Students from Pacific Buddhist Academy and members of the 'Aiea Lions Club today cleaned the Japanese peace bell at Neal S. Blaisdell Park in Pearl City in preparation for a ceremonial ringing on the morning of Peace Day later this month.

The peace bell, which was graffiti-ridden and worn down, will be rung at 9 a.m. Sept. 21 to kick off Peace Day Hawaii 2008 events, according to a news release.

The team of students and Lions Club members painted over the graffiti and scrubbed down and shined the base of the bell and plaque that describes its history, the release said.

Events scheduled for Peace Day include a forum on bullying at noon, panel speakers on a variety of topics at 1 p.m. and a celebration ceremony at 3 p.m.

The ceremony will include a candlelight vigil, a taiko performance, hula dancers, speakers and videos, the release said.