Organizers of the Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza are still accepting entries for the parade and donations for the pyrotechnic display over Kailua Bay on Monday.
As of Friday, some $7,000 was still needed to cover the cost of the 8-minute fireworks display set for 8 p.m. following the 6 p.m. parade. The show being put on by Hawaii Explosives and Pyrotechnics Inc. costs about $30,000 with $15,000 coming from the county via fireworks permits fees.
Also as of Friday, there were about 30 entries in the parade, according to co-organizer Barbara Kossow. The parade will continue to accept entries until as late as possible. Call Renee Kraft at (808) 345-2108 for entry details and visit paradesinkona.com for more information.
Grand marshals for the parade, themed “A Salute to our Hometown Heroes” will be those who played a critical role in keeping the community safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They are teachers Geriann Aoki-Davidson, Teacher of the Year Kahakai Elementary, and Cami Iwanaga who’s been with the Hawaii State Teachers Association for 31 years; public servants Dr. Cassie Baybayan, a Public Health Nurse, and Clinton Baybayan Fire Captain; and medical professionals Lisa Downing, RN, BSN, and Emma Ascuncion, a research statistician, both of whom work at Kona Community Hospital.
Announcer stations will be set up throughout the 1.2-mile parade route at Tony Honda, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, YWAM Ships, Hulihe‘e Palace, Hale Halewai and Lava Java.
A handful of road closures will be in effect starting at 5:45 p.m. and continuing until 8:15 p.m.:
• Kuakini Highway will be closed from Kekuaokalani Gymnasium to Palani Road. Its intersections with Loloku and Kaiwi streets will be closed.
• Palani Road will be closed from Kuakini Highway to Alii Drive.
• Alii Drive will be closed between Palani to Walua roads. Alii Drive’s intersections with Kahikina Lane, and Sarona and Hualalai roads will be closed.
• Kaiwi Street at its intersection with Kuakini Highway
To donate or sponsor, visit paradesinkona.com.