Fireworks displays are back on the Big Island, as the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation announced its celebrations to commemorate Independence Day.
The Kailua-Kona Fireworks "extravaganza" takes place on Sunday, July 4, at 8:30 p.m. at Old Airport Beach Park on Kuakini Highway. The parade has been canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions, but the fireworks display will continue, according to the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association, which handles parades in Kona as well as the fireworks display.
The organization is raising money for its fireworks display on its website, along with sponsorship opportunities.
According to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, some of the $37,000 total cost for the fireworks display is derived from county-imposed fireworks permit sales.
In Hilo, the fireworks display will take place at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. The event was paid for through the council contingency account.
In East Hawaii, the Hilo Bay Blast fireworks exhibition will begin at 8 p.m., with professional pyrotechnics set off from a barge moored in Hilo Bay. At the Mo'oheau Bandstand, the Hawaii County Band will present a live accompaniment to the fireworks with a performance that begins at 7 p.m.
On May 25, Gov. David Ige dropped the mask mandate for outdoor settings across all islands.
"I spoke with the county mayors, and we agree this is the right next step," Ige said in the May 25 Facebook post. "We’ve been seeing fewer cases of COVID-19 and have been making good progress on vaccinations. We do highly recommend mask wearing if you are in large groups, even if you’re outdoors. The indoor mandate will remain in place for a little longer as we get more people in our communities vaccinated, but we are getting closer. If our vaccination program is successful, I also expect to make changes to the Safe Travels program next month. Thank you all for doing your part to keep our community safe."
Even with the outdoor face mask mandate lifted, the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation says that masks in crowded areas are encouraged.
Safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic remain in place, which means physical distancing and limits on gathering sizes. Additionally, personal fireworks, alcohol and tobacco use, and e-cigarettes are prohibited at all county and state parks. Big Island Now details all of the Hawaii Fire Department's guidelines for using fireworks.
“With all that, we think we could do a real good and safe 4th of July,” Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina said, according to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.