The coordinator of the Hawaii delegation to World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, July 15-20, 2008, is offering Hawaii pilgrims two additional travel packages, each cheaper than the initial plan.

Patty Kalua‘u distributed to parishes and youth groups new applications for a nine-day/seven nights with simple lodging package for $2,519, and a nine-day/seven nights with “tourist class hotel lodging” package for $3,019. The travel dates have been preliminarily set from July 13 to 21.

The Honolulu diocese is organizing travel through its Office of Diocesan Services. Kalua‘u coordinated last year’s pilgrimage of Hawaii youth to World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany.

The new packages include airfare, chosen lodging, some meals and fees. A down payment of $200 is due by Dec. 31, with the balance paid in increments through February 2008.

The initial package was for a July 9-21 trip that includes five days in New Zealand before the start of World Youth Day events. The cost is $4,754 per person.

Bishop Larry Silva will lead the Hawaii delegation. The event, a Vatican-sponsored event for young people attended by the pope, is expected to draw the largest crowd ever in Australia.

For more information, call Patty Kalua‘u at 808-889-0892, or contact her at wyd2008@hawaiiantel .net.