HONOLULU (KHON2) — Around 30,000 people are expected at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell and surrounding Kapiolani Park for Saturday night’s tribute concert to the late reggae singer Fiji. Event sponsors and city agencies are working to make sure everyone has a safe, respectful and enjoyable experience.
The stage is almost set. Final preparations are underway inside the Waikiki Shell as tens of thousands are expected to bid aloha and pay tribute to late singer, songwriter, and musician George “Fiji” Veikoso.
“It is an honor to be able to host this free event for the public at the Waikiki Shell, the Tom Moffat Waikiki Shell, to honor the life of Fiji, who loved to perform here,” said Dita Holifield, Honolulu Department of Enterprise Services Director.
Veikoso died in July. The city says it’s been planning this tribute concert with promoters for weeks. Tickets for the 8,000-plus inside the Shell sold out in seconds. So an outside viewing area is being set up for the more than 20,000 expected outside. A massive LED screen is being installed, along with numerous portable toilets.
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“The Honolulu Police Department is proud to support this special event and work closely with our city partners and ensure a safe and meaningful tribute to Fiji,” said Major Clifford Ramson, Honolulu Police Department. “Our top priority is making sure that everyone can enjoy the event safely.”
Some house rules for Saturday’s concert – first and foremost, you are not allowed to bring your own alcohol. If you’re one of the lucky ones inside the Shell, there will be alcohol for sale. However, if you’re outside listening from Kapiolani Park, no drinking. Also, no smoking or vaping, no weapons and no drone photography.
Parts of Monsarrat, Leahi, and Kapahulu Avenues around the Shell and Kapiolani Park will be closed.
Off-site parking will be available at Waikiki Elementary, as well as the Blaisdell Center. There will be free shuttle service from the Blaisdell both before and after the concert.
“I don’t mean to cramp your style, but I do want to make sure that when everybody arrives here thinking about how you’re going to get here and how you’re going to leave here, that we do everything with the spirit of safety and a spirit of aloha and the spirit of respect,” said Jon Nouchi, Honolulu Department of Transportation Services Deputy Director.
The outside viewing area opens at noon. The Shell opens at 4 p.m.