July 4 Fireworks Need Spark
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Del.icio.usThe July 4 parade will go on as scheduled - 10 a.m. July 4 on Kainalu Drive from Palapu Street to Kailua Intermediate School - but the fireworks show still needs a big explosion of help from the community in terms of cash.
Theme for the 65th annual parade is “Of Thee I Sing,” and entries are due by June 24 to the Kailua Information Center at 600 Kailua Road, #107. Parade shirts also are on sale at the center for $10 each in a range of sizes while supplies last. For more information, call Kailua Chamber of Commerce at 261-7997.
Seeing a slow trickle of contributions so far, the Kailua Fireworks Group began selling coupon books June 11 for $20 each. The booklet features $4,000 worth of offers from dozens of local restaurants, retailers and activities.
“It’s the entertainment book for Kailua,” said KFG coordinator Brook Gramann, adding that donations are around $20,000 now with $40,000 still left to raise before the actual fireworks show can blast off at its 8 p.m. July 4 off of Kailua Beach. The Kailua Coupon Book is available from select Kailua retailers and can be ordered online at kailuafireworks.com. Checks also are welcome to Kailua Fireworks, 600 Kailua Road, #119, Kailua HI 96734. KFG is a coalition of businesses and residents who support the fireworks show.
“We’d hoped this year might be different and that by now more money would’ve been raised for the celebration,” added Gramann, “and by starting early we’d have a head start on fundraising and frankly not have to go into the ‘Save the Fireworks’ mode.”
There have been setbacks, she said: A planned shave ice rally was cancelled because of rainstorms, and one fireworks donation box was stolen from a merchant. But the push continues.
On the plus side, longtime contributors Castle Medical Center, All Pool and Spa, Foodland, Meadow Gold and Kalapawai Market & Cafe already are on board, said Gramann, along with Whole Foods, Lanikai Bath and Body, and Dani and Steven McCarthy. Kamaaina Kids gave $676.83 from its I Love Kailua event. Clear Channel Communications matches business donations with an equivalent value in radio advertising.
And the popular aerial show returns this year (at 6 p.m.) after a one-year absence featuring pilots Clint Churchill of Kailua and Hank Buckner of
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