Inspired by the international bestseller by Khaled Hosseini and the Academy Award-nominated movie "The Kite Runner," state officials are coordinating the donation and delivery of 200 kites to children in Afghanistan.

The kites were donated by JAKKS Cares, a division of JAKKS Pacific Inc., a distributor of toys and consumer products, a news release from the Hawaii National Guard said.

Flying kites has re-emerged as a popular past-time for children in Afghanistan. In "The Kite Runner," a boy spends his youthful winters kite running with his friend, Hassan.

"After seeing the movie, 'The Kite Runner,' we were inspired to see what we could do to lift the spirits of the children in Afghanistan," said Maj. Gen. Vern Miyagi, Hawaii Army National Guard, in the release. "Through the generous donation by JAKKS Pacific Inc. and the efforts of the state Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee and Gov. (Linda) Lingle's office, we know that the kites will bring new and wonderful memories to hundreds of children in the Middle East."

The kites will be sent in March.