'Sunset' also arises in 'Aiea
By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Central O'ahu Writer
Following the success of the city's Waipahu Sunset at the Park last weekend, city organizers are planning a similar event for 'Aiea-Pearl City on the Memorial Day weekend.
City officials say the next roadshow version of the event will be at Neal Blaisdell Park in Pearl City on Sunday, May 26, and Monday, May 27.
Breene Harimoto, chairman for the 'Aiea-Pearl City Sunset event, said the free movies scheduled are "Pearl Harbor" on May 26 and the recent baseball flick "The Rookie," starring Dennis Quaid, on May 27.
"We were surprised a new film such as 'The Rookie' was available, so we're hoping people will come out for that," Harimoto said.
Harimoto said Blaisdell Park was selected because it has almost 250 parking stalls. Shuttle service from neighboring shopping centers also is planned.
Harimoto said organizers are trying to plan the Sunday portion of the event in conjunction with Emergency Medical Services Week. The Monday portion, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, would focus on Military Appreciation Month.
Organizers decided not to hold the event on May 25 — the Saturday of the three-day holiday weekend — because it would have conflicted with 'Aiea High School's graduation.
Vendors interested in operating a booth at the Sunday-Monday event can call Harimoto at 527-5071.
In Waipahu, organizers of the two-day Sunset in the Park last weekend at Hawaii's Plantation Village have estimated that the turnout was between 15,000 and 20,000. The threat of rain during much of first day may have played a part in keeping attendance lower than expected.
Nevertheless, Hawaii's Plantation Village executive director Lynn Valiente said the turnout was probably the largest one-weekend showing at the plantation village, a historic attraction. Seasonal ethnic events at the site usually draw 500 to 1,000 people, Valiente said.
"We had about 5,000 adults and children that went on the $1 discount tours here, so it was a big boon for us," she said.
Laverne's Catering & Takeout co-owner Rene Paulo Jr., who along with his wife, Laverne, served food at the Waipahu event, said some Sunset customers have already dropped by his eatery.
"You can't plan much against Mother Nature — those things happen" Paulo said of the gloomy weather. "But, overall, it was a success. People coming to our restaurant is an encouraging sign."
Reach Scott Ishikawa at sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.
