Hundreds are expected to converge on Kapi'olani Park today to catch a glimpse of Japan's Emperor Akihito in his only public appearance during his three-day Hawai'i visit.

Those looking to attend the event, during which the emperor will visit a shower tree at Kapi'olani that he planted in 1960 when he was the crown prince, are advised to come early and be prepared for lots of waiting. Traffic and parking are expected to be difficult — with lanes and many parking stalls closed off — and security will be tight for those going into certain areas.

The emperor's visit, following an 11-day trip to Canada, has spurred excitement among Japanese-Americans in the Islands, especially older ones who feel a stronger connection to Japan.

"There's a lot of interest," said Lois Yasui, newly elected president of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii. "I think it's comparable to the British royal family. There's ... a lot of affection."

Security around the emperor will be tight — and will cause some traffic delays.

Police warned drivers yesterday to be prepared for lane closures and other delays today through Thursday, when the emperor departs Honolulu for a day trip to Kona. For security reasons, routes and times of his travel were not released. Michelle Yu, police spokeswoman, declined to discuss details about what drivers should expect, but said, "Motorists can expect delays."

Yu said it's not yet clear how much HPD will have to spend on the emperor's visit.

Lenny Klompus, senior communications adviser to the governor, said the visit has required extensive planning by federal, state and city agencies and the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu.

"It's quite an undertaking," he said, adding, "it's a tremendous honor for our state."

ARRIVAL AT HICKAM

The emperor and Empress Michiko will land at Hickam Air Force Base in the afternoon today, and are scheduled to be at Kapi'olani Park by about 3:40 p.m. The tree the emperor planted is in the triangular parcel bordered by Kalakaua Avenue and Poni Moi Road, near Dillingham Fountain.

Parking in the area is expected to be limited and lane closures are possible.

An official with the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu said attendees to the event at Kapi'olani will not have to undergo security checks as long as they stay outside a security fence. No one will be allowed inside the security fence except the emperor, invited guests and security personnel.

Random security checks of attendees are possible.

Some 300 people are expected to attend the event, though that number could be lower if logistics for getting there prove too difficult. The emperor will not address the crowd, but officials said the 75-year-old will probably greet attendees by shaking hands and posing for photos.

At Kapi'olani Park yesterday, the grass around the triangular section that contains the shower tree looked freshly mowed and workers had already put up no-parking signs for today. Parking won't be allowed on both sides of the triangular area, along with streets leading to the area.

The Kapi'olani Park visit is the only item on the emperor's itinerary today. Tomorrow, three private events are scheduled. In the morning, the emperor will lay a wreath at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The emperor and empress will then go to Washington Place for a luncheon with the governor in the state dining room. Then, in the evening, the emperor will attend the 50th anniversary dinner of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation, which promotes better understanding between the United States and Japan by offering scholarships to students.

HOTEL BANQUET

Some 1,500 people are expected to attend the dinner at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Yasui, of the Japanese society, said she reserved a room at the Hilton because she didn't want to battle traffic to get to the event. She expects traffic around the hotel to be jammed, not only with attendees but with commuters heading home during rush hour.

Those attending the event will also have to follow strict security protocols.

No one is allowed to bring bags, purses, cameras or cell phones into the banquet hall, and attendees can't move around or leave the hall while the emperor and empress are leaving. Late seating will be permitted, but only after the emperor and empress have been seated.

On Thursday, the emperor and empress will leave from Hickam for Kona, where they will be greeted by Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi before heading to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to meet with Japanese-Americans. A reception for the emperor and empress will be held later in the day at Parker Ranch, and will include a paniolo performance, before the two depart for Japan Thursday afternoon.