Maui Police Anticipate Crowd of 30,000 at Lahaina Halloween
Lahaina Halloween 2013, file photo courtesy MPD.
By Wendy Osher
Maui police anticipate a crowd of at least 30,000 at the Halloween festivities in Lahaina this year, in part because the Oct. 31 event falls on a Friday, just ahead of the weekend.
The projections are slightly ahead of last year when an estimated 28,000 people attended the event.
Assistant Chief Victor Ramos tells Maui Now that police presence will be very similar to what it was in recent years, with the usual perimeter road blocks keeping traffic off of Front Street during the event.
“Our Traffic Section will be conducting DUI Checkpoints at various locations, as well as roaming DUI Patrols, in the Lahaina District,” said AC Ramos in an email communication this morning. “We ask the public to have a designated driver if they are planning to partake in beverages with alcohol.”
According to Ramos, police will also be monitoring the traffic flow coming into Lahaina before the event begins, and advises motorists to be prepared for slow moving traffic before and after the event.
“For safety, we encourage people to have a “buddy system” as they peruse and enjoy the festivities,” said AC Ramos.
A total of 11 people were arrested during the 2013 Halloween in Lahaina event, including two juveniles and nine adults for infractions that included: second-degree promoting a harmful drug; third-degree promoting a dangerous drug; prohibited acts and drug paraphernalia; third-degree promoting a detrimental drug; obstructing a government operation; resisting arrest; open lewdness; contempt of court; prohibitions involving a minor; drinking in a historical district; first-degree assault against a police officer; third-degree assault; fourth-degree theft; and first-degree escape.
“Aside from these individuals the majority of the public that attended the festivities abided by the laws and ultimately making it a successful event,” said Lieutenant William Juan following last year’s event.
The public is reminded that there will be road closures and slowed traffic due to this year’s event.
Police will be closing Front Street from Baker Street to Prison Street at 3:30 p.m. and anticipate on re-opening Front Street at approximately 11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2014.
“Public safety is our number one concern,” said AC Ramos.
Participants and spectators are reminded of the following safeguards that will be employed during the Halloween festivities:
NO PARKING STREET CLOSURES:
Parking will be prohibited in the following areas between the hours of 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2014 and 2 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2014:
- Front Street, from Prison Street to Baker Street
- Dickenson Street, from Front Street to Baldwin House Parking Lot.
- Lahainaluna Road, from Front Street to Waineʻe Street
- Pāpalaua Street, from Front Street to the entrance of the Lahaina Center
Violators will be cited and towed at their own expense.
ENFORCEMENT OF RULES AND LAW:
To ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all, the Maui Police Department will be on special alert for the following violations:
- Drinking of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed or tolerated in public areas. The use of plastic cups, water bottles, or any other drinking container to conceal liquor consumption is prohibited.
- Open lewdness will not be allowed or tolerated.
- Toy replicas of guns, knives, swords, or other types of weapons utilized as part of costumes will be inspected by the police. If found to be real or utilized in a dangerous manner, they will be confiscated and proper charges initiated.
- Throwing eggs, stink bombs or firecrackers may seem funny or amusing, however, it is dangerous and violators will be prosecuted.
- Although creativity is encouraged, costumes that pose a hazard to public safety due to their size or construction will be evaluated and will be banned if deemed inappropriate. Please keep mobility and safety, especially the safety of the pedestrian population at the event, in mind when designing your costume.
- Dogs will not be allowed in the area with the exception of registered service animals.
- Stationary performances within the event area will not be allowed. For example, no stopping to play music, use of drums and/or cymbals, or putting on a skit.
Organizers host a full-return of the event for the fourth consecutive year after a lull in activity between 2008 and 2010 due to a dispute over festivities in the Lahaina Historic District, and failure to secure permits for a road closure on Front Street during those years.
A full schedule of events for the 2014 Halloween in Lahaina celebration is posted at the following LINK.
Click here for full transportation information and schedules.
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