Arrive early to see Kailua’s fireworks

Everyone loves their nearest Fourth of July fireworks show, but Kailuans have always been particularly proud of their beachside exhibition.

In 2005, though, the spectacle lost its longtime permanent sponsor, the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, which decided to focus on the town’s parade. So ever since there’s been a fundraising effort to pull together the fireworks financing, which fell short in 2012, leading to the event’s cancellation.

No worries this year: The pyrotechnics are on for 8 p.m. Of course, the challenge will be getting to the scene. There are also strict parking restrictions in effect, especially in Lanikai, which had been swamped on recent holiday weekends. So celebrate the Fourth in Kailua! But you’d better declare your independence from your vehicle some distance away, and walk to the beach.

U.S. women’s soccer takes world stage

For fans of America’s women soccer team who hold down regular jobs and don’t have DVR, it’s been frustrating being unable to witness the team’s performances in the quadrennial World Cup matches — especially since the team has been winning relentlessly and now is scheduled to face off against Japan in the grand finale.

The good news: The World Cup championship will be on a day and time accessible to most people in Hawaii — Sunday at 1 p.m.

Being broadcast here by KHON the day after the Fourth of July, it will be another opportunity to exhibit your nationalist pride.