Fireworks Say: Happy Fourth Of July, Hawaii Kai
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Del.icio.usHawaii Kai will celebrate Independence Day with a bang this year as it presents its first-ever Fourth of July fireworks show during “Independence Day at Maunalua Bay.”
TV anchors Guy Hagi and Kim Gennaula will emcee the event from 2 to 9 p.m. at Maunalua Bay across from Roy’s Restaurant and Outback Steakhouse. Organizers Cha Thompson of Tihati Productions and Noah Parker put their talent and business smarts together earlier this year to develop a dazzling July 4 for the East Oahu community.
“Cha contacted me on the day of my retirement and asked me what I was doing,” recalled Parker, Thompson’s high school friend who recently retired from 47 years in the newspaper business. “I have been very active in the community, continually producing service projects for 35 years. She needed someone that she knew could help make this project a success.”
They have raised $50,000 to date for the “Celebration of Friends, Family and Freedom.” “Being that this is a first-time event for Hawaii Kai that will include free first-class entertainment, we must show that we are sincere in our vision of bringing the community together at one central location,” explained Parker. “We expect the community to come to meet ‘friends,’ become ‘family’ and honor ‘freedom.’ ” (The shore-front venue can accommodate a crowd of around 1,000.)
Beginning at 2 p.m., Hui Nalu Canoe Club will offer canoe rides near the boat ramp. Keiki can count down to the fireworks display with games and events like face-painting. Entertainers already booked are Henry Kapono, Nauhoe Trio, Afatia Thompson, New Hope Hawaii Kai Band, New Hope Contemporary Dance, hula halau and Waikiki Elvis impressionist Jonathan Von Brana, among others.
The 15-minute fireworks show is at 8 p.m. Spectators should bring mats, as the larger park area also will be open for viewing.
Outback Steakhouse will have prime outside tables for diners with reservations. Tables for four cost $100 (tax deductible), with customers paying the premium plus the meal charges as a benefit for the celebration. The restaurant already has raised $8,250 from a drive-through steak sale.
Parking is at Hawaii Kai Towne Center, and New Hope will run free shuttles from Kaiser High and the Park and Ride lot on Keahole Street.
No tents are allowed at this alcohol-free event. For details, call 395-0577 or visit www.independencedayatmaunal uabay.org.
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