Tiger Wong Revs Up Waimanalo Christmas Parade Saturday

Tiger Wong riding with granddaughter Iana in 2013. Photo from Zombie Frog Productions.

By Terri Hefner

You’ll likely hear Waimanalo Christmas Parade’s grand marshal coming before you actually spot him.

Lifelong resident Tiger Wong, 95, leads this year’s march from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 13).

A Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead resident, Wong is “quite a character,” said parade founder and coordinator Andy Jamilla, “and he rides a Harley.”

Wong is all revved up and ready to go, as he’s already been busy spreading cheer this holiday season. He also served as grand marshal for Street Bikers United Oahu Chapter’s 40th annual Hawaii Toy Run Parade Dec. 6, to support U.S. Marines’ annual Toys for Tots campaign.

This Saturday’s Waimanalo march starts at Kumuhau and Humuniki streets and proceeds down Kalanianaole Highway for two miles to finish at Waimanalo Beach Park, where the parade committee will provide a free lunch of chili, rice, hot dogs, chips, juice and water for all parade participants, which include Kailua High School Marching Band, the Marine Color Guard and military vehicles — and, of course, Santa.

Watch for Mrs. Kaneohe 2014 Michele Navarro Ishiki, who will be aboard the Mothers Against Domestic Violence float dedicated to deceased area residents Jolyn Kipapa and Shanell Moku, and their families. The two women lost their lives to domestic violence.

Joining guest of honor Mayor Kirk Caldwell, marchers will include state Reps. Ikaika Anderson and Chris Lee, and state Sen. Laura Thielen, as well as church groups and, according to Jamilla, “anyone who believes in Christmas.”