fifty thousand fresh lei are needed on May 23 for placement on the graves of veterans at Punchbowl and at all state veterans' cemeteries for Memorial Day. Loose plumeria flowers can be dropped off on May 22, at Waipahu & Kailua District Parks and Makua Ali'i Senior Center at 1541 Kalakaua Ave. All lei must be made of fresh flowers or ti leaves and must measure 20 to 24 inches before tying. Floral sprays such as ti leaf and Anthurium bouquets are also welcome.

Lei can be dropped off at designated community district parks and at all fire stations on O'ahu, and the Parks Permit Office at the Fasi Municipal Building. More info at Department of Parks and Recreation: 973-7264.