EDITORIAL
Sunset on the Beach doesn't come free

It was great while it lasted, but with the city facing its biggest shortfall ever, it's no mystery why the council's Budget Committee would propose to cut back the popular Sunset on the Beach program to one weekend a month.

As we've said before, Mayor Jeremy Harris' weekend beachfront movies-and-munchies fest did much to liven up Waikiki and draw locals back makai of the Ala Wai.

It also was greatly appreciated by the residents of Kailua, Wai'anae and Waipahu, whose merchants could flaunt their wares when the program came to their community.

But it came at a price — about $500,000 a year. "It's a really popular event; everyone likes it," said council budget chairwoman Ann Kobayashi. "But we also have to provide for police and other public safety services."

Honolulu managing director Ben Lee laments that a reduction in the city's beachfront entertainment program will affect the area's restaurants and small businesses in the post-Sept. 11 malaise.

But the city is tapped out. If the community wants to keep Sunset on the Beach a weekly program, others will have to pitch in.

City council members have suggested that the Waikiki Improvement Association (which already receives $50,000 from the city to coordinate Brunch on the Beach) shoulder a bigger share of the financial burden. Not a bad idea.

We also propose that businesses, including restaurants that operate food booths at the sunset and brunch on the beach events, chip in. According to Councilman Duke Bainum, food vendors at Brunch on the Beach grossed $43,000 in one month alone. The Hawai'i Tourism Authority could also lend a hand.

Clearly, if we want Sunset on the Beach more than one weekend a month, someone else is going to have to pick up the tab.