Kaʻū News Briefs June 29, 2024

Thy Word Ministries won the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade Contest on Saturday, organized by

community group O Kaʻū Kakou. Sponsors of the parade were OKK, Hawai'i County, Ace Hardware,  Kaʻū Little League, Nāʻālehu Elementary School, Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Mission, Punalu'u Bake Shop, Carl Oyama of 'Ohana Foods, State of Hawai'i Department of Transportation Highways Division, and Honua's Coffee Shop. Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE ROLLED THROUGH NĀ'ĀLEHU on Saturday, with many walking groups, sportes teams, riders on horseback representing each island, floats and decorated vehicles. Numerous candidates for office joined the parade. 

     Crowds gathered beneath the monkeypod trees that line Highway 11 to see the action. Following the parade was a gathering at the sponsoring organization OKK's market grounds. It featured free hot dogs, watermelon and shave ice, music from local musicians, educational games and presentations by non-profits and a giant waterslide. See more from the parade in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

      The next Independence Day Parade is tis coming Thursday, July 4 in Volcano Village, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a post parade celebration at Cooper Center until 1 p.m.  Next Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7 at Nāʻālehu Rodeo Grounds is the July the Kaʻū Roping & Riding Rodeo, also celebrating Fourth of July.