HILO » Hilo is getting ready for its first St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports 33-year-old Irishman Sean O’Phelan has been trying to get a parade started since he moved to Hilo in 2009.

He says he was tired of not seeing a parade year after year. He says he thought, "You’re an O’Phelan, you must represent."

And he says you don’t have to be Irish to join in. In fact, he says he wants people to come out in their "coolest Hawaiian gear or greatest Portuguese" outfits because it’s about celebrating community.

Organizers are about $800 short of their goal to host the parade, but will be selling buttons that will allow discounts at area businesses March 1 through March 15, the day of the parade.