LAHAINA >> Merchants along Lahaina’s Front Street say they are looking forward to Halloween being good for business.

Some business owners tell the Maui News they are pleased about the decision to close Front Street for Halloween festivities, despite some community opposition.

The county Cultural Resources Commission says the party, dubbed the “Mardi Gras of the Pacific,” is risqué and disrespectful.

This year’s “Back on Front” Halloween event is sponsored by the county and the Lahaina Town Action Committee. It will be the first time in several years that Front Street will be closed for the festivities.

Merchants say that in previous years when Front Street wasn’t closed, business was slow.