Barack Obama expressed hope yesterday that the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina three years ago would help to protect the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Gustav this time. His running mate, Joe Biden, urged people to pray that the levees in New Orleans hold.

Three National Endowment of the Arts grants have been awarded in Hawai'i's 2nd Congressional District.

BONE MARROW REGISTRATION DRIVE, 12-4 p.m., Kapolei Shopping Center, next to Safeway; match being sought for bone marrow transplant candidate; simple cheek swab. 721-4370, www.sweetleilani.org.