Residents planning to celebrate the 4th of July at Ala Moana Beach Park should be prepared for an extra large crowd this year, Honolulu Police Department officials said today.

Between 40,000 and 50,000 spectators are expected to attend the annual festivities, compared with 25,000 to 40,000 last year. While the Ala Moana area has always been a popular spot for residents on July 4, more people will be out this year because the holiday falls on a Friday, said HPD Sgt. Deric Valoroso.

To accommodate the larger crowds, HPD will add 40 to 50 police officers to its usual area patrol team. Plainclothes and uniformed police officers will be on the lookout for violations of park prohibitions, including the use of fireworks or consumption of alcohol within the park.

Valoroso said officers will arrest people suspected of breaking those rules.

"We're all here to watch the fireworks from the professionals, so let's leave the fireworks at home," he said.

Park entrances will be closed tomorrow at 10 p.m. Residents will be allowed in the park that evening, but no vehicles can be parked in the area overnight, Valoroso said. Gates will re-open Friday at 4 a.m.