LIHUE, Hawaii (KHON2) — Every year, the spirit of unity and pride in the 2SLGBTQ+ community of Kauaʻi is celebrated through the Kauaʻi Pride Parade and Festival.
The sixth annual event, scheduled for Saturday, June 1, is set to be an unforgettable occasion filled with joy, inclusivity and vibrant festivities.
Matthew Houck is the chair of the Kauai Pride Parade Committee, and KHON2.com was able to catch up with Houck as he busily prepares for the upcoming festivieis.
“We are so excited to announce our sixth annual Kauai Pride Parade and Festival,” says Houck. The parade, a significant highlight, will take place on Rice Street from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. It all begins at Vidinha Stadium and culminates at the historic county building lawn.
Houck mentioned, “We have over 30 groups in the parade that are businesses and community groups. This is an all-ages and family-friendly event.”
But the festivities do not end with the parade. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the celebration continues with a festival on the county lawn.
Houck enthusiastically describes the planned activities:
“We have a full entertainment lineup, special guests and speakers. Our mayor, Derek Kawakami, will be speaking; and Honolulu council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam will present.”
This year’s grand marshal, Bianka Tasaka, known as the Garden Island Goddess and Princess of Hanalei, will deliver a speech and a special performance.
“Bianka has been a staple of the Kauaʻi community for years, and I’m so excited that we get to honor her this year,” Houck shared.
The festival promises an eclectic mix of entertainment and community spirit. Attendees can look forward to live bands, ballet dancers, drag performances and hula. In addition to the performances, the event will feature food trucks, vendors and over 22 small business vendors and community resources.
Houck emphasized, “This is just a way for our Kauaʻi community to celebrate our LGBTQ+ ʻohana and to have a time to celebrate together to show everyone that this is our community and we belong.”
Reflecting on the history of Kauaʻi Pride, Houck explained that efforts to celebrate pride predate the parade.
Groups like Lamda Aloha and PFLAG have long been active in the community. The first parade in 2019 marked a significant milestone that allowed the community to shut down Rice Street and celebrate in the city center.
“We’ve been going strong since 2019,” said Houck. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to virtual and drive-through events in 2020 and 2021, the spirit of pride remained resilient. “We’ve been going strong again since all the restrictions have been lifted,” he added.
For those interested in participating, there are still opportunities to join the parade or become a sponsor.
“All of this information can be found on our website and on our socials as well on Facebook and Instagram at Kauai Pride Parade,” Houck noted.
The event is a grassroots effort, heavily reliant on the support of generous sponsors and community partners. Houck also highlighted the importance of community connections and support.
The Kauaʻi Pride Parade and Festival is not just an event; it is a powerful statement of love, acceptance and community. It reflects the strength and resilience of the 2SLGBTQ+ community on Kauaʻi and serves as a reminder that everyone belongs.
You can click here to for more information on the parade and festival. You can click here to find them on Facebook and here to find them on Instagram.
As Houck passionately puts it, “We’re just here to create a celebration for our own community to have a good time celebrating our LGBTQ+ ʻohana.” The event is a testament to the enduring spirit of pride and the importance of celebrating diversity and inclusion.
The Kauaʻi Pride Parade and Festival promises to be a day of joy, unity and unforgettable memories.