VIDEO: Arakawa Anticipates Strong Attendance at Lahaina Halloween

By Wendy Osher

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OUgYsAfyss /] The Halloween in Lahaina event returns in full-capacity for the first time since 2007,  after permits were secured for an extended street closure.

During a pre-event interview this morning, Mayor Alan Arakawa said, “I’m anticipating this may be one of the more popular events and one of the better attended events (compared to past years).”

“I’m also anticipating that it’s going to be one of the better controlled events because of the sheer volume of attention that’s been put to it,” he said.

The event was allowed to proceed following a hearing in 2nd Circuit Court on Thursday, in which a judge dissolved a TRO request filed by members of the group Na Makua O Maui and Maui resident Richard Dancil.

The injunction request had cited concerns over lewd behavior, skimpy or inappropriate costumes, and the protection of historic and cultural sites, including an ahu at Banyan Tree Park, and the stone monument at Mokuula.

Lahaina Halloween, Maui Now file photo from 2007.

In terms of safety, Mayor Arakawa said there would be more police presence and county personnel on hand than normal.

A First Aid Station and Lost Person Tent will also be placed at Banyan Tree Park on the corner of Front Street and Canal Street.

Mayor Arakawa said he thinks people are aware of the need to select appropriate costumes.

In video coverage of the event during past years, the mayor said, “I didn’t see any more nudity than I’d see at any of the beaches on Maui on any given day.”

This year, there’s also more Port-a-Potties and light towers ordered for the event, than in previous years.  Port-a-Potties will be located on Papaluau, Lahainaluna, Market and Canal Streets.

For a schedule of events, as well as traffic, transportation and safety reminders, visit our previous LINK.