Lahaina supports the Fourth

The Lahaina News
July 14, 2011

LAHAINA — The Lahaina community, including 60 businesses and thousands of residents and visitors, helped the Maui Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Fourth of July fireworks celebration set new records in fundraising and attendance last week.

Meeting an earlier pledge if $30,000 was raised, the North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund sent in a check for $10,000 days before the event. The contribution brought the amount raised to nearly $50,000 — 25 percent more than last year.

The Lahaina celebration won recognition from Yahoo Travel, which named it one of the top three fireworks celebrations in the country.

The recognition was mentioned on NBC's "Today" program, and event photos were shown by Honolulu TV stations.

Jill Holley, marketing manager of Hard Rock Cafe and head of the West Side Committee that solicited funds and publicized the initiative, said her Front Street restaurant increased revenues 17 percent on Independence Day.

"I am super proud of our town and residents," Holley said. "Our merchants and our 'ohana really came together. Patriotism starts in our home but continues with our neighbors and town."

Ron LaClergue, regional manager for T S Restaurants, said Kimo's virtually met its revenue goal for the night.

"Lahaina became a happy place," he said.

"This was good, clean family fun and tremendous economic activity," noted Pam Tumpap, the Maui Chamber of Commerce president who headed the initiative.

"It lifted our spirits."

Reaching the $50,000 mark gives the chamber a bit of a cushion for next year.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome and the fun had by all," Tumpap said.

http://www.lahainanews.com/page/content.detail/id/502255/Lahaina-supports-the-Fourth.html

North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund, Inc.

P O BOX 11329
LAHAINA, Hawaii 96761