Dressed for the occasion last year, Jill Holley of the Hard Rock Cafe and Maui Chamber of Commerce is spearheading the effort to raise $50,000 for Lahaina’s Fourth of July celebration.

LAHAINA — The Maui Chamber of Commerce, sponsor and coordinator of Maui County’s only community Fourth of July celebration last year, is launching a six-month fundraising campaign to raise $50,000 to make the 2011 event bigger and better than ever.

Spearheading the initiative will be Jill Holley, newly appointed head of the chamber’s West Side Committee, and chamber President Pamela Tumpap.

“Generous contributions from businesses and individuals helped Lahaina residents and visitors, as well as many from the rest of Maui, celebrate the fourth in grand style last year. We want to do a three-peat continuing our sponsorship for the third year,” Tumpap said.

“The big bonus was that parking lots were full, restaurants were jammed, and ice cream parlor lines extended into a closed Front Street. This provided an important boost to the economy, helping not only merchants but workers enjoying more hours and tips,” Tumpap noted.

Holley, marketing manager of the Hard Rock Cafe who played a key role in fundraising and promotion the two last years, said most of the funds to be raised will pay for fireworks. The company offers the chamber a discount.

The West Side Committee head encourages contributors to pledge or provide funds early to aid in planning. Special recognition will be given to cosponsoring businesses and individuals who make significant contributions.

The West Side Committee meets monthly at the Hard Rock Cafe with Chamber President Tumpap to discuss and address issues relating to the needs of the Lahaina side of the island.

Businesses or individuals who want to contribute, or chamber members who would like to join the West Side Committee, are encouraged to call 244-0081.

LahainaTown Action Committee and the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise sponsored previous fireworks celebrations before the chamber’s involvement.