Thousands of people came to Lahaina for the 2010 fireworks show.

LAHAINA — Striving to preserve the island’s only community Fourth of July fireworks celebration, the West Side Committee of the Maui Chamber of Commerce is calling on resorts, Lahaina restaurants and merchants to close a fundraising shortfall and allow the event to go forward.

“It is important to contribute now, since we must place our order in the next few days so that our supplier, Hawaii Pyrotechnics, can put Lahaina fireworks on their production schedule alongside other communities,” said chamber President Pam Tumpap.

The chamber also needs commitments of cash and pledges to assure receipt of a large grant pledged by Maui County, she added.

Hard Rock Cafe Marketing Manager Jill Holley, who heads the West Side effort, hopes to see new faces among this year’s contributors.

“Our merchants need to understand that it takes all of us to achieve this goal. I would like to see some of the Lahaina businesses rethink making a donation. We need their help. The burden needs to be shared.”

The shortfall for this year’s event is close to $20,000, according to West Side Committee member Steve Knight of Expeditions, who is chairman-elect of the chamber’s board of directors.

Fireworks are expensive, and there are added costs for police protection and other services, Knight said.

Restaurants that have contributed or made pledges include Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Captain Jack’s, Cilantro, Cool Cat Cafe, David Paul’s Island Grill, Famous Dave’s, Hard Rock Cafe, Kimo’s, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Longhi’s, Pioneer Inn and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Contributions can be made on the chamber’s website at www.mauichamber.com or by calling 244-0081. More information is available by e-mailing info@mauichamber.com.