Honolulu City Lights 2023 kicks off

A large crowd gathers outside Honolulu Hale for the Tree Lighting Ceremony for Honolulu City Lights

Honolulu City Lights 2023 is underway! A tree lighting ceremony was held Saturday, Dec. 2 at Honolulu Hale. Mayor Rick Blangiardi and his wife Karen Chang flipped the switch to illuminate the massive Christmas tree, which serves as the centerpiece for the holidays on Oʻahu.

“Tonight is one of those special moments that we celebrate together,” Mayor Blangiardi told the crowd. “Getting to be part of Honolulu City Lights is one of the things I enjoy most as Mayor of the great City and County of Honolulu. But truly, the greatest privilege is being able to work on your behalf to make this city even better.”

After his speech, Mayor Blangiardi joined the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade that traveled from ʻAʻala Park to the Net Mender sculpture and water feature at the intersection of S. King Street, South Street and Kapiolani Boulevard. Thousands of people lined the roadway to see the dazzling displays, floats, vehicles and marching bands that passed by.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi poses with friends along the Public Worker's Electric Light Parade during Honolulu City Lights

Children wave along the Public Worker's Electric Light Parade during Honolulu City Lights

If you missed the event, don’t worry! Honolulu City Lights is free and open to the public! The City Employee Tree Exhibition and the Wreath Contest inside Honolulu Hale will be open from 7:45 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily from now till Dec. 31st. And of course, you can see all the magical decorations on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds whenever you like! They’re on display throughout the holidays.

The City’s Department of Facility Maintenance was in charge of Honolulu City Lights this year, led by Program Coordinator Warren Mamizuka, while City employees Teresa Fonseca and Coranne Park-Chun devoted an unbelievable amount of time and effort to make the event spectacular.

Honolulu City Lights is also made possible by the non-profit Friends of Honolulu City Lights, which provides valuable support for the annual tradition. This year, the City honored two amazing women who were part of that organization and who helped lay the foundation for this joyous occasion; Mildred Courtney and Carol Costa.

Mildred Courtney was part of the Friends of Honolulu City Lights for more than 20 years. She was a strong, influential, and caring person who was a driving force for this celebration. Mildred passed away on October 9th at the age of 96.

Carol Costa, meanwhile, was known as the “Mother of the Honolulu City Lights.” She earned that title by taking charge back in 1985 when Mayor Frank Fasi said he wanted Honolulu Hale to be more festive during the holidays. Carol started off with a 50-foot pine tree. Soon, there were some snowmen figures and before long Honolulu Hale was home to Shaka Santa, and Tūtū Mele, and many other festive holiday displays.

It’s thanks to people like Mildred and Carol that we have this wonderful tradition where the Aloha spirit meets the Christmas spirit. Even though they passed away this year, their legacy lives on. And it’s one we can all enjoy every year.