Fireworks a go for annual 4th of July show in Kailua

KAILUA, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Last July, for the first time in 60 years, the sights and sounds of a fireworks show didn't fill the skies above Kailua on Independence Day.

Today, a $25,000 dollar donation from a local philanthropist will ensure that the bright lights return to the Windward side for the 4th of July in 2013.

Kailua resident and local television personality Uncle Kokua has notified the Kailua Fireworks committee that he will donate enough money to help the group meet their $56,000 goal by May 31. The group so far had been able to raise $31,000 from local residents and businesses.

"The fireworks on the 4th of July is a long time tradition in Kailua," said Uncle Kokua. "I am giving this money for the kids of Kailua, and kids everywhere on Oahu that want to come out to see a great 4th of July fireworks display."

The Kailua Fireworks Committee says that it has been working for nearly a year to raise funds for the upcoming Independence Day Fireworks celebration in Kailua.