Donors save Hawaii Kai's Independence Day fireworks show

HAWAII KAI, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Fireworks will be part of the sixth annual Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Festival sponsored by Maunalua Communities Foundation (MCF).

"Maunalua Communities Foundation is very pleased that we can give the community a fireworks show as part of this annual event," said Win Schoneman, co-president. "We are grateful for the financial support from residents and businesses that made this happen, especially our anonymous donor of $22,500.

"We have worked diligently with Grucci fireworks to create a memorable show," he added.

"We also want to thank American Marine for coming forward to provide the necessary barge. It was definitely a community effort."

This year's event will feature a traditional July 4th Barbecue on the Bay benefiting two local non-profits - Maunalua Communities Foundation and Shaka Kids Foundation.

Pre-sale tickets at $10 for hamburger/veggie burger combo plate or $5 for hot dog combo plate are now available by calling 286-1727 or from Bubbies Koko Marina. The only other food vendors will offer ice cream, shave ice and cold drinks.

Bobby Moderow Jr. has assembled the entertainment lineup including Hawaii Kai Keiki hula and ending with his group Maunalua right before the fireworks show at 8 p.m. Other confirmed entertainers are a jazz duo with Steve Martinuchi; Dayton Watanabe, who performs at Duke's; Ricky Hana; Steven Inglis, slack key guitar and 2012 Na Hoku Hanohano award winner; Heart and Soul, a musical trio; Aidan James, local ukulele star accompanied by Ian Wacksman on drums, both are students at Hahaione School; Jerry Santos and Kamuela Kimokeo.

Also planned are Hawaiian cultural activities, a keiki bike parade, the popular watermelon-eating contest. Artist Patrick Ching will bring his life-size horse statue again for keiki and adults to paint red, white and blue.

Dianne Glei, event chair, expressed appreciation to East Oahu residents for contributing almost $7,000 to support the event and fireworks show. Other sponsors include City and County of Honolulu, Bubbies Koko Marina, Outback Steakhouse, Mutual of Omaha Bank, Hale Ka Lae, Rogue Ale Department of Agriculture, Koko Marina 76, Koko Marina Center, the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association, Kamehameha Schools, Walgreens, Roy's Hawaii Kai, American Savings Bank Hawaii Kai, Hawaii American Water.

"We hope people will come out and celebrate friends, family and freedom on the 4th of July at Maunalua Bay. It is their community event." Hours will be 1 to 9 p.m.