KAILUA-KONA — The 10-minute spectacle over Kailua Bay every Fourth of July doesn’t come cheap.
The cost of Kona’s Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza, which will launch 2,039 explosive projectiles into the night sky, is close to $36,000 this year. 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 yet 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 added that 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 Command Sgt. Maj. James K. Hussey, U.S. Army, retired.
A Lava Kids run has also recently been incorporated into the parade and will kick off the procession. Those interested in more information on the run may contact Geri Rott or Jeannie Krauss at (831) 238-2100.
Hawaii County has 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 has donated $2,000 and Bubba Gump Shrimp has offered $500.
Parade entry applications can be found online at www.paradesinkona.com. Donations can also be made to the fireworks fund on the same website, which is equipped with PayPal. Those interested in donating by other means may also contact Kossow by phone at 938-0806 or send a check to P.O. Box 1965 in Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740.