The Maui Chamber of Commerce has fronted the first $15,000 for fireworks for the Fourth of July show on Front Street and is currently fundraising for that money and more to make the event happen, said the chamber's president Thursday.
There is a "grand vision" fundraising goal of $51,000, which includes marketing and promotional things, but at least $42,000 is needed for the essentials - the fireworks, security, port-a-potties, permits and insurance, said Pamela Tumpap. The fireworks alone cost $30,000.
"We have to raise the money . . . or we are on the hook . . . for the tab," she said.
To date, the chamber has received $18,000 in pledges and has $15,600 in hand with about three weeks to the event.
"We're continuing to seek the community's help," Tumpap said.
She did not have the data for a comparison to last year on hand, but she said fundraising is on par. In the end last year, the chamber raised several thousand dollars more than it needed. That money was put toward this year's event, she said.
"We are the only major fireworks display on the Fourth of July on Maui," she said.
Front Street is closed, "people skip up and down the street and have the time of their lives," and the event is good for families, said Tumpap.
The event is good for business too, with establishments on Front Street "doing gangbusters," she added.
The chamber picked up the event two years ago. Last year, the Annual 4th of July Fireworks drew 20,000 people.
"It is not just a west side event; it is a community event," said Tumpap.
"We're going to be fundraising up to the end," she added.
Pledge sheets are available on the chamber's website at www.mauichamber.com, by calling 244-0081 or emailing office@mauichamber.com.
