In the months since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks killed more 4,000 Americans and altered the American way of life, Kauaians have fretted over an expanded war with terrorists, bio-terrorism, skyrocketing unemployment and the need for more security. But last
In the months since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks killed more 4,000 Americans and altered the American way of life, Kauaians have fretted over an expanded war with terrorists, bio-terrorism, skyrocketing unemployment and the need for more security.
But last night’s fifth annual Festival of Lights at the Historic County Building and the Lights of Rice Parade on Rice Street in Lihu’e – the island’s largest holiday event this year – helped bring back some semblance of normalcy to life locally.
Most islanders said the festivities provided a reminder that the “holiday season always comes around” and that “things never change.”
But there were a few residents like Jeanne Russell, an Island School teacher and parent, who felt there would be no turning back from the events of Sept. 11.
“The world has changed. We need to step forward to something else,” said Russell, who was accompanied by her 8-year-old son, Sean, and his friend, 8-year-old Taylor Haffner, both wearing Santa Claus hats.
“We need to feel more brotherhood. I am trying to concentrate on what is good, and coming to the parade is good.”
The light show and parade have become a local holiday tradition, with thousands of lights and ornaments decorating the oldest operating government building in Hawai’i and an adjoining park.
A lighting ceremony, led by Kaua’i County Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, began at 6 p.m. and was followed by the parade at 6:30, featuring more than 30 floats. Music also was provided by local entertainers.
Thousands of people showed up for the parade, even though ongoing construction of Rice Street has left the roadway and its sides in disrepair.
In the dark, spectators navigated over graveled areas and around construction zones. For safety reasons, Kaua’i Electric passed out glow sticks, and promoters asked people to bring flashlights.
Christmas songs performed by local musicians entertained more than 1,000 people in the park.
Carmen Centeno, a member of the Fil-Am Jaycees of Kaua’i, which operated a float during the parade, said she had been involved with the parade and lighting ceremony for the past three years.
In light of the Sept. 11 tragedy, Centeno said she, her husband and two young children wanted to participate in a community event that “brings back a sense of normalcy as much as possible.”
“It is a happy time. It is the official start of the holiday season,” Centeno said.
Beverly Carpentier, a native of Idaho who lives part-time in Po’ipu, said Christmas parades are special and that the war on terrorism won’t ruin her holiday joy.
“I think it is the American way to go on with our way of life,” said Carpentier, who was accompanied by her husband, Ron, a Korean War veteran. “We are not going to be intimidated by them (terrorists).”
Audrey Coloma of Hanama’ulu, who was accompanied by her family, said she was going to enjoy the Christmas parade and plans to attend future ones.
“We can’t change our lives just because we are scared of something,” Coloma said.
Hanama’ulu resident Carol Claunch and her daughter, Josie Cabresa, a Kaua’i High School student, said the parade was a clear break from the Sept. 11 attacks.
“I like parades. Let’s end the year with a lot of happiness and begin the new year with the same,” Claunch said.
Julie Anne Layaoen, who lives in Kilauea but stayed in Lihu’e after work to see the parade, said the parade “is something that is traditional, conforming. I want to see the lights and the show. It is something that activates the Christmas mood.”
That viewpoint was shared by Kauaian Joyce Tashima, 86, who was accompanied by her caretaker, Ceferina Costales. “This is a special event. I wasn’t going to miss it,” Tashima said.
A 47-year-old woman who recently moved from Oregon to Kaua’i said she was attending the event for the first time because “it is a great opportunity to have fun” and to mix “with the whole community, kids and families.”
The woman, who asked not to be identified, said the holiday spirit “is especially meaningful this year as a reassurance and reconnection to each other after the Sept. 11 tragedy.”
