Compiled by Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.com Contributing Editor

The Big Island is offering up a slew of Independence Day events and activities.

Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona have issued the following proclamation: 

Aloha and Happy Independence Day! 

On this day 233 years ago, 56 American patriots signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Penn. forever changing the world and creating the foundation of our nation. 

As citizens of this great nation, we value the principles of freedom, opportunity and democracy that still define the United States of America today.  

As we celebrate this historic event each year, it is important to reflect on how many of America’s bravest men and women sacrificed their lives so that we may live in peace. Throughout our country’s history, courageous men and women have willingly answered the call to defend our inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  

Whether you are barbecuing under the fireworks or relaxing with your loved ones, we hope you and your ohana enjoy this holiday and take time to reflect on its significance, while keeping our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, stationed around the world, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  

Aloha, 

Linda Lingle 

Governor, State of Hawaii 

James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. 

Lieutenant Governor, State of Hawaii 

 

HILO

Festivities at Hilo Bayfront include canoe races, Paradise Cruise Classic Car Show and Hilo Bay BBQ Cookoff, followed by Hawaii County Band concerts at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. fireworks show from Coconut Island.

Bayfront Highway will be closed 6-10 p.m. Saturday for the safety of fireworks viewers in the area. Shuttle bus service will be available from parking lots at various locations; and

Tents, canopies, alcohol and personal fireworks are strictly prohibited.

Three pedestrian gates are located along the fence along the Bayfront Highway and will be marked with orange flags.

Parking available:

* Aupuni Center parking lots on Pauahi Street.

* Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lots.

* Soccer field on the downtown (Hamakua) side of Kumu Street.

* Designated disabled parking available in all parking areas, and an area exclusively for disabled parking at the Liliuokalani Park Tea House parking lot.

* No parking along Kamehameha Avenue or the adjacent open fields.

Free round trip shuttles provided by Mass Transit yellow buses 10 a.m.-10 p.m. between designated parking areas and viewing sites. Shuttles are equipped with lifts to accommodate persons with disabilities. 

KONA

The Rotary Club of Kona, Kailua Village Business Improvement District, Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association, and the county sponsor the Kailua-Kona Fireworks Celebration, 8:30 p.m. Saturday over Kailua Bay.

Preceding the fireworks will be the Fourth of July parade, starting 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Kekuaokalani Gym. The parade will run along Palani Road to Alii Drive and end at Coconut Grove Marketplace.

The theme of the parade is “Celebrate Freedom.” Grand Marshal is Judge Ronald Ibarra. The county float will feature Mayor Billy Kenoi.

Hawaii Explosives Pyrotechnics, Inc., launches the 10-minute fireworks display from a barge in the bay.

Announcing stations during the parade will be at West Hawaii Today, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Life Church of Kona, Pancho and Lefty’s, Kimo’s Family Buffet, Waterfront Row, Island Lava Java and Coconut Grove Marketplace.

Awards will be given to parade entries in the following categories: Keiki, Floats, Patriotic, Marching, Best Lights, Judge’s Special, Best Use of Theme and Best Crowd Pleaser.

Sponsors are continuing to raise funds for the event.Online donations may be made at the Independence Day Parade Web site, www.konaparades.com.

WAIKOLOA

Waikoloa Beach Resort hosts its free “Family Fourth” extravaganza 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday. All events take place at Queens’ MarketPlace, except Rubber Duckie Race, which is on the Kings’ Lake.

Schedule:

* 10 a.m. – Keiki Activities (face painting, popcorn and cotton candy, “Balloon Monsoon”)

* 1-3 p.m. – Good Times Jazz Band, Coronation Pavilion

* 3-4 p.m. – Rubber Duckie Race, Kings’ Lake (Kings’ Shops) to benefit United Cerebral Palsy Association

* 4-6 p.m. – Salsa Latinos, Coronation Pavilion

* 6-8:30 p.m. – U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens

* 8:30 p.m. – Fireworks set to live music

TURTLE INDEPENDENCE DAY

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel celebrates another Turtle Independence Day.

Since 1989, baby honu have been nurtured in the saltwater ponds of  the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and released on July 4. At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the turtles will be paraded to the beach for the release. The free event also offers up tons of information about endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles. 

There will be free live entertainment and educational displays along with a Fourth of July barbecue available for purchase.  

KOHALA

The annual Kohala Hongwanji Bon Dance kicks off with a 6 p.m. service followed by dancing and concessions at 7 p.m. The event is located at Kohala Hongwanji, Akoni Pule Highway in Kapaau.  

NAALEHU

Naalehu’s parade, with pa‘u riders, classic cars, floats and more, starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Naalehu ball park, followed by a hoolaulea with food, crafts and entertainment emceed by radio personality Kahikina. Festivities continue through 6 p.m.  

VOLCANO

Celebrations at the Cooper Center in Volcano Village begin 8 a.m. Saturday. Events include the annual parade, a craft fair, food booths, entertainment, games and fun for the whole family.  

FIREWORKS

Personal use fireworks may only be set off between the hours of 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday. Also, a permit is required.

Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira reminds the public that it is illegal to:

1. Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks;
2. Throw fireworks from a moving vehicle; or
3. To set off any fireworks:
   • At any time not within the time periods as permitted;
   • Within 1,000 feet of any operating hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly or animal hospital;
   • In any school building or on any school grounds and yards on any occasion; and
   • On any highway, alley, street, sidewalk or other public way; in any park, or within 1,000 feet of a church during the periods when services are held.
4. To sell, to offer to sell, or to give any fireworks to minors, and for any minor to possess, purchase, sell, or set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult.

The Hawaii Fire Department also asks everyone to do their part to prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks:

• Please use care when setting off fireworks.
• Children playing with fireworks must be under adult supervision. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause serious injuries.
• Fireworks should be set off in a safe area away from any dry grass or flammable materials.
• Dispose of used fireworks properly, and have water or a fire extinguisher on hand in case of a fire.

Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers.