West Hawaii state parks will close early
Three West Hawaii state parks will close early on the Fourth of July holiday.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks will close at 5 p.m. on Saturday the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area (including the Waialea Bay section), Kekaha Kai State Park (including the Maniniowali Beach/Kua Bay and Mahaiula Beach sections) and Kiholo State Park reserve.
Normal park hours will resume on Sunday. Hapuna will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Kekaha Kai from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Kiholo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Swimming pools closed
Hawaii County’s nine swimming pools will be closed July 3 and 4, in observance of Independence Day.
Hilo’s Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto Swim Stadium, Pahoa Community Aquatic Center, Kona Community Aquatic Center and the other pools will return to normal operating hours on July 5, the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation said.
To minimize impacts to pool patrons, the Department of Parks and Recreation will utilize the closure period to remove algae growth, which increases during the hot summer months, and prepare the municipal swimming pools for the busy summer swim season. Staff will post signs at each pool informing patrons of the temporary scheduling change.
Road closures planned for Kona parade
The 20th annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade will get underway at 6 p.m. Saturday. The parade will start at Kekuaokalani Gym and head south on Kuakini Highway before turning down onto Alii Drive. Once on Alii Drive, the parade will traverse the Kailua Village area before coming to an end near Walua Road, just south of Coconut Grove Marketplace.
Road closures will go into effect at 5:45 p.m. Saturday. Road blocks will be in effect at the following intersections: Loloku Street at Kuakini Highway; Kaiwi Street at Kuakini Highway; Palani Road at Kuakini Highway; Kuakini Highway at Palani Road; Kahikina Lane at Alii Drive; Hualalai Road at Alii Drive; Kakina Lane at Alii Drive; Alii Drive at the entrance to Coconut Grove Marketplace; and Walua Road at Alii Drive.
Fireworks prohibited at parks
Fireworks are prohibited at county, state and national parks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Visitors to HVNP will notice “Fireworks Prohibited” signs posted near the entrance to the park, and are reminded that fireworks are not permitted in any national park on any day.
Fireworks can only be used during certain hours
Those who want to celebrate Independence Day with a bang can legally do so using firecrackers, as long as there is a valid permit, and other fireworks that don’t require permits, only during the hours of 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
According to a statement from the Hawaii Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau, there are no retail locations selling firecrackers that require a permit to purchase. Permits are required, however, to set off firecrackers previously purchased. Call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 or 932-2915 if you need to purchase a permit.
Those wanting to buy fireworks that don’t require permits can do so from today until 8 p.m. Saturday.
Although permits are not required, sales of fireworks are limited to buyers 18 and older with valid identification.
It is illegal to buy, sell, possess or set off any aerial luminary device, such as sky lanterns and Hawaii lanterns. Anyone in possession of an aerial luminary device who wishes to dispose of it with amnesty can call the Fire Prevention Bureau.
It’s also illegal for any person to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to a minor, or for any minor to possess or set off fireworks except under adult supervision.
In addition, it’s illegal to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks or to throw fireworks from a vehicle.
It’s also unlawful to set off fireworks: At any time not within the legal time period; 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 property; on any highway, alley, street, sidewalk or other public way; in any park; or within 1,000 feet of a church during services.
Use fireworks safely
To prevent fires and possible injury, use extreme care when setting off fireworks by closely supervising children playing with fireworks at all times; setting off fireworks in dry grass or near flammable materials; and ensuring that fireworks are completely extinguished before being thrown away.
Have a fire extinguisher and/or a water hose ready to use in the event of a fire. And, be sure the water hose(s) can reach all areas of where fireworks activities are being conducted, especially around the entire house. It’s also a good idea to wet down any dry, grassy area before and after setting off fireworks .
Use fireworks only in an area clear of overhead power lines.
Do not string fireworks on utility poles. If an object becomes entangled in an overhead power line, don’t try to free it. Call HELCO’s trouble line at 969-6666.
If using a ladder, pole, or tie lines to set up fireworks, keep a 10-foot clearance from power lines. Power lines are energized and not insulated and could cause serious electrical shock, burn or electrocution.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks .
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
Where to dispose unused fireworks
The Hawaii Fire Department will collect unused and unwanted fireworks on July 10.
Those interested in disposing of fireworks should call 932-2912 for information on pickup and dropoff locations.