The 4^th of July celebration and fireworks in Hilo is a wonderful event that has become a tradition for many families. For the third year running, plans have been made that will provide more fireworks viewing area and make it possible for more families to enjoy this day, while addressing safety concerns that have arisen. There has been special concern for children because of excessive drinking, violent behavior, and vehicles driving on the beach and grass areas, especially after dark.

The following public safety agencies have been working together to make this 4^th of July celebration a fun and safe event. These agencies are Civil Defense, Fire Department, Police Department, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Environmental Management, Mass Transit Agency, State Highways, State Parks and DOCARE.

A plan has been developed that involves designated parking areas, free shuttle services, several large public rest tents and road closures. This will provide more good fireworks viewing as well as address public safety concerns. The Bayfront Highway will be closed from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on the evening of the 4^th of July so people can watch the fireworks safely from these areas. Additional parking will be available on the Hamakua side of Kumu Street, where people can then cross Kamehameha Avenue and access Bayfront through gates in the fence. Free shuttles will be available to carry people and their picnic gear from designated parking areas to viewing areas. While Kamehameha Ave. will be open there will be no parking along Kamehameha Ave. or the adjacent open fields. (See map for the permissible parking areas).

Existing regulations prohibiting tents, canopies, alcohol and fireworks will be observed.

We realize that these changes will inconvenience some people who are used to parking on the grass and in the Bayfront area. Please understand that these measures are being taken to make this a safe and fun day for all.

• On and along the Bayfront Highway and beach area. Three pedestrian gates are located along the fence along the Bayfront Highway and will be marked with orange flags.
• The soccer fields along Kamehameha Avenue.
• Liliuokalani Park

• County Building and Aupuni Center parking lots on Pauahi and Aupuni Streets.
• Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lots.
• Soccer field on the downtown (Hamakua) side of Kumu Street.
• Designated disabled parking available in all parking areas, except former Orchid Isle Hotel.

For those parking at Wailoa Center, the State Building, the County Buildings and on nearby mauka streets, please access the viewing area through the crosswalk at Pauahi Street.

• Free round trip shuttles will run to and from designated parking and viewing areas from 3:00pm to 10:00pm on July 4^th. (See shuttle map)
• Shuttles are equipped with lifts to accommodate persons with disabilities.

• Lihiwai Street from Banyan Drive near Coconut Island to Old Isles parking lot, 12:00 noon on July 3 to 10:00 a.m. on July 5.
• Bayfront Highway from Waianuenue Avenue to Wailoa Bridge, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 4. (No parking allowed all day.)
• Pauahi Street from Kamehameha Ave. to Bayfront Highway, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 4.

• To allow for better fireworks viewing and more viewing area on the roadways.
• To ensure the safety of viewers/pedestrians by eliminating traffic.

• To prevent accidents and injuries due to fire.
• To create safer and better fireworks viewing.
• To allow emergency responders to reach people needing assistance.
• Tents and canopies are prohibited in state parks.

Note: Several large public rest tents will be available in designated areas. (See map)

What About Restrooms? Along with permanent facilities, portable toilets will be located throughout the areas.

Please Keep Our Hilo Town Clean: In past years, over 11 tons of litter was left by people and volunteers pitched in to pick it up.

• Trash bags will be distributed by Parks and Recreation personnel on July 4^th.
• Dumpsters will be located throughout the areas. Please use them.