The United States flag snaps in stiff Kona winds during the Little League District 3 Majors championship baseball game between Central East Maui and Molokai at Eddie Tam Park in Makawao last week. Thursday is the Fourth of July. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

The Maui News

Starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend, Maui Police Department’s Traffic Division will be conducting sobriety check points and saturation points at various locations to address impaired driving over the Fourth of July weekend, police said.

Police advise that people should:

• Plan a safe way home before celebrations begin.

• Designate a sober driver before drinking. It is better to make the decision ahead of time before becoming impaired.

• Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use Uber or Lyft if drinking.

• Call the Maui Police Department at 244-6400 to report impaired drivers.

• If a person intends to drive when impaired, be a true friend and take their keys away and help them make other travel arrangements.

Police will be taking a “zero tolerance approach” to impaired driving. The goal is to promote voluntary compliance with all traffic laws and to reduce motor vehicle crashes.

On Thursday, thousands of people are expected to gather in Lahaina for the annual fireworks show and events sponsored by the LahainaTown Action Committee and Maui County’s Office of Economic Development.

Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 4 to 9 p.m. from Hotel to Baker streets.

There will be live music on the Lahaina Public Library lawn, as well as vendors, shopping and a game show, which runs at 6 and 8:15 p.m. in Campbell Park.

There will be magicians, stilt walkers, face painters, free community concerts and a classic car show.

Parking will be available at Lahaina Cannery Mall, where there will be a shuttle to Front Street. Outlets of Maui has all-day parking for $12. Whalers Village in Kaanapali also has a shuttle to Lahaina, according to a news release.

The American Red Cross also offers safety tips for the holiday. This includes:

• Washing hands before preparing food

• Not leaving food out in the hot sun

• Always supervising the grill when in use. Keep children and pets away from the grill.

• Providing close and constant attention to children when at pools and at the beach

• Knowing that alcohol and swimming do not mix; try not to swim alone but in groups or with a partner.