STAR-ADVERTISER / 2010
Fireworks illuminate the sky during Fourth of July festivities at Maunalua Bay in East Oahu. Organizers are hoping to raise $50,000 for this year's event.
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Donations are being sought to cover the cost of this year’s fifth annual Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Festival.
Event chairwoman Dianne Glei said $50,000 is needed for the festival, which is scheduled from 1 to 9 p.m. at Maunalua Bay Beach Park on July 4. A fireworks show by Grucci Hawaii is planned for 8 p.m.
Members of the Maunalua Communities Foundation, the nonprofit organization sponsoring the event, along with event volunteers will be out along Kalanianaole Highway from Hawaii Kai to Aina Haina, waving signs and holding donation nets, today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and June 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A benefit concert featuring Bobby Moderow Jr. of local recording group Maunalua is set for June 23 at Cha Cha Cha Salsaria in Hawaii Kai.
Roughly $30,000 of the $85,000 cost of the event has been raised from donations by East Oahu community organizations and members, as well as local corporate sponsors. The Hawaii Tourism Authority also awarded the foundation a $5,000 County Product Enrichment Program grant.
Glei said that because of this year’s cancellation of the Kailua fireworks show, Maunalua foundation members expect attendance to rise at their event.
"A lot of people will be looking for something to do on Fourth of July," Glei said.
"We’re the only event in East Oahu that I know of planned for that day, so we need to be prepared."
For more information on the Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Festival or to make a donation, visit idmbf.org.