Kailua chips in for Fourth of July
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KAILUA — The Kailua Chamber of Commerce has received enough pledges to finance a fireworks display at Kailua Beach Park, climaxing a Fourth of July celebration that starts with the community's annual parade.
• When: 10 a.m. July 4 • Where: Kainalu Drive from 'Oma'o Street to Kailua Intermediate School • Parking: Restricted parking during the event.
Fireworks display • When: 8 p.m. July 4 • Where: Kailua Beach Park • Parking: Restricted parking during the event
Businesses, individuals and groups have promised to donate a total of $18,000, which buys a 10-minute show, said Larry Lanning, parade and fireworks coordinator. Some businesses will give as much as $3,000 and others have promised less. The chamber said it can no longer afford to pay for the event and if people want it, they will have to pitch in.
At a glance
Kailua parade for Fourth of July
"If we fail to get enough to pay the bill, our policy will be to cancel the contract, pay the penalty and if there's anything left, we'll hold it until next year," Lanning said. "It's strictly up to the community and not the businesses."
For two years the Kailua chamber has been under fire for having the event on Popoia (Flat) Island, even though the show had taken place there for 50 years. But complaints about harming the birds on the sanctuary didn't stop the event until a crushed nest and a buried bird were discovered on the island two years ago after the Fourth of July display.
Last year the chamber hired a barge and held the show from that. The barge fireworks show was a big hit and received a standing ovation from the crowd. But there was trouble the next day after the barge hit a reef during low tide, partially sank and dumped some debris on Kailua Beach. It was quickly cleaned up and there were no major problems.
The cost of the event has increased and the Kailua chamber said it can no longer finance the show. Six businesses stepped forward, contributing $3,000 each last year to continue the Windward tradition.
One of those businesses was Hardware Hawai'i, which this year is asking its customers and employees to donate to the event. The company will also make a donation.
"It's more personal and it gives the community a chance to buy in and be a part of the fireworks," said Lanning, marketing director for Hardware Hawai'i.
The fireworks at 8 p.m. will be preceded by the parade, which is still being organized, he said. U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye will head the dignitaries, community groups, businesses, political candidates and military entries. The Royal Hawaiian Band and the Marine Corps Band have also signed up for the parade.
Lanning said he is counting on the community wanting to celebrate this year, particularly after Sept. 11.
"This is a time to celebrate our independence and our unity," he said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
