HONOLULU(KHON2) — The city is busy preparing for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational to kick off Sunday, Dec. 22 at 8 a.m., making every effort for it to run smoothly.
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They are urging anyone heading to Waimea Bay to be patient, follow the rules and pay attention to their surroundings at all times.
“We’re anticipating maybe forty to 50,000 people being at the beach,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said. “That’s unprecedented for those familiar with that number.”
When you cram that many people into such a small area and mix it with the unpredictability of mother nature, it can be a recipe for disaster.
Ocean Safety Acting Director Kurt Lager is asking everyone to listen to lifeguards.
“There are going to be very big waves,” Lager said. “(Lifeguards) are gonna ask you to stand as far back as they can from where the water is coming up.”
During the last Eddie in 2023, a rogue wave washed up pulling spectators into the ocean, and several others were also injured that day.
“So heed all warning signs and caution tape. please keep a safe distance and listen to the warnings,” Lager said.
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Waimea Bay parking lot will be closed. Police are putting up barriers and parking will be prohibited along Kamehameha Highway leading to the Bay.
“If cars are found in violation, they’ll probably be cited and possibly towed,” Honolulu Police Department Capt. Cliff Ramson said. “We wanted to ensure the safe and efficient flow of traffic because traffic has always been a concern in the past, especially in that particular area. Our priority is ensuring that emergency vehicles have access.”
Officers will be patrolling on bikes, motorcycles and on foot to keep the road clear.
Waimea Valley will open at 4 a.m. and offer parking for a fee, but it’s pricey and will likely fill up fast.
City transportation services suggests car pooling, or catching TheBus. TheBus is also offering a special shuttle from Weed Circle in Haleiwa to the Bay running every half hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Officials also want to remind everyone there are no organized concessions at Waimea Bay. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, water and food, anything you’ll need for the duration of the day. They’re also asking you to pack out your trash.
Surf will be large all along the North Shore, not only at Waimea. So waves will likely be washing over Kamehameha Highway in other areas.
“We’re gonna have additional Jetskis on patrol on either side of the bay in response to 911 calls and at the Bay itself,” Lager explained. “We also have a mobile response unit that’s gonna patrol the area, Three tables and Sharks Cove.”
If you don’t need to be on the North Shore, avoid the area.
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KHON2 is the official broadcast partner of the Eddie. You can watch it live on Sunday starting at 8 a.m. on KHII channel 5 or 1005 and Rogue.tv