City will pay $289,104 to store exhibits
Shaka Santa, Rudolph, the Snow Family and other exhibits soon will move to a warehouse off Sand Island Access Road.
The lease will cost the city about $289,104 annually. The city had free storage in old military warehouses in the Manana-Pearl City area, but that property is being sold.
On Oct. 1, the city began paying $24,092.60 per month to Mercantile Trucking Service Ltd. for the space at 2280 Alahao Place.
"I think we got a very good rate," said Dennis Kodama, assistant division chief of the Department of Design and Construction.
The annual festivities are supported by tax dollars and private donations. Joan Manke, of the city's Customer Services Department, said the city will pay $23,000 for this year's festivities. Friends of Honolulu City Lights will pay $60,000.