With preparations underway for this weekend’s highly anticipated Fiji tribute concert, organizers are focusing on security and safety as an expected 20,000 to 30,000 attendees gather at the Tom Moffat Waikiki Shell.
The immense excitement for the event was clear when tickets sold out within moments of release. “It’s to celebrate a man who meant so much to us,” said promoter Tautua Reed. “He’s a fallen hero in the industry, and hundreds of artists that he influenced and shaped came together.”
To accommodate the large crowd, a ticketed overflow section with a live feed will be set up in Kapiʻolani Park, as the Waikiki Shell’s capacity is limited to 8,500. The remainder of the park will stay open to the public.
A significant presence of the Honolulu Police Department and private security will be on-site to manage the event. “You must have a ticket to enter,” said Dita Holifield, the city’s director of Enterprise Services. “If you do leave, you will not be allowed re-entry.”
Attendees are reminded of several key rules. Prohibited items and activities include:
* Weapons of any kind
* Smoking and vaping
* Consuming alcohol within Kapiʻolani Park
* Unauthorized drones
* Unauthorized commercial activity
Alcohol purchased inside the Waikiki Shell may not be taken out of the venue.
The concert coincides with other major events, including the annual MegaBon at Leeward Community College and a University of Hawaii football game. HPD and Emergency Medical Services have confirmed adequate staffing across the island. “We did know about the other events far in advance, so those districts, as far as the police department is concerned, we’re able to plus up their staffing and… be prepared for any possible outcomes elsewhere,” said HPD Maj. Cliff Ramson. Event promoters are covering the costs for additional services and police overtime.
Parking will be extremely limited, with restrictions in place along portions of Monsarrat, Kapahulu, and Leʻahi avenues. Off-site parking will be available at Waikiki and Jefferson Elementary schools, but not at Kapiolani Community College. A shuttle service will run from the Neal S. Blaisdell Center between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and again from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Gates for the ticketed park viewing areas open at noon, while the Waikiki Shell opens at 4 p.m. For those unable to attend, the concert will be streamed for free on HawaiiNewsNow.com and Fiji’s official YouTube channel.
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