HONOKA`A, HAWAII—On Sunday, September 19, 2010, the small town of Honoka`a on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast invites the world to join a celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace. Created to promote peace, compassion and awareness of universal interdependence, the 4th Annual Parade & Festival welcomes expressive, entertaining entries from Japan, Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland.

Honoka`a was the setting and film location for the motion picture Honoka‘ Boy, filmed here and in Tokyo, based on a novel by Leo Yoshida and directed by Atsushi Sanada. In fact, the Parade passes directly in front of the Honokaa Peoples Theater, where much of the story takes place. The Parade & Festival provide the small community of Honokaa another moment in the spotlight, with thousands of people in attendance and news coverage on all the major local television network stations.
Beginning at 11 a.m., the Parade is essentially a “moving stage” of bands, floats, clubs, school groups, performance artists and dancers who all entertain as they wind their way down Mamane Street from Honoka‘ High School. Afterward, from 12 noon - 3pm, the Festival takes place in the County Sports Complex with food, vendors, information booths, entertainment and more.

Organizers are currently recruiting groups, businesses and organizations who would like to share their talents and creativity with the global community. The Peace Committee can be contacted c/o Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, PO Box 1667, Honoka`a HI 96727 Phone 808 775-7232, and at info@www.peacedayparade.org.

“The Peace 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.

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