Sunset on the Beach takes to the road

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KAILUA — Following a string of successes for Sunset on the Beach in Waikiki, the city will take the open-air, film-'n'-food entertainment on the road beginning this month.

The first will be Jan. 26-27 in Kailua, where the city's Rediscover O'ahu program will show two free movies at Kailua Beach Park and highlight Kailua restaurants and other attractions.

The city initiated Sunset on the Beach in November to entice local people back to Waikiki to help stimulate the economy there after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and to provide an opportunity for tourists and Hawai'i residents to meet and mingle.

Restaurants sell house specialties at food tents and free movies are shown on a giant screen.

Now the city wants to spread the economic benefits by taking the show to a different O'ahu community on the last weekend of each month, said Mayor Jeremy Harris.

The city will stage Rediscover O'ahu events in other locations, including Hale-'iwa, Waipahu, Wahiawa and Wai'anae, but nothing definite has been set for next month.

"The idea is to provide venues for activities in these communities so tourists and other residents from around the island come to these communities and in so doing support the local businesses and restaurants," Harris said.

The Kailua Chamber of Commerce, KCCN FM 100, Oldies 107.9 and local businesses and organizations will serve as host to this month's two-day event, which will take place from 1 to 9 p.m. both days. The event will highlight Kailua's restaurants and give people an opportunity to meet local merchants, said Pohai Ryan, Kailua Chamber of Commerce executive director.

"It will be healthy for the businesses," Ryan said. "Kailua cannot stay healthy unless its businesses are healthy."

Kailua businesses are excited, said Bill Muench, secretary for the Kailua chamber board. Events will include free movies, live entertainment, an open market, water safety demonstrations with free kayak rides and food by Kailua restaurants.

"It's amazing how all the merchants are getting together and getting on board with this," Muench said. "We're starting to sell Kailua."

To ease the parking problem in Kailua, the city will provide free shuttle service to the beach. The Waikiki Trolley will stop at Lanikai and Kailua elementary schools, Kailua Intermediate School and park, Kailua Shopping Center and Kailua Beach Park.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.