Enjoy a good fireworks show following the annual Kailua-Kona Fourth of July parade? The Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association is working to raise the final $13,000 needed for the community display over Kailua Bay.
The 10-minute show that draws approximately 25,000 to the downtown Kailua-Kona area annually will cost $33,500 this year, said Barbara Kossow, the association’s treasurer and fireworks show lead. That covers the cost of renting a barge, which runs about $15,000, and the actual pyrotechnics display by Keaau’s Hawaii Explosives & Pyrotechnics Inc.
Approximately $16,000 of that is funded by the Hawaii County Fire Department through fireworks permits, she said. The permits, which fund fireworks displays in both East and West Hawaii, are required for fireworks purchases around the New Year’s and Fourth of July holidays.
West Hawaii Today was unable to reach the fire department for further information on the permit funding because Friday was a designated county furlough day.
Now in its fifth year, the community fireworks display is held to provide a safe venue for residents to take in fireworks, Kossow said. It also helps prevent fires by reducing the number of people setting off fireworks on their own.
The association opts to hold the display on Independence Day in respect of traditions surrounding the New Year’s holiday, which Kossow said for many families is a time they spend together at home. She also noted most of the funding for the July 4th event is derived from individual fireworks sales at the New Year’s holiday.
“The community has asked us before to hold a New Year’s show,” she said, “But, it’s family time. It’s a tradition.”
The association, in addition to the county funding, has already raised about $4,750 on its own for the display, she said adding about $1,000 was carried-over from last year’s show. That leaves the association needing approximately $12,750 to put on the event this July.
The association is currently seeking sponsors for the display. It will also accept donations from individuals to make the show a reality, Kossow said. She added the association is not a 501(c)(3) and therefore sponsorships or donations are not tax deductible.
For more information, to sponsor or donate, visit paradesinkona.com or call Kossow at 938-0806.
