Kailua fireworks spark
show of political forceDemocrats plan a big parade
presence to match Republicans
Expect Kailua's annual Fourth of July parade to provide fireworks of a political kind this year.
Tomorrow's event will feature a major presence by both Republicans and Democrats.
Although the parade is in Kailua, a GOP bastion, Democrats are hoping to show their strength this year.
GOP Chairman Brennon Morioka said he hopes Democrats do not make a partisan event out of the parade.
"We participate just because it's fun," he said, adding that Republicans have been in the parade for years. "It's purely an enjoyable day to kind of celebrate."
He also said that Democrats should "have a place in the parade every year, not just in an election year."
Democratic Chairman Brickwood Galuteria said his party wanted to join the parade "to be a part of a wonderful celebration of America."
"For anybody to want to turn it into something that is negative is frankly rather pathetic," Galuteria said. "I don't know how anybody can feel that they own any kind of Independence Day parade."
In an e-mail circulating yesterday, one Democratic organizer encouraged residents to "march with the Hawaii Democrats ... come out and show them Kailuans that the Democrats are determined to take back the White House."
"We feel as if we have the right to participate," Galuteria said, "and it's just a show of unity."
Democratic Party officials say they will provide T-shirts and trolley rides for participants in the parade. Democrats are asked to line up on Pukoa Street to join the parade.
Republicans promise to use their participation in the parade to help the Hawaii Food Bank. Republicans will ask for canned food donations along the parade route.
Republicans and Democrats are also expected to use the parade as a chance to show off their Windward coast candidates.
Star-Bulletin reporter Mary Vorsino contributed to this report.