July 29, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alice Moon, (808) 933-9772

THE 2ND ANNUAL PARADE AND FESTIVAL FOR THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE SEEKS PARTICIPANTS

The town of Honoka‘a on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island will join the world in observing the United Nations International Peace Day on Sunday, September 21, 2008. The United Nations has been celebrating the International Day of Peace for more than 25 years but the official Hawaii Peace Day was signed into law in 2007. The intent of the Honoka‘a Parade and Festival is to promote and propagate the values of peace, compassion and awareness of universal interdependence.

The 2nd annual Parade and Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace is like no other event on the Big Island. The Parade begins at noon featuring a “moving stage” of bands, floats, clubs, school groups, performance artists and dancers who will wind their way down Mamane Street from Honoka‘a High School. Following the parade from 1 to 3 p.m. is a festival celebrating Peace Day in the County Sports Complex with food, vendors, information booths, entertainment and more.

Organizers are currently looking for organizations, charities, businesses, schools, clubs and performance groups that are interested in helping to make an exceptional Parade and Festival by sharing their talents and creativity as part of the global community supporting the missions of peace and the values of compassion and interdependence. Peace will be presented in every form — from an individual to a broader focus on local and planetary community issues.

At last year’s Parade and Festival, more than 35 groups performed in the parade including hula halau, Taiko drummers and other talented performers. In addition, more than 40 groups participated in or performed in the festival following the parade. This event gave the small community of Honoka‘a a big voice with more than 1,500 people in attendance and news coverage on all the major local television network stations.

“This is by far the largest and most significant Peace Day event in the state and, as far as I know, the only such celebration worldwide,” said event organizer Miles Okumura. “This is a great opportunity for everyone to participate, at least by attending, and demonstrating to the world their support of peace, compassion and awareness of universal interdependence.”

Hawaii is the only state to have proclaimed a permanent official Peace Day. Proceeds from the Honoka‘a Parade and Festival will go towards community services, including educational programs, charities, environmental activism programs and various peace initiatives.

In addition to parade and festival participation, organizers are also looking for volunteers to assist with the many aspects of presenting this unique Parade and Festival. 

The Parade and Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace is presented by the Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in cooperation with the United Nations and numerous community organizations. For more information on how to get involved, call (808) 640-4602 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.peacedayparade.org