Hawaii County’s official Independence Day celebrations will take place Thursday, July 4, in Hilo and Kona.
“We are proud to be able to offer our community fun and safe activities across the island to celebrate the Fourth of July year after year,” Mayor Mitch Roth said in a statement. “These events provide spaces for us to come together, strengthen our bonds, and create lasting memories.
“By bringing our community together in celebration, we not only honor our nation’s independence but also reinforce the spirit of unity and aloha that defines Hawaii Island.”
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HILO
Beginning at 7 a.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3830 will host the “A Salute to Our Veterans” Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk 2024 at Lili‘uokalani Gardens. For more information or to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3xrbxc7z or email 2024VFW38305K@gmail.com.
From 10 a.m. through 3 p.m., the “Hot Rides Expo,” featuring vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles, will be held at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields (mauka). All show vehicles are welcomed to participate at no charge and may arrive starting at 7:30 a.m. at the former gas station on the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Pauahi Street. Show vehicles are encouraged to stay until 3 p.m.
During the “Hot Rides Expo,” live music will be performed by Saddle Road Band, After Party, Vizion 20/20, Johnny Ness and Hot Potaytahs. Food trucks and children’s activities, including water slides and bounce houses, will be available at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields.
At 8 p.m., the “Hilo Bay Blast” fireworks exhibition will begin with professional pyrotechnics set off from a barge moored in Hilo Bay. The Hawaii County Band will present a live accompaniment to the fireworks with a performance that begins at 7 p.m. at the Mo‘oheau Park bandstand. For those not near the bandstand, the fireworks display will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX.
The Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields have been designated as the Kupuna Viewing Station. The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division will provide shuttle service from the Kamana Senior Center, located at 127 Kamana Street.
The shuttle to the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the return shuttle will run from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Individuals 55 years and older who want to use the shuttle service may contact Elderly Recreation Services at (808) 961-8710 for more information.
Road closures
Lihiwai Street, from Keli‘ipio Lane to the entrance of Isle’s parking lot, will be closed to vehicular traffic from July 4 at 2 a.m. through Friday, July 5, at 10 a.m.
Bayfront Highway, from Waianuenue Avenue to Pauahi Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 p.m. through 10 p.m. on July 4. In addition, all gates along Mo‘oheau Park and the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields will be open to allow pedestrian access to the Hilo Bay shoreline to view the fireworks exhibition.
All Hilo area parks will remain open until 9 p.m. on July 4 only.
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KAILUA-KONA
Presented in partnership with the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association and Fireworks Committee, the Fourth of July parade along Kuakini Highway and Ali‘i Drive begins at 6 p.m.
At 8 p.m., the “Independence Day Extravaganza” fireworks exhibition will begin with professional pyrotechnics set off from a barge moored in Kailua Bay.
For more information, including the complete parade route and list of road closures that will be in effect from 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., visit https://www.paradesinkona.com.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
County, state and federal public safety agencies are working together to make our public Fourth of July events safe and enjoyable for everyone.
As a reminder, the public is advised about the following:
— Personal fireworks and the use of alcohol, tobacco and e-cigarettes are prohibited at all county and state parks. No tents or canopies are permitted.
— Operation of UAVs/drones is prohibited within five miles of the Hilo and Kona airports and within county and state parks.
— All marine vessels (including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards) operating at night must use navigation lights, and all persons on board must have personal flotation devices.
— A 600-foot safety zone will be established around the fireworks barges; unauthorized vessels shall NOT moor, drift, traverse or enter these restricted areas. Officers from the State Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement will be assisting this event on sea and land.
For more information, call the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Culture &Education Division at (808) 961-8706.
“The Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to invite the community to join these festive celebrations in Hilo and Kona that honor our nation’s independence,” Maurice Messina, director of Parks and Rec, said in a statement. “We wish everyone a safe, fun Fourth of July and extend a sincere mahalo to the many businesses, organizations, individual volunteers, and government agencies collaborating to present these events for our residents to enjoy.”