Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, July 3, 2023

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS move from Nāʻālehu to Volcano on Tuesday, with the parade beginning at 8:30 a.m. along Old Volcano Highway from the post office, turning left onto Wright Road to Cooper Center. Walkers and riders range from Miss Liberty and Uncle Sam to an animal sanctuary, the Hare Krsina group, Hawaiian civic organizations, Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences and much more. The event following the parade at Cooper Center runs until 1 p.m. with food, music, crafts and farmers market sales, children's games and a large silent auction from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The licensed public fireworks displays on this island will be launched from barges at Hilo Bay and Kailua Bay at 8 p.m.

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WITH FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES ONGOING, Hawai‘i Police Department, and the U.S.

Ka'u Auto Repair & Towing promotes safe and sober driving with its entry into every Independence Day Parade in Nāʻālehu. Photo by June Domondon

Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration teamed up to remind drivers about the deadly consequences of drug-impaired driving. Their statement says, "If your 4th of July holiday plans include celebrating with friends and family and then driving, remember: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. “When it comes to drug use behind the wheel, just don’t do it,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Program Manager, “Drugs and driving do not mix. We want our community to enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July. There are so many safe, reliable ways to get where you’re going. If you are taking any type of drug, plan ahead for a sober ride.” “When it comes to drug use behind the wheel, just don’t do it,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Program Manager, “Drugs and driving do not mix. We want our community to enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July. There are so many safe, reliable ways to get where you’re going. If you are taking any type of drug, plan ahead for a sober ride.”HPD notes that most people know that using illicit drugs will impair judgement while driving, however, even over-the-counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects.

    Take caution before driving after using any medication. If you find yourself drug-impaired, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while drug impaired, take the keys away and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later. If you’re a designated driver, stick to the plan: don’t use drugs (legally or illegally obtained)."

Thy Word Ministries took first place in the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade. Photo by Lee McIntosh