VIDEO: County Counts Down to Holidays With Tree Lighting

By Wendy Osher

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41Wmi8bdUjQ /] The County of Maui celebrated the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony on the lawn of the County Building in Wailuku Wednesday night.

“When you look at all of the people in our community, you just have to realize how blessed we are,” said Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa who led the countdown and donated the tree from the Kula Botanical Gardens.

“We have one of the best places in the world to live.  When you walk around our community, and you see all of your family, friends, and to be able to participate in so many of the good things–it truly is a time for us to reminisce a little bit, and be thankful for all of the things that we do have,” said Mayor Arakawa.

The event also included two Menorahs with a message from Chabad-Maui Hawaii, sharing wishes for a Happy Chanukah. There was also a surprise guest performance by Na Hoku Award Winner Amy Hawaialii, who treated those in attendance to a round of holiday songs.

For tonight’s event, the staff added additional lights for a more dramatic effect; but, in an effort to conserve energy, only the lights that are LED, will be lit up until Christmas from 5 to 9 p.m. daily.

Photo by Wendy Osher.

Photo by Wendy Osher.

County lights, Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

County lights, Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

'Iao School Band. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Lahaina Honolula Seniors group. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Amy Hanaiali'i with Santa. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Event mistress of ceremonies and Morning Goddess of KPOA 93.5 FM, Alaka'i Paleka poses with Santa.

Mayor Alan Arakawa and his wife Ann share a laugh with Santa. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The County Christmas tree was donated by Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. It will be lit daily through Christmas from 5 to 9 p.m. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Executive to the Mayor Randy Piltz, and Council Members Joe Pontanilla and Mike Victorino with Santa. Photo by Wendy Osher.

June Kaaihue and Earl Kukahiko are members of the Lahaina Honolua Kupuna Serenaders. Photo by Wendy Osher.