Glowing Good Cheer

Rosie Adolpho played Disney character Elsa in the Frozen-themed float created by the Latter-day Saints Church. Photo by Colleen Uechi.

When night fell last Saturday, Kaunakakai came alive. Residents welcomed in the holidays with a dazzling array of lights and entertainment in the island’s Annual Christmas Light Parade and Ho`olaule`a.

“We just do this for the community, for the kids,” said Kelvin Keanini, who marched with the Frozen-themed float created by the Molokai Latter-day Saints Youth. “… Everybody stepped up their production with the floats.”

According to organizers, 25 groups participated in the parade. County Mayor Alan Arakawa traveled from Maui to serve as the grand marshal. The glittering floats included a Hawaiian style “12 Days of Christmas” display, a gingerbread house, light-adorned boats and Santa Claus. Later, the ho`olaule`a featured moonlit hula performances, food and local merchandise.

Cameron Hiro, event planner for the Molokai Island Foundation (MIF), said the MIF resurrected the event in 2008, when many people lost jobs after Molokai Ranch shut down. The parade helped restore hope and unity that year.  This year’s event was another chance “for the community to come together,” said Hiro, something he felt was especially meaningful this year.

“When we have an event like this, it really puts into perspective what’s really important,” he said. “A spirit of aloha and unity.”