By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– As celebrations are held across the island marking our nation’s Independence Day, Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) would like to take this opportunity to highlight some special opportunities, while requesting the public’s cooperation in making this a fun and safe holiday.
Similar to years past, professional fireworks displays will be held at Ala Moana Regional Park and off of Kailua and Kalama beach parks.
At Ala Moana Regional Park, the one-time-a-year privilege of remaining in the park overnight will continue to allow park users the ability to establish picnic and firework viewing sites. The park is normally closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily, but for one night only (from July 3 to July 4) park users will be allowed to remain in the park during those closure hours. Only two people per site are allowed to remain during the overnight period, with a single canopy per site measuring no more than 10’ by 10’and having three open sides.
No vehicles will be allowed to enter or remain in the park during this overnight period. Vehicles may enter at 4 a.m. on July 4. Park closure hours resume at 10 p.m. on July 4, which includes removal of vehicles from the parking lot areas. Any vehicles left in the parking lot areas during these periods will be towed at the owner’s expense.
In addition, officers with the Honolulu Police Department will be present to enforce the following park rules, which include but are not limited to:
- No alcoholic beverages
- No dogs or animals other than service animals
- No smoking
- No littering
- No unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as “drones”
- No open fires other than grills
- No fireworks other than permitted, professional displays
- No parking/driving on sidewalks, grass, or other restricted areas (towing will be enforced)
DPR also encourages park users to please dispose of their grilling coals in designated charcoal pits, use pegs no longer than eight inches or other heavy objects (sandbags, etc.) to anchor canopies, and minimize trash while demonstrating malama ʻāina (respecting the land).
This overnight exception for the Independence Day holiday only applies to Ala Moana Regional Park. There are no other changes to other park rules. This includes for the popular fireworks show off of Kailua and Kalama beach parks.
Because of the limited parking at these windward parks, the Kailua Chamber of Commerce is offering free off-site parking and shuttle service for the holiday.
Free public parking is available from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the following locations:
- Kailua Intermediate School
- Kainalu Elementary
- Ka‘ōhao Elementary
- Lau Hala Shops
Continuous shuttle service will be provided from 3:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Lau Hala Shops and Kailua Beach Center.
The Ala Moana fireworks show begins at 8:30 p.m. while the Kailua fireworks show begins at 8 p.m. with a performance by the Marine Corps Forces Pacific band at 6:45 p.m.
We hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe Independence Day holiday!