Jaycees raise funds for Aloha Festivals parade

The Hawaii Jaycees hope to save the Aloha Festivals floral parade by raising $50,000.

"We decided as an organization to help preserve this really important tradition that was started by the Jaycees," said Hawaii Jaycees President Patrick Tomiyasu on Tuesday.

The future of the 60-year-old parade was cast in doubt because Aloha Festivals did not have the money to obtain matching funds of $200,000 from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Hawaiian Airlines' three-year sponsorship contract expired last year.

To raise funds, the Hawaii Jaycees will be approaching individuals and corporations, as well as setting up curbside fishnet collections around town starting this weekend, Tomiyasu said. Timing is important due to the amount of preparation work necessary for a parade, such as permitting and road closures, explained Tomiyasu, who hopes to raise a good portion of the $50,000 by Monday.

"We're just looking for community support, whether it be a dollar or more. We're not looking to break anyone's wallet, you know," said Tomiyasu. "Really, we're just a dollar short -- your dollar."

Donors can mail a check made out to Aloha Festivals to Hawaii Jaycees Save the Parade Project, P.O. Box 23206, Honolulu, HI 96823; or donate online at www.savetheparade.org.