A $100 fine was suspended by Judge Kelsey Kawano against Makawao parade organizer for a complaint filed against her by the Maui County. Maui attorney Cary Virtue defended Client who was summoned to court by the Maui County for staging horses in the Veteran’s Cemetery parking lot, as she has done for the past 22 years without hassle, for the annual Makawao Fourth of July Parade. Judge Kawano stated the fine would remain suspended as long as Client doesn’t incur any other no trespass related offenses in the next six months.

After the ruling and outside of the courtroom, Client stated that she didn’t think anything would come of it all since she was just doing “business as usual” and wasn’t trying to defy anyone or cause any trouble. “I was just doing my parade as I’ve done for the past 22 years, and my 23rd year… I’m sorry. I’m really thankful that the judge was so kind and just waived the fee.”

Defense attorney Cary Virtue took the case pro bono to defend Client and described her to the judge as a “well-liked teacher at Makawao Elementary School and who has spent hundred, if not thousands of hours organizing the parade.” Client had secured a permit from the county to begin the parade in the cemetery parking lot, but did not apply for a special use permit, which she was unaware she needed to have as well.

Co-counsel on the case, Maui County Council Member Don Guzman also asked the court to suspend the fine. He thanked Client for her volunteer work with the parade over the past 22 years.

The State of Hawaii maintains it must follow National Cemetery Standards, and by having the horses staged on the grounds it could’ve jeopardized its “shrine status” amidst its multimillion-dollar expansion. No issues have come from this year’s parade.

It brings to light that efforts need to be made to provide the Makawao parade with a different area to stage the horses and will be made a part of the next Maui County budget session.