The 32nd Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk drew more than 9,000 participants statewide yesterday, raising $901,029 for more than 200 local charities.

"A lot of heart goes into this event by the workers and managers of Hawai'i's visitor industry," said Murray Towill, president of the Hawai'i Hotel & Lodging Association, which sponsored the walk. "We're happy to know that the results of our efforts today will make a positive difference to hundreds of nonprofits that support the less fortunate in our community."

CHURCH FIRE APPEARS INTENTIONALLY SET

HILO, Hawai'i — What appears to be an attempt to burn down a Big Island church is being investigated by police.

Thanks to passers-by who doused the flames, only minimal damage was sustained by Central Christian Church in Hilo on Thursday morning.

Pastor Robert Daley said burn marks along the outside of the building indicate someone made four unsuccessful attempts to get a fire going. But he said a fifth attempt started what turned out to be a small fire at a doorway.

Daley said unofficial damage estimates to the 118-year-old church range up to $2,000.

HILO HIGH PLACES 1ST IN ROBOTICS CONTEST

Hilo High School and Highlands Intermediate placed first and second, respectively, in an underwater robotics competition held yesterday at the University of Hawai'i-Hilo Student Life Center Pool. The two schools advance to an international competition to be held at UH-Hilo in June.

— Advertiser Staff and news reports