For Immediate Release: June 30, 2008

DLNR ANNOUNCES MARINE SAFETY ZONES FOR JULY 4 FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
CHANNEL CLOSURES PLANNED FOR ALA WAI AND MAUNALUA BAY

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will briefly close the entrance channels for Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and Maunalua Bay near Hawaii Kai on Oahu, to boats as a safety precaution, due to planned Independence Day fireworks displays on the evening of Friday, July 4.

"We anticipate high boat traffic in the waters off Waikiki and Hawaii Kai in the hours preceding and following the fireworks displays. We ask that users of the entrance channels observe the closure for their own safety and for the protection of the event coordinators," said DLNR Chairperson, Laura H. Thielen.

"We are also advising the public to stay clear of the barges situated off-shore which will serve as launch platforms for fireworks displays. Officers from DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement will be on hand at Maunalua Bay and Ala Wai small boat harbor to keep order and enforce the channel closure and safety zones," said Thielen.

"They will also enforce a safety zone around the fireworks barge in Kailua Bay. If everyone follows these simple requests, we can all enjoy the show and have a safe holiday," she said.

DLNR enforcement officers on boats will restrict vessel ingress and egress starting approximately 30 minutes before the start of the fireworks launch. The channels will be reopened to vessel traffic after the all clear sign is given by event coordinators.

All vessels, thrill craft and kayaks must stay 300 yards away from any location where fireworks will be set off from land sites over the water.

Channel closures are scheduled as follows:

- Ala Wai Channel (access to Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and Waikiki Yacht Club) from 8 p.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m.

- Maunalua Bay Channel (access to Hawaii Kai Marina) from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

DLNR is authorized to close the Ala Wai and Maunalua Bay channels by special rule under Chapter 200 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and Title 13, Chapter 230 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules.

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For more information, media may contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320

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