Chamber seeks donations for Fourth of July fireworks in Lahaina

Tumpap
LAHAINA — The Maui Chamber of Commerce last week announced plans to raise $48,000 from merchants, residents and non-profits to produce Lahaina’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration for the second year in a row.
The chamber rescued the 2009 fireworks show by raising funds from more than 70 donors, who contributed amounts ranging from $100 to $15,000.
“We have been and hope to continue to be grateful for these generous contributions, considering the difficult economic times that make donating a challenge,” said Pam Tumpap, chamber president.
Noting that “spending monies on fireworks may seem frivolous,” Tumpap added, “The continuation of the celebration is very important, considering the contribution it makes to the Lahaina economy, as well as the fact that it has become a much anticipated event that locals and visitors look forward to and benefit from."
Increased business generated by an event that brings crowds to Lahaina Town helps to protect jobs and shores up revenue losses from slow periods, she said.
“Businesses prosper, extra workers brought in get bigger paychecks and hundreds of families with keiki get to celebrate in the traditional way,” she concluded.
Contributions in the form of checks — with the notation “Lahaina Fourth” — may be sent to the Maui Chamber of Commerce, 313 Ano St., Kahului, HI 96732.