Posted on: Saturday, December 7, 2002

City Lights, by now a grand civic tradition

For 18 years now, Honolulu has officially kicked off the holiday season with an explosion of light, sound and wonder known as Honolulu City Lights.

What began as a relatively modest program at City Hall has expanded to include much of downtown Honolulu and — by invitation — the entire island.

From the courtyard at City Hall through the streets and buildings of downtown, the city is alight with color and wonder.

There may be a grinch or two out there who think this is a whole lot of energy (literally and figuratively) spent on an unnecessary bit of civic celebration.

But this annual exercise is one of the rare occasions where the entire O'ahu community gets together for the simple experience of enjoying one another's company.

Honolulu City Lights, in a very real way, helps us create a sense of community.

It kicks off today, with afternoon concerts at City Hall, a tree-lighting ceremony and electric light parade at 6 p.m. and follow-up concerts. Don't miss it.