Kauai band to join
Tournament of Roses
LIHUE >> The Kauai All Island Ku Kilakila Band has been selected to march in the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade, and organizers announced their first fund-raiser.
The band is made up of high school and middle school musicians and hula dancers. About 250 youngsters have been signed up so far, and registration will be open until March 15.
This is the first time Kauai will send a band to the annual New Year's Day parade on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, Calif. In 2003 a composite band from all the Hawaiian islands marched in the parade.
The Kauai band was among 24 chosen for the next parade from several hundred applicants.
The parade is seen on television by about 80 million people in the United States and 350 million worldwide.
The band will be directed by Larry McIntosh, longtime band director at Kauai High School.
Organizers plan to pay $1,500 for each member of the band who goes to Pasadena. The first of what is expected to be many fund-raisers is a Jog-a-Thon Saturday at Vidinha Stadium in Lihue.
Carol Kimura, who heads the committee organizing the events, said all expenses will be paid by donations.
The committee has a new Web site at www.allkauaiband.com.