HomeMy WebLinkAboutHilo Bay Blast 2016Immediate Press Release
HILO BAY BLAST 2016
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, Hilo Jaycees, Downtown Improvement Association,
and the State of Hawaii are proud to present "Hilo Bay Blast
2016". This year's Fourth of July Celebration will feature various
activities throughout the day culminating with the traditional
Fireworks Exhibition at 8pm in Hilo Bay.
Hilo's Independence Day Celebration will begin on Friday, July 1st
with the Aloha First Friday event featuring a block party on
Furneaux Lane. The event is hosted by the Downtown
Improvement Association and will include live entertainment,
street vendors, food trucks and more! More information can be
obtained by calling the event coordinator, Mat Estrada at (808)
935-8850.
On July 4th beginning at 7am 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 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 contact Mike or Pat Sauer at (808) 965-0565.
This year's BBQ Cook -off is being coordinated by the All -Hawaii
Veteran's Group and will once again be located at the commuter
Parking lot on the Makai side of Kamehameha Avenue. BBQ
plates, sandwiches, chili, hotdogs and ice cream will be offered
for sale from 6am until it's all gone! All specialties at the Cook -off
will be flavored with a "secret" BBQ mixture—sure to please
everyone's palate. Proceeds derived from sales will go to the
American Legion Post 3, 4-H Program, Boy Scouts of America –
Troop 54 and to funding an Honor Guards program on Hawaii
Island.
Across the street at the Mauka Soccer field, the "Hot Rides Expo"
will run from 10am to 4pm 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.
In addition, food vendors will be offering a variety of "onolicious"
grinds for the day's festivities. Everything from plate lunches,
andagi, baked goods, smoothies, and hot dogs will be available
for purchase. There will something for everyone!
On stage at the Expo will be Vaughn Valentino, Girls Night Out,
the Michael Strand Band, Kobudo Taiko group, the New Originals,
Braddah Waltah & Friends and the 01' School Band. The show
starts promptly at 10am and will continue to 4pm. Sound and
technical assistance will be provided by Pepe Romero of CJ
Promotions.
Coconut Island (Moku Ola) is once again designated as the
Kupuna Viewing station. The Elderly Activities Division will
provide shuttle service from the Kamana Center beginning at 3pm
to 7: 30pm. Return shuttle will run from 8:30 — 9:30 pm 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 Fourth of July celebration. The
road will re -open on July 5t"
Mass transit will provide free shuttle service to and from the
Bayfront area beginning at 10am and will run continuously to
10pm. Parking will be available at the Afook Chinen Civic area
and the bus will provide free transportation to the Bayfront area.
In an effort to make the Bayfront Shoreline accessible for prime
fireworks viewing, the Bayfront Highway will be closed from 6pm
to 10pm 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 7pm. 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 pm and
will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX.
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. As a reminder personal fireworks and smoking are
prohibited at all beaches and parks.
On behalf of the County of Hawaii, we thank the many private
and community agencies that work cooperatively to ensure a safe
and enjoyable Independence Day Celebration in Hilo.
More information can be obtained by calling the Culture &
Education Office at (808) 961-8706.
Submitted By:
Roxcie Waltjen, Culture Education Administrator