Waimanalo parade needs more money
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
WAIMANALO — Smaller-than-usual donations have the Waimanalo community scrambling for money to finance its annual Christmas parade Saturday.
• What: Waimanalo Christmas Parade • When: Saturday at 10 a.m. • Where: Kalaniana'ole Highway from Humuniki Street to Waimanalo Beach Park • To donate: Make check payable to Waimanalo Christmas Parade and deposit at American Savings Bank or send to 41-640 Po'alima St., Waimanalo, HI 96795
More than 50 units are expected to participate, but the parade committee is short on money to purchase candy that is distributed along the route and food that is given to participants after the event, said Andrew Jamila Jr.
How to help
This year the committee had the added expense of paying for police escort, a service the city provided for free for the past four years. Ron Shima, owner of Shima's Market, rescued the organization with a $300 donation for police services, Jamila said.
"We would have had to dip into the 'candy fund,' " he said.
Jamila said collections have been slow and there still isn't enough to cover the cost of feeding the parade participants — a practice unique to this Windward community.
"We like to fellowship, thank everyone for coming," said Jamila.
The committee typically operates the parade on a shoestring budget of about $1,500, said Patty Teruya, who helps facilitate parade functions in several O'ahu neighborhoods. The $875 collected thus far must pay for police escort, insurance, candy and lunch.
Teruya said Waimanalo businesses and people are responsible for making the parade happen.
"They are truly committed to their community and give their last $25 because they want the parade and they're very proud of it," she said.
The parade, in its fifth year, ends at Waimanalo Beach Park, where a ho'olaule'a is held, offering entertainment, craft fair, food and games.
Participants will still be fed but the menu will be limited, said Jamila, who describes the annual meal as the community's way to show appreciation to the people who make the parade a success.
The Waimanalo parade got its start about nine years ago when Henry Kahalewai and Jamila decorated two semi-trucks and cruised Waimanalo with their families, handing out candy and singing Christmas carols.
The impromptu parade grew in earnest five years ago with the encouragement of others in the community, Jamila said.
This year the Marine Corps Band will play, pa'u riders will grace the highway and a variety of groups will march, dance and drive down the two-lane highway in this rural community.
The event will be dedicated to Lita Cook, who with her husband, John, founded Hawai'i Pa'u Riders and participated in the parade each year. Cook died in February, but her legacy lives on through her daughter and husband. Cook and her husband helped organize the parade and served as its grand marshals in 2000.
"She was a pillar of light in getting people motivated," Jamila said. "She will be sorely missed."
Cook was also honored in the Kane'ohe Christmas parade.
This year's grand marshal is Priscilla Ho, a retired postal worker and neighborhood board member. Ho was chosen for her years of service to the community, he said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
