Parade Participation Information

The Peace Committee, producers of the Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace, works within Hawaii State and County guidelines to have a successful Festival for everybody and avoid any legal and safety issues on the day of the events. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Whether you ARE SELLING or are NOT SELLING any item—as a nonprofit or regular business--here's what's needed:

  • The Peace Committee vendor form (see below).
  • The Hawaii County Parks & Recreation Vendor form (see below)
  • Remit a check for $50.00, payable to the "Peace Committee." This includes Peace Committee and County fees.
  • SUBMIT a copy of your GET license
  • Mail forms and check to:
    Sue Dela Cruz
    PO Box 489
    Paauilo HI 96776

  • Please note ANY food sold is subject to approval by the Peace Committee. It is also your responsibility to have a State Department of Health Food Handlers Certificate. Their number is 933-0917.
  • You must post the Food Handlers Certificate and a copy of your General Excise Tax License at your location at the Festival.

 

Forms - 2023 Applications

Download the Following Applications:

Please send inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Peace Poster Contest - Photo by Sarah AndersonStudents and teachers from around the globe will be urged to express their own interpretation of this year’s Peace Poster Contest theme, "Peace It Together." Prizes will be awarded for various age divisions. The contest is open to all students and homeschoolers.

For more information, contact Patrick O'Kiersey,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 (Right+Click to Download Each File)

 

 

2019 Peace Poster Contest Instructions

2019 Peace Poster - Student Entry Form

2019 Peace Poster - Educator Form for Student Posters

2019 Peace Poster Scoring Rubric

 

Teacher Signup - Student Peace Poster Contest

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The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of Troop 35
Please rise for our flag, presented by the Color Guard from the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of Troop 35.

They meet every Thursday at 6:00pm at the Old Hamakua Infirmary.

Come and join them for a District recruitment day on Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm at Camp Honokaia.

All boys 6 years old to 18 years old are welcome.  This will showcase the different things boys will do together to have fun.  Free Hot Dogs and take home projects for the boys.  Please go to check them out!
 
The Hawaii County Band
Under the direction of Paul Arceo, the Band is performing ________.
 
Bon Dance Headed by Honokaa Hongwanji
The bon dance group from Honokaa actually includes dancers from around the island and State of Hawaii, including dancers from the Kohala Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.

The song they have chosen to perform in the parade is Sekkai hei wa ondo  [SEK-KAI HEY WAH OHN-DOH] which is about World Peace.
 
Hawaii Federation of Jr. YBAs
The Hawaii Federation of Jr. Young Buddhist Associations is a state-wide youth group that strives to preserve the Buddhist teachings and culture.  At the 49th Jr. YBA State Convention held in June of 2006, a resolution to establish Peace Day in the state of Hawaii was passed.  The resolution was presented to the State Legislature in the Spring of 2007.  In April of 2007, Governor Linda Lingle signed a proclamation that designated September 21 as Peace Day in Hawaii. 

Today, the Hawaii Federation of Jr. YBAs is represented by members from the United Jr. YBAs of Oahu, Honolulu, Maui, and the Big Island.  Their colorful origami cranes are their messengers for peace and understanding.  Let us all live together in peace and harmony.     
 
The Hawaii Island Chapter of the United Nations Association
The Chapter will offer an informational booth.

They are dedicated to educating, inspiring and mobilizing Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations.

Their Vision: A world in which humanity is spared the scourge of war, human rights are honored, the natural environment is protected and the United States is a constructive member of the United Nations for the well-being of mankind.
 
Honoka’a Elementary
Honoka’a Elementary Students are shining examples of the future and of Peace.

Tolerance and respect for other cultures and other individuals are a part their everyday life.

“Be respectful, be responsible, and be safe!” Almost a mantra in their classrooms, as it’s repeated everyday.

Some of the students have worn costumes to represent their nationality, others carry flags of other countries to have all countries represented in our Peace Day Parade. Although they are diverse in cultures the exist as one school, all striving for Excellence.  Ku Lia I Ka Pono.
 
The Honoka'a High & Intermediate School National Junior Honor Society, Junior Engineers, and 7th through 9th grade students

The Honoka'a High & Intermediate School National Junior Honor Society, Junior Engineers, and 7th, 8th and 9th grade students, teachers and community members created these images of heroes for peace, compassion and social justice.
Each student is holding a poster image of a person who is or was an advocate for non-violent solutions, and positive social change.  The back of each poster is a message about why we need to live a peaceful and compassionate life.  As stated by Margaret Mead, “… a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has,” these students represent our hope for a peaceful and just future.
 
Malu Aina
Malu Aina is a Center for Non-Violent Education and Action.
With compassion for all beings, its Citizen Monitors test for Radiation. They bring awareness to the serious health risks posed by radioactive dust, a by-product of Depleted Uranium in modern weapons used on Hawaii Island.  Radioactive Dust is nuclear war. Let’s work for peace by eliminating the use of Depleted Uranium.
 
Pacific Buddhist Academy Taiko Group
The Pacific Buddhist Academy Taiko group will be playing an original composition entitled “Wa.”  Wa is the Japanese word for harmony.  This composition is the result of a collaboration between several students and their teacher, Jay Toyofuku. 

In taiko, they perform with the hope that at some level, the listener is able to reconnect to this primal rhythm and experience a sense of peace and well-being.
 
Princedance
Princedance is a nonprofit contemporary dance company and school with a residency at the Kahilu theatre in Waimea. Having performed all over the island in various venues, the dancers are excited to be part of the peace parade in Honokaa.  The float theme is a peace garden which encompasses butterflies, flowers, trees, fairies, and all things peaceful.
 
Puna Hongwanji Mission Dharma School
Puna Hongwanji Mission Dharma School presents the “Hilo Town Musicians”.
Four old unwanted animals help one another and set off for Hilo to become town musicians. The animals also represent our physical, mental, emotional and higher selves: when we toss out the robbers: bad habits, thoughts, and actions, then all parts of ourselves can work harmoniously together: peace begins within.
 
Puna Taiko Club
The Puna Taiko Club has been in existence for four years under the direction of Reverend Earl Ikeda.  Only part of the club membership is here today.  They are performing a piece called, “Matsuri,” which means celebration.

The Puna Hongwanji Taiko group is made up of both younger performers and  “golden years” folks.  The Taiko group supports the perpetuation of a rich and creative cultural tradition, as well as honors both individual uniqueness and interdependent teamwork.
 
The Rock Bottom Band
Rock Bottom is a band whose mission is to provide dance music.

Comprised of local residents, Rock Bottom has played together for the last ten years.

Besides parties and other private functions, Rock Bottom plays regularly at the Hotel Honokaa Club.

Upcoming dance parties at the Hotel Honokaa Club will be a Halloween costume dance on Saturday, October 27 and a New Year’s Eve party.
Rock Bottom loves playing for Hamakua.

PEACE, LOVE AND ALOHA.
 
The Salvation Army of Honokaa
The Salvation Army provides help after natural disasters, and also social services and programs for children and adults.  Major George Rodriguerras, Island Coordinator is leading the group. Some of the elder members are riding in the van.   Wearing their colors white, navy and red, they are singing songs of thanksgiving and hope and peace. 

There are Sunday services at 8:30 am, and on the first Monday of the month, youth and adult studies.
 
The Studio: A Center for the Holistic Arts
The “World Chant for Peace” Troupe represents The Studio: A Center for the Holistic Arts located here on Mamane Street in Honokaa.  The Studio is a holistic community center celebrating Unity in diversity.  Join them as they sing sacred chants from around the globe honoring many cultures and spiritual traditions. May our voices become one for peace - Join in the Chant!
 
Twin Flames for God
Na Kahuna Reynolds and Kalei’iliahi are known by the name “Twin Flames for God.”  They are Native Hawaiian spiritualist or priests, in service to akua (God) and humanity.
They carry the messages of hope and peace and self-empowerment as brought to them by their ancestors, the holy beings and more.  They are here in service to all seeking the way of peace, for that is the way of God.
 
Honokaa Ki-Aikido Club
Even though Aikido is a “martial  art,” it is not about learning how to overcome others.

Aikido training is learning about ourselves, and learning to live with fuller potential and integrity.  It is learning to live calmly, to live with dignity, and to live with courage and self-esteem, here and now, which the only place and time that really counts.

Aikido, in other words, is training to lead a positive and successful life. 

Hula Halau o Aloha
Hula Halau o Aloha, led by kumu Aloha DelaCruz, will perform a joyous Tahitian dance in celebration of peace.
 
Dominick Yagong
Dominick Yagong, our County Councilman, is joined by his wife, Hilda, and their children.  Councilman Yagong provided tremendous support to the Peace Parade.
 
Dwight Takamine
State Representative Dwight Takamine has been an enormous help to the Peace Parade Committee.
 
Mayor Harry Kim
Former Honokaa High School Social Studies teacher and football coach, and Mayor of Hawaii County, Harry Kim.
 
Bishop Thomas Okano
Bishop Thomas Okano is the leader of the Honpa Hongwanji Buddhist temples for the entire State of Hawaii, headquartered in Honolulu.

This parade is made possible by the generous support of the Temples’ Propagation Grant, and the grant from the Committee of Social Concerns.
 

PARADE DAY SCHEDULE:

  • 9:00 – 10:30 Vehicles in the parade should position themselves in the staging area (parking lot above Honokaa High School football field) BEFORE the bulk of pedestrian participants arrive.  This includes flatbed and pickup trucks and cars.  It is very important for safety reasons that the vehicles assemble earlier than the arrival of the 450 people (many of them children) who are participating in the parade.  In addition, it will be extremely difficult to back a vehicle through the parking lot once it becomes congested with the hundreds of participants lining up.
  • 11:00 am  Parade participants should gather to be positioned in the parade (parking lot above Honokaa High School football field).  You will be notified (just prior to the date of the parade) of your unit's number position in the parade.  Odd numbers will be positioned on the mauka side of the driveway, and even numbers on the makai side of the driveway.  You will be given numbers to post on your float or to be carried by your leading marches so that the emcees and judges and identify your group.
  • Arrive in Honokaa early so that you can find parking before heading to the staging area.  Please do not park along the parade route on Mamane Street. Good “sneak spot” to park would be behind (Waipio side) of the cafeteria, across the street from the parking lot (look towards Waipio).
  • You will be assigned a parade marshal who will stay with your group the entire parade route.  He / She will provide you with further instructions regarding signaling for slowing down, stopping, re-starting, etc.
  • 11:45 am  Participants start moving out and down the hill to the intersection at Mamane Street and Pakalana.
  • 12:00 noon  Parade starts down the route, led by a police escort, followed by the color guard (Boy Scouts).
  • Parade continue along route (oval shape) eventually returning to the high school parking lot.
  • 1:00 Everyone should CONTINUE TO PERFORM and head past the LAST EMCEE STAND at the festival grounds  Vehicles should continue back to the high school grounds to dismantle or disassemble. 


READ THIS CAREFULLY AND MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THESE  PROCEDURES!  ASK QUESTIONS IF NEEDED!

ALONG THE ROUTE

Watch and Follow the Marshals' Hand Signals!

  • You will be signaled by the marshals first with a CAUTION SIGNAL  (five fingers, meaning "caution-slow-down") and then to STOP (closed fist, or perhaps frantic waving!!).  When halted the ENTIRE PARADE will stop and ALL PERFORMING GROUPS WILL THEN PERFORM.  The strict time limit during these stops will be SIXTY SECONDS.  (Please be prepared to follow this time limit so that you do not hold up the entire parade.)
  • The marshals will give another CAUTION SIGNAL (the same five-fingers, this time meaning "caution, five-seconds left to perform") followed by the signal to STOP PERFORMING AND MOVE ON (waving your group on).  Please stop performing and proceed down the route when signaled.

Follow the Route to the County Sports Complex.   

  • This stop-and-go procedure will continue for all participants along the ½ mile route PAST the intersection of Mamane and Lehua (T. Kaneshiro Store), at which time participants will proceed mauka on Lehua and onward PAST the County sports complex and THE FINAL EMCEE STAND WHERE THE JUDGES WILL BE.  Disassembly of floats and parking of vehicles should take place at the high school.  Watch for traffic direction from marshals.
  • Remember to kokua by not leaving any rubbish on the premises of the high school  parking lot.
  • The Contact Person for the group must be (or designate someone to be) responsible for leaving your group's staging (high school parking lot) and finishing area (County sports complex parking lot) clean and tidy.

Head to the Festival and Have a Good Time!

Do's and …

  • DO remember the theme of this parade, "Peace, Compassion and Awareness of Interdependence."  Please try your best to express this CREATIVELY in your display or performance piece.
  • DO send in your Narrative as soon as possible if you have not yet done so.  DO include something about your group’s involvement or activities or feelings about Peace, Compassion and Awareness of Interdependence in your Narrative.
  • DO describe your performance piece in the Narrative.
  • DO remember to do your best performance in front of the 5th (last) emcee stand, where the judges will be (the park area as the parade passes the site of the festival).
  • DO include signs or posters and banners that speak for themselves, presenting your information.
  • DO make the signs and posters legible with large printing, displayed on BOTH sides of your exhibit.
  • DO keep in mind that both you and your presentation should be waterproof, just in case ....
  • DO get to Honokaa early so that you can find parking (away from the parade route).
  • DO ask questions or contact us if you need help with anything as soon as possible.
  • DO tell all your family, friends and acquaintances to come out to see the parade.  Call, talk to, or e-mail as many people as you can.  Just send them a link to our website: 

www.peacedayparade.org


DON'T let anyone you know miss seeing the Big Island's
  BEST PARADE ever!
09-17-08
 

There will be a 12 noon  step-off, with the parade traveling approximately 0.20 miles (past the first emcee stand) and arriving at the Second Emcee stand  During the first six to eight minutes that it takes to travel that distance entrants are free to (and encouraged to) entertain while the parade is on the move. 

Upon the head of the parade arriving at the Second stand the ENTIRE PARADE will come to a standstill for 60-SECONDS ONLY, in order for the first act to perform.  The parade will then proceed for as long as it takes for the next performing act to reach the Second stand, at which time the ENTIRE PARADE WILL STOP AGAIN for 60-SECONDS to enable that particular act to perform.  The parade will then proceed down the route, REPEATING THE 60-SECOND performance stops in front of the Second stand. 

DURING ALL OF THE STOPS FOR PERFORMANCE THE ENTIRE PARADE WILL STOP AND ALL PERFORMERS ARE TO PERFORM.  This applies as well to all performing acts even AFTER they have passed the announcer stands.  Thus, most of the parade route will get to see ALL of the performing acts performing in front of them.

It is important to remember that the PERFORMANCE STOPS WILL LAST ONLY 60-SECONDS.  Please do not choose to make yourself the exception as that will result in the entire parade being held up by your performance.  Timing is of the essence because we are trying to let the audience see all of the performances but also complete the parade in time for everyone to make it to the festival (which starts at 1 pm).
 

Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, PO Box 1667,  Honoka`a HI 96727  808 775-7232
The Committee is an affiliate of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii,
a registered not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.  Artwork and the words “United Nations” are used with permission.