Fourth of July events and fireworks around O'ahu

Advertiser Staff

• Kailua Fourth of July Parade, 10 a.m., beginning at 'Oma'o Street and traveling along Kainalu Drive; aerobic air show at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks show off Kailua Beach park at 8 p.m.; free.

Fireworks filled the sky above Aloha Tower Marletplace last night in its July Fourth Eve aerial display. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

• Fourth of July Picnic in the Park, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Kapi'olani Park bandstand; entertainment by Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Robi Kahakalau, Colon, 'Ale'a and Maunalua; noon-2 p.m.; free.

• Pearl Harbor Fourth of July Block Party, 2-10 p.m., Merry Point, Pearl Harbor; carnival games, food and entertainment ; fireworks at 8:30 p.m.; free.

• Public tours of the USS Crommelin guided missile frigate, 2-6 p.m., Pearl Harbor Bravo Pier 26; free. Information: 473-2888.

• Fourth of July Celebration, featuring a concert by country singer Juice Newton, aboard the USS Missouri; ship tours 5:30-7 p.m., dancing at 7 p.m., fireworks display over Pearl Harbor 8:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 8:45 p.m.; a benefit for Battleship Missouri Memorial; $25.

• Ala Moana Center's Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Spectacular, concert at 7 p.m. on the 'ewa parking deck (near Sears); fireworks display off Magic Island at 8:30 p.m.; free.

• Marine Forces Pacific Band Fourth of July concert, 6-8 p.m., Dewey Square, Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, Kane'ohe Bay; free.

Respiratory tips

The American Lung Association reports that 200,000 Hawai'i residents suffer from chronic breathing problems such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, and fireworks may trigger an episode.

Here are some tips for those who may encounter heavy smoke from fireworks:

• Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.

• Drink plenty of fluids to loosen mucus and help you cough. Warm beverages tend to work best.

• Stay indoors, close windows and doors, and use an air conditioner or air purifier with a good filter.

• If you have medications, put them in a convenient place.

• Avoid people who have colds or other lung infections.

The Lung Association advises those with problems to contact their physicians and not allow a respiratory condition to linger.

Pet care

Fireworks often cause pets to become frightened, run away and become lost. The Hawaiian Humane Society offers the following precautions for pet owners:

• Make sure pets are wearing identification.

• Make sure you have several photographs of each pet in the event a pet is lost.

• If pets need sedatives to keep them from getting overly frightened, get a prescription from your veterinarian. Human tranquilizers are dangerous for animals.

• Keep pets indoors when fireworks are going off. If a pet is kept outdoors, bring it into the garage or onto an enclosed lanai.

• If possible, stay with your pets to comfort and reassure them.