Road closures will be in effect this evening for the 17th annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade, which traverses downtown Kailua-Kona.
Road closures will be in effect this evening for the 17th annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade, which traverses downtown Kailua-Kona.
At 5:15 p.m., Kuakini Highway, between Kaiwi Street and Palani Road, and Alii Drive, between Palani and Walua roads, will close to traffic, according to police and the Kailua-Kona Parade Committee. The parade is expected to take about two hours.
No access will be permitted during the parade to Alii Drive from Palani, Hualalai, and Sarona Roads and Likana and Kakina lanes.
The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Kona Community Aquatic Center, located off Kuakini Highway. It will proceed south on the highway, past West Hawaii Today to Palani Road onto Alii Drive, and then to Walua Road, just past Coconut Grove Marketplace.
This year’s theme is “always celebrate freedom.” The parade will feature six grand marshal representing the military’s six branches.
Among the men selected to honor their branches are Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Yoshida, Marine Corps Sgt. Minoru Hanato, retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Harry B. Pasco, retired Air Force Capt. David Carlson, Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Doug Allen, and Arthur Mahi of the Hawaii Army National Guard. All served during the Vietnam War.
Hawaii Pyrotechnics and Explosives will ignite a fireworks show over Kailua Bay around 8 p.m. or about 40 minutes after the parade concludes. The fireworks are sponsored by local businesses, donors and the county, which is providing funds from its fireworks sales fees.
For more information, visit paradesinkona.com.