KAILUA-KONA — The 10-minute spectacle over Kailua Bay every Fourth of July doesn’t come cheap.
The cost of this year’s Kona’s Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza — the launch of 2,039 explosive projectiles into the night sky — is close to $36,000. As the holiday closes in, the parade committee handling the show is still short of its goal.
The website, www.paradesinkona.com, indicates the committee still needs a little more than $14,000. But Barbara Kossow, 22nd annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade co-chairperson and fireworks extravaganza chairwoman, said the amount needed is closer to $9,000 based on commitments she’s received.
It isn’t just money the committee needs, however.
“We need participation in the parade. As of (Friday) morning, I just had 11 entries,” Kossow said. “I’d like to invite the community to come together to celebrate Fourth of July.”
Kossow said despite rapidly approaching deadlines, she’s not feeling a lot of nerves. There is some confusion, she explained, with the King Kamehameha Day celebrations falling within a month of Independence Day festivities every year.
Still, she and parade co-chairperson Renee Kraft would welcome an expedited push for participation in every aspect of the celebration — from parade floats and marching units to monetary donations and volunteer staff.
The deadline for entries into the parade is June 28. Nonprofit entries are free of charge. Fees accompany commercial entries and those promoting politicians.
The procession will begin at 6 p.m. at Kekuaokalani Gymnasium on Kuakini Highway, and usher down Palani Road and Alii Drive before concluding at Coconut Grove Marketplace. The event’s grand marshal is retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. James K. Hussey.
A Lava Kids run also was incorporated into the parade and will kick off the procession. For more information about the run, contact Geri Rott or Jeannie Krauss at 831-238-2100.
Hawaii County committed $10,000 in funds from New Year’s fireworks permit sales to the Kailua Bay display, while Kona Commons has chipped in to the tune of $3,500. The Ironman Foundation donated $2,000 and Bubba Gump Shrimp offered $500.
Parade entry applications can be found online at www.paradesinkona.com. Donations also can be made to the fireworks fund on the same website via PayPal. Those interested in donating by other means can contact Kossow at 938-0806 or send a check to P.O. Box 1965, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740.
Email Max Dible at mdible@westhawaiitoday.com.
