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Posted: Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 4:32 AM HST

Fragrant flower shortage on Oahu

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — Several florists on Oahu say they are dealing with a shortage of fragrant flowers that are popular in leis. Some of the flowers short in supply heading into graduation and prom season are tuberose, pikake and ginger. Francis Wong, of Jenny's Leis and Flowers, say she orders about 4,000 flowers this time of year but is only receiving about 600. Linda Saito, of University Flowers, says the long winter with unusually windy and cooler conditions affected the flower supply. Saito says the fragrant flowers aren't impossible to find but it does take a bit of luck. (Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved)