Mid-Week 4th Keeps Number of Waikīkī Floatilla Revelers in Check

Independence Day Floatilla 7.4.17 PC: Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources.

An estimated 500 to 600 ocean goers participated in the Independence Day floatilla off Waikīkī–that’s about half as many as counted in 2016 and 2017.

State officials with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement called the event “tame” compared to past years.

Mid-week 4th celebrations usually bring fewer people out, but department officials say it’s believed reducing the number of people in the floatilla before they drink too much and have trouble reaching shore contributed to a safer event.

DOCARE officers transported about 100 people to shore with many asking for rides saying they were getting tired and doubted they could make it to shore on their own, authorities said.

As of 6 p.m. there had been no reports or arrests or medical emergencies.