LAHAINA — The Maui Chamber of Commerce’s Westside Committee, a panel comprised of West Maui businesses, asked the chamber to take on coordination of the annual Fourth of July fireworks in Lahaina to save it this year and continue to plan the celebration in the future. 

Understanding how important this event is to West Side businesses, residents of Lahaina and the entire community, the chamber agreed. The Westside Committee has made this event part of its annual program of work.

Ron LaClergue, regional manager for TS Restaurants, stated, “The Fourth of July fireworks in Lahaina is the single biggest economic driver in Lahaina, bar none.”

Kimo’s, one of the TS restaurants, has been an annual $1,000 supporter of the fireworks show since the event began nine years ago.

The July 4 fireworks in Lahaina is a free, public event viewed by thousands of people in Lahaina Town, in mauka neighborhoods and at beaches and public parks.  Lahaina Police coordinate the closure of Front Street between Dickenson and Papalaua streets to accommodate residents and visitors who come to celebrate, dine, shop, enjoy the view and day, and watch the evening fireworks.

Expenses for this event are paid by businesses and residents of Lahaina, who make generous donations to ensure this event happens each year. Many contributions were made throughout the community, with a tremendous start from the Barto Family: a $5,000 contribution from Aloha Self Storage Lahaina. With the ball rolling, Expedia Local Expert also came to the event’s aid with a $4,500 donation and an offer to match community contributions up to a total Expedia Local Expert contribution of $15,000. With these large contributions, assistance from the County of Maui (a grant has been submitted) and other community donations, the event is set.

All involved invite the community to join them for a Fourth of July fireworks in Lahaina to remember. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

A food drive will be held in conjunction with the event to benefit additional Maui families. Bring canned goods to the event for the Maui Food Bank and Feed My Sheep. Bins for food donations will be available at various locations along Front Street, including the Hard Rock Cafe.

Come make a day of it — let’s celebrate July 4 together in Lahaina!