Cost increase may cancel Kamehameha parade

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Organizers of the annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade, one of the state's oldest and grandest parades, may have to cancel this year's event because they cannot pay for the traffic-control services once provided free by the city.

Luka Ramos wore the colors of O'ahu in last year's Kamehameha parade. This year's parade is in danger because the city says organizers must pay $10,000 for security. Advertiser library photo • June 7, 2003

City spokesman Doug Woo had no immediate comment on the parade yesterday. Similarly, police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said: "We're looking into the situation."

The parade was canceled only once in its 88-year history — during World War II. In recent years, it has drawn nearly 100,000 people along its 4-mile route from downtown to Kapi'olani Park.

It is a visually stunning event that honors Hawaiian culture, tradition and, of course, King Kamehameha.

This year, the parade will feature 3,000 marchers, 50 vehicles, six marching bands, 15 floats and 15 horse units.

The parade operates without money from the state other than Allen's salary, she said. The only corporate sponsor comes from the Mainland: Grueninger Tours out of Indianapolis, Ind., which donated $15,000. The tour company has donated money every year since 1997.

Parade participants and private individuals donate another $10,000 toward the parade and that worked fine in the past because police services were free, Allen said.

"It was donated time," Allen said. "Officers would come to the area, pitch in and then return to work. It was camaraderie and community service."

That changed last July when the city adopted new rules stating that private parades had to pay for these services.

"We have written and pleaded with the mayor and requested the services be waived since November," Allen said. "I've gotten no response."

But parade organizers did not know until mid-May what the services would cost. The city told them they needed 83 special-duty officers, Allen said.

This does not include a police escort that clears the route ahead of the parade, but Allen said a Waimanalo motorcycle club has volunteered to do that this year.

Allen's mother, Keahi Allen, who was a part of the annual Kamehameha parade and celebration for 31 years, called the situation this year "very serious."

"We don't have any money, and that's why we are scurrying about looking for it," Keahi Allen said.

Even if she has to beg, she said will find the money somehow.

"I can't see after working 31 years on this celebration, well, I can't see it not happening," she said. "It is too important a historical event to let go."

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8012.