Last year, an election season helped fuel the bang of Kailua-Kona’s Fourth of July celebration. But that political fervor won’t add to the kitty this year for the fireworks show that is launched over Kailua Bay.
Last year, an election season helped fuel the bang of Kailua-Kona’s Fourth of July celebration. But that political fervor won’t add to the kitty this year for the fireworks show that is launched over Kailua Bay.
Typical for an odd numbered, non-election year, there is less money coming in from parade entry fees. But the county contribution has also shrunk because of a drop in revenue from New Year’s fireworks permit fees. That double whammy is leaving the Kailua-Kona Parade Association short of the funds needed to put on the 10-minute display reminiscent of the cannon and musket fire of the American Revolution.
About $19,000 is still lacking to put on the $34,000 show.
“We’ll get there, but this is the toughest year in seven years,” said Cliff Kopp, chairman of the parade association.
“The community is great; we’ve always been able to fund this,” Kopp added.
The Hawaii County Fire Department contributed $10,000, down from $13,500 last year. The money generated from New Year’s fireworks permits has declined over the years.
“Probably, folks are not buying as much of the fireworks that require permits,” said Barbara Kossow, vice chairwoman of the parade association.
Hawaii Pyrotechnics and Explosives generally requires half of the money for the show by this time. However, the company has been great to work with, Kossow said.
“They always try to outdo the year before,” she said. “I’m expecting they’ll have something special this year.”
Kopp estimated that at least 12,000 people pack Alii Drive and surrounding areas to watch the show.
“It’s a big day,” Kopp said. “We do not have a Memorial Day or a Veteran’s Day parade, so this is a very significant parade to honor those who have served and are serving.”
The fireworks will launch at 8 p.m. Again this year, the plan is for police to keep Alii closed from just before the 6 p.m. start of the 20th annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade until after the fireworks show ends. The measure was effective last year in reducing the hazardous combination of mass pedestrians and cars, parade organizers said.
The association will also increase security to address people throwing fireworks into the street as the parade passes. Kossow said she saw that for the first time last year near the Coconut Grove Marketplace.
The Korean War Veterans Association will be grand marshals of the parade.
“We’re honoring this group and it’s long overdue that we did,” Kopp said. “They’re all obviously getting on into their later years.”
The event organizers are expecting about 55 entrants in the parade, compared to more than 70 last year.
Kossow said the fireworks show has a handful of larger sponsors, and much of the money is donated by smaller businesses and community members. The parade association is hoping to garner contributions from Alii Drive restaurants that are packed with people in town for the show.
With a little push, the fireworks will fly, Kopp said.
“I’m going around town and the first thing I’m telling people is, you owe me $100,” he said. “And I’m getting it.”
Individuals and organizations can contribute online through Paypal and learn more at paradesinkona.com.
Checks can be mailed to the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association at P.O. Box 1965, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745. Individual and family sponsorships range from $10 to $300. Corporate and organization sponsorships are from $100 to $5,000.