HILO: Hilo Bay Blast 2017 – Media release courtesy County of Hawaii

The 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks in Hilo, entitled the “Hilo Bay Blast” is a wonderful event that has become a tradition for many families. The County of Hawaii in partnership with Destination Hilo, Hawaii Explosives, the Hilo Jaycees, Downtown Improvement Association, and the State of Hawaii are proud to present Hilo Bay Blast 2017. This year’s Fourth of July Celebration will feature various activities throughout the day culminating with the traditional Fireworks Exhibition at 8 p.m. in Hilo Bay. On July 4th beginning at 7 a.m. the “Salute to Our Veterans”, Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk at Lili’uokalani Gardens starts the celebration! In recognition of all those in uniform, Past, Present and Future, the walk is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Post 3830 and will award prizes for various categories. A $25.00 registration fee is required. Space is still available. For more additional information or to register visit www.ASaluteToOurVeterans.org. or contact Mike or Pat Sauer at (808) 965-0565 or by email webmaster@ASaluteToOurVeterans.org. Children’s activities will be available at the Mo’oheau Ball Field and will feature water slides, bouncers and the “Wicked Bowls” wagon. The cultural “BBQ Burger Cook-off”, coordinated by the All-Hawaii Veteran’s Group will once again be located at the commuter Parking lot on the Makai side of Kamehameha Avenue. BBQ hamburgers along with other food items will be offered for sale. All specialties at the Cook-off will be flavored with a secret BBQ mixture—sure to please everyone’s palate. For more information on the “BBQ Burger Cook-off” contact Jeno Enocencio of the American Legion, Post 3, (Lone Soldier Honor Guard) at (808) 542-8666. The commuter parking lot will be home to other food vendors offering a variety of “onolicious” grinds for everyone to enjoy. Across the street at the Mauka Soccer field, the “Hot Rides Expo” will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a display of hundreds of vintage, classic and futuristic cars. Car enthusiasts from all parts of the Island are shining up their “prides of joy” to participate in this year’s event, which is free of charge and open to the public. Individuals interested in participating in the Car Show can call Francis Rodillas at (808) 896-3467 or at francishrodillas@gmail.com On stage at the Expo will be Backyard Boys, Times Five, Average Joe, Bobby Reno Band, and the Ol’ School Band. The show starts promptly at 10 a.m. and will continue to 4 p.m. Sound and technical assistance will be provided by Pepe Romero of CJ Promotions. The Isles, located across the Lili’uokalani Gardens have been designated as the Kupuna Viewing station. The Elderly Activities Division will provide shuttle service from the Kamana Center beginning at 3 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m. Return shuttle will run from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. for return trip to Kamana Center. Individuals 55 years and older should contact Elderly Recreation Services at 961- 8710 for more information. In order to give the public additional viewing area for the fireworks, Lihiwai Street which runs through Lili’uokalani Gardens will be closed and blocked for the entire day on the Fourth of July. The road will re-open on July 5th. Additional parking will be available at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium grounds on the paved, Pi’ilani Street side. Mass transit will provide free shuttle service to and from the Bayfront area beginning at 10 a.m. and will run continuously to 9 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off will be at the covered front entrance to the Civic. In an effort to make the Bayfront Shoreline accessible for prime fireworks viewing, the Bayfront Highway will be closed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4. Gates at the Mo’oheau Bus Terminal, Mo’oheau Park Ball Field and adjacent Soccer Field will be opened to allow access to this area during the fireworks exhibition. The Hawaii County Band is scheduled to perform their Fourth of July Concert in the Bandstand beginning at 7 p.m. According to Band Director, Paul Arceo, the concert will feature patriotic selections in celebration of Independence Day. Don Pascual of Hawaii Explosives has promised a dynamic display for this year’s celebration. The show is set to begin at 8 p.m. and will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX. Station details can be obtained by calling KWXX at 935-5461. County, State and Federal Public Safety agencies are working together to make the 4th of July event a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. As a reminder the following information is provided for your information: Personal fireworks and smoking are prohibited at all beach parks.

The Wailoa Small Boat Harbor Basin, Vehicle parking area (the parking area at the mouth of Wailoa River) will be locked off to unauthorized vehicles. Only owners of the vessels currently moored in the location will be allowed to park their vehicles in the closed area.

The restroom in that closed area will be open for public use.

Access under the Wailoa Bridge via the catwalk will be closed.

No open fires are allowed in the small boat harbor and mooring areas.

No fireworks or alcohol are allowed in the small boat harbor and Wailoa State Park.

Operation of drones within 5 miles of the Hilo Airport is prohibited.

All marine vessels including kayaks, all types of canoes and Stand-up Paddling Boards operating at night are required to have navigation lights and Personal floatation devices.

A 100 yard safety zone will be set around the Fireworks barge; unauthorized vessels are not allowed to moor, drift, traverse or enter this area. DOCARE officers will be assisting this event on sea and land. For more information call the East Hawaii DOCARE District office at (808) 933-3460. The County of Hawaii would like to invite the public to attend this alcohol, drug and litter free event coordinated in collaboration with private enterprise, community organizations and government. On behalf of the County of Hawaii, we thank the many private and community agencies that work cooperatively to present this annual celebration. More information can be obtained by calling the Culture & Education Office at 961-8706.

As a reminder, DLNR says tents are not permitted at Wailoa River State Park in Hilo.

KAILUA-KONA: Kailua-Kona Independence Parade & Fireworks – Media release courtesy County of Hawaii

Get set for the fun in Kona on Tuesday, July 4. The Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association announces that the festivities feature the 22nd Annual Kailua-Kona Independence Parade, whose theme is “Stars and Stripes Forever!” The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. at Kona Kekuaokalani Gym (near the Kona Old Airport), and proceeds down Kuakini Highway and Palani Road to Ali‘i Drive, finishing at Coconut Grove Marketplace. This year’s Grand Marshal is Command Sgt. Maj. James K. Hussey, U.S. Army (retired), of Kailua-Kona. The fireworks show by Hawai’i Explosives & Pyrotechnics, Inc. kicks off at 8:00 p.m. The 10-minute show is produced off a barge on Kailua Bay, with widespread visibility. Sponsors of the fireworks include the County of Hawai’i, Kona Commons, Royal Kona Resort, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, McDonalds, Manini Holdings, Ironman Foundation, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Coconut Grove Marketplace, and SVN Clark Commercial Group. For more information, or to become a sponsor, please visit: www.paradesinkona.com. You may also call the Kona Mayor’s Office at 323-4444 for more information. *Suggested parking at Kona Old Airport, where spaces are plentiful. There are many places to park and walk to the village area to enjoy the parade and the fireworks.

WAIMEA: Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races – courtesy Parker Ranch

Parker Ranch will celebrate its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage at the 55th Annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea. While celebrating our nation’s independence, Parker Ranch paniolo, will be joined by other nearby ranches for a round-up of traditional rodeo events, including horse races, ranch mugging, team roping and more. These events will definitely showcase the skills that have made Hawaiian paniolo famous throughout the world and which continue to keep the unique ranching lifestyle and culture alive in Hawai’i. Fast paced rodeo action begins shortly after the 9:00 am grand entry parade and continues non-stop until 12 noon. The day starts with the traditional pomp and circumstance with the introduction of the ranch teams and raising of the flags. Under a beautiful summer sky, horse racing action kicks off a morning of excitement–the 1/4 mile, 1/8 mile, and relay races are always a thrill. In the midst of racing fever, skills and pride are on the line during the “friendly” ranch competition taking place in the arena. This popular community event provides an opportunity to see Hawai‘i’s cowboys in action while enjoying a variety of crafts and food from local businesses which include Village Burger, Hina Rae’s, Hula Mama’s Funnel Cakes & Fried Oreos, Aunty Peaches Onolicious Poi Balls, as well as non-profit youth groups that include North Hawaii Little League and Waimea Athletics. The Hawaii Quarter Horse Youth Association will be providing horse rides for the keiki (children) and Alohi Akamai will be running a Petting Zoo. For those who enjoy having a memento, Parker Ranch commemorative logo items will be conveniently available at the arena at the Parker Ranch Store booth. Each year the festivities also include recognizing an individual or group who has contributed to our island community. This year Parker Ranch will honor, Cattleman and Rancher, James Greenwell. Tickets for the July 4th event are available in advance for $7 or $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, call 808-885-7311 or visit www.parkerranch.com. The rodeo grounds are 37 miles by car from Kona International Airport and 57 miles from Hilo Airport on Highway 190. Parker Ranch Inc. is a highly respected cattle ranch known for quality beef, producing ten million pounds of beef each year and ranking as the 9th largest cow-calf operation in the United States.

KOHALA COAST: Family Fourth At Waikoloa Beach Resort – courtesy Waikoloa Beach Resort

From the big splash of a thousand yellow ducks to the fantastic fireworks finale with music by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, the Family Fourth is a great way to celebrate the red, white and blue. Waikoloa Beach Resort’s free, all-day event features nonstop entertainment, balloon art, carnival games and treats for all ages, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Kings’ Shops, Queens’ MarketPlace and Waikoloa Bowl. Family Fourth begins at 10:30 a.m. with opening oli (chant) and traditional hula kahiko at Kings’ Shops, followed by Hawaiian music from Komakakino. Leading up to the big race at 3 p.m., great entertainment by Micah De Aguiar with Kuleana, and Lito Arkangel. And afterward, one of Hawaii’s favorite singer-songwriters, John Cruz. (See schedule below). Special promotions will be offered from select merchants throughout the Shops. The 26th Annual Rubber Duckie Race, is a major fundraiser for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii (UCPA). Thousands of rubber duckies are adopted by people from near and far, who gather around Kings’ Lake to watch their ducks take the plunge, and cheer them on to the finish line. Winners reward their owners with valuable prizes. To adopt a duck, call Kings’ Shops office, at 886-8811. All proceeds benefit UCPA of Hawai‘i. At Queens’ MarketPlace, salsa lovers from around the island bring their dancing shoes to join the Salsa Latinos at the Coronation Pavilion at 12 noon. At the same time, attendees can enjoy a fun selection of Carnival Games with prizes, amazing balloon-twist art by Balloon Monsoon, and cotton candy and popcorn stands. Tomi Isobe Blues Band, DamStr8, Lorenzo’s Army and the Larry Dupio Blues Band fill the day with music. Doors open to Waikoloa Bowl at 4:30 p.m., for an exciting concert by Tomi Isobe Blues Band and the powerful sound of the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, followed by a fireworks extravaganza. From their station at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the Band travels across the Islands, to Japan and throughout the Pacific region to perform hundreds of musical concerts each year. For Family Fourth, the Band will be playing a variety of pop, rock and R&B hits, as well as patriotic music for the fireworks extravaganza that lights up the sky at Waikoloa Bowl. Beach mats or chairs are welcome for open lawn seating in Waikoloa Bowl. Coolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. This is a non-smoking event. Waikoloa Beach Resort would like to thank the Hawaii County Fire Department for co-sponsoring the community fireworks display. For more information visit www.WaikoloaBeachResort.com or call Queens’ MarketPlace office at 886-8822. July 4 Schedule of Events: Kings’ Shops

10:30 a.m. Opening chant and hula kahiko

11 a.m. Komakakino with Hālau

12 p.m. Micah De Aguiar with Kuleana

1:30 p.m. Watermelon Eating Contest

2 p.m. Lito Arkangel

3 p.m. 26th Annual Rubber Duckie Race for UCPA of Hawai‘i

3:30 p.m. John Cruz

4:30 p.m. Duck Calling and Duck Waddling Contests

5:30 p.m. Award Ceremony at Center Stage Queens’ MarketPlace, Coronation Pavilion

12 p.m. Salsa Latinos

12-5 p.m. Cotton candy, popcorn, balloon art by Balloon Monsoon, Carnival games throughout Queens’ MarketPlace

2 p.m. Tomi Isobe Blues Band

3 p.m. DamStr8

4 p.m. Lorenzo’s Army

5 p.m. Larry Dupio Blues Band

8:30 p.m. Music by Full Circle at the Coronation Pavilion, to wind down the night Waikoloa Bowl

4:30 p.m. Entrances open to Waikoloa Bowl

5 p.m. Music by Tomi Isobe Blues Band

6:30 p.m. United States Air Force Band of the Pacific

8 p.m. FIREWORKS SHOW For more information visit QueensMarketPlace.net or call 886-8822.

KOHALA COAST: Turtle Independence Day Celebration – courtesy Mauna Lani Resort

WHEN: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. WHERE: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows | Kohala Coast, Island of Hawaii DETAILS: Since 1989, Mauna Lani has received juvenile honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) from Oahu’s Sea Life Park, and has raised them in the saltwater ponds of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel. The honu are cared for until they grow to a size and weight that are deemed appropriate for release into the wild. This release occurs every July 4th at the ocean’s edge fronting the hotel. On Tuesday, July 4, 2017, the honu will be gathered at 10:30 a.m. from the Honu Ponds and paraded to the beachfront for the release. A welcome ceremony with a hula performance by Halau Waiau will kick off the event followed by the release. This annual celebration honors the honu and helps educate the public about the Hawaiian green sea turtle. Families are invited to join the celebration! – Live entertainment

– Educational display about Hawaiian green sea turtles

– July 4th fare available for purchase, including favorites from island food trucks

KOHALA COAST: Beach parks close early – courtesy Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks will conduct early closures of three West Hawaii parks on the Fourth of July holiday.

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 will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“We are closing these facilities early to discourage use of fireworks, which is prohibited in state parks, and to protect the public and natural resources of the areas,” said DLNR Chairperson Suzanne Case.

Normal park hours will resume on Wednesday, July 5, 2017

VOLCANO: 4th of July Celebration – courtesy the Cooper Center’s Volcano Community News