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2024 FLOAT RULES & REGULATIONS

 

The sequence of the parade is critical. Therefore, NO STOPPING OR SLOWING will be allowed except by the direction of the police or an official parade monitor.

 

I. DIMENSIONS

 

A.   Floats include a power–driven float chassis or truck and/or a trailer pulled by a truck (12ft-20ft).

Length: 50–feet (maximum)

Width: 10–feet (maximum)

Height: 15–feet (maximum from ground to highest point, excluding riders)

 

B.   Variances: Any variance from established dimensions or rules must be applied for, in writing sent by email, by September 5, 2024. The Parade Committee will review the request and provide a written response to that request. NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

II. ELIGIBILITY

 

  • All floats are eligible if they meet size criteria.

  • Entrants can be any group, business or professional organization, fraternal, civic, religious and social organizations, non-profits, etc... All are welcome.

  • This is a competition entry, all float will be entered into the competition.

  • Float entry cost is free this year! There will be a cash prize awarded to the first place winner.

  • FLOAT WILL NEED TO WRITE A SCRIPT NO MORE THAN A PARAGRAPH IN LENGTH TO BE READ AS THEY PASS EACH ANNOUNCER STATION. EMAIL TO: ALOHAFESTIVALSHAWAII@GMAIL.COM BY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14TH.

III. DECORATIONS

  • Decoration of your choosing - higher score will be given for use of natural vegetation –– flowers, foliage, seeds, dried, etc…

  • Theme – higher scores will be given to the floats that are in line with the theme of the current AFIOH or of the Paniolo Parade. There may be two themes at times, one for the overall AFIOH another just for the Paniolo Parade.

  • We encourage you to cover your entire float and to be festive.

 

IV. ALOHA FESTIVALS ISLAND OF HAWAI’I PANIOLO PARADE FLOAT CONSTRUCTION SITE

 

         A. We encourage you to build your floats at the Waimea Park the day before the parade. Space can be limited and will be on a first come, first served basis.

 

         B. Security is not provided at the construction site. For your own safety, protect personal belongings and materials belonging to your group or entry. Factor in weather and rain. If there is a lot of floats using the Waimea Park, we will consider hiring security.

 

         C. Each entry will be responsible for clean-up of its assigned area, due for inspection following the parade, or will be billed for clean-up.

 

 

V. AREAS FOR SPECIAL ATTENTION

 

         The Float Chairperson prior to assembly must inspect all float chassis. Contact the Float Chairperson to make arrangements for float inspection. These are things to think of and make sure to have:

 

A. Batteries – Two (2) freshly–charged batteries of proper voltage and capacity are required in each float. They must be in place the evening before the parade.

 

B. Brakes – Hydraulic brakes are strongly recommended. Mechanical brakes may be used if deemed adequate by the Float Committee. An emergency brake system is required.

 

C. Chassis – The float chassis, or framework, must be of sufficient strength to support added features and riders. No chassis, or framework, or any part thereof, may be less than 10– inches from the ground.

 

D. Controls – Brakes, clutch pedals and foot throttle are required. The starter switch or starter button must be firmly fastened and readily accessible. An ignition or toggle switch is required. Ammeters, temperature gauges and oil gauges must be in plain view of the driver.

 

E. Driver Space – The float driver must be provided with a safe and comfortable seat facing forward. The compartment must be well ventilated to protect against engine fumes and heat.

 

F. Driver Visibility – The driver must have a clear view of the area in front of him/her, so he/she does not have to rely on external guidance.

 

G. Driver Selection – The driver should be selected early so he/she can become familiar with the float operation and/or obstacles getting to and from the assembly area.

 

H. Driver Entry/Escape – Provision must be made for the rapid entrance and exit of driver so the drive can easily reach his/her seat and so the entrance/exit is free of obstacles.

 

I. Engines – Engines should be of recent manufacture and accessories of current production. A  generator or alternator is required. Carburetors should be kept covered during construction.

 

J. Fire Extinguishers – One 4–pound dry chemical extinguisher must be placed within easy reach of the driver. Other types of extinguishers are prohibited. All extinguishers will be checked and  approved by Float and/or Parade Committee persons before the float leaves the construction site.

 

K. Fuel pumps – Electrical fuel pumps are preferable, but mechanical pumps may be used.

 

L. Gasoline Fill Pipes – Fill pipes must be accessible, and caps painted “GREEN” for   identification.

 

M. Gasoline Lines & Tank – Must be filled to capacity at the start of the parade. Flexible lines and connections should be used to prevent leaks. Any line within 6–inches of the exhaust manifold should be wrapped with a fireproof material.

 

N. Radiator & Cooling System – Must be checked for leaks and allowance made for adequate air circulation. Check that all fan belts are in good condition. For air cooling systems, check fan belts and drive system for proper operation. Radiator caps should be painted “RED” for easy identification.

 

O. Steering – Float designs usually stress steering mechanisms. Extended steering systems must be braced every 36–inches. Steering columns must be secured at top and bottom. A turning radius of 45– degrees, left and right, is mandatory.

 

P. Tail Pipes – Exhaust from engines must be vented through leak–free pipes extending beyond the apron, back or side.

 

Q. Tires – All tires should be reasonably new, of good quality and adequate capacity to support  the load. Heavy–duty tires are preferable. A spare tire must be available. Tires must not rub against any portion of the frame when the wheels are turned. Access for changing tires within   a reasonable time should be made with your own equipment.

 

 

R. Towing Attachments – Every float must be equipped with a suitable towing attachment projecting through the float apron and securely fastened to the chassis frame. No exceptions.

 

S. Wiring – Wiring should be properly located and securely insulated to avoid damage by crushing, abrasion or inadvertent kicking or snapping by the driver.

 

VIVI

VI. ESCORT, FORMATION AREA & LINE UP

A. Escort/Police Escort -  Floats built outside the Aloha  Festivals Island of Hawai’i Paniolo Parade construction site at Waimea Park must provide a police escort to the formation area, at the sponsor’s own expense, and be in position in the formation area at 8:30am

 

B. Formation Area – Floats will be parked at the formation area in the order of their respective parade appearances. Minor repair work and touch–up may be performed, but any such activity must not impede road traffic.

 

C. Line up – All floats must be at the designated parade start at Waimea Park to be put into formation by 8:30am parade day.

 

VII. JUDGING

 

  • Float Judges – may visit your float construction site on Friday evening, September 20, 2024, to familiarize themselves with the details of the construction, theme depiction, dimensions, vegetation usage, etc.

 

  • Clean your construction area before the judges’ announced arrival.

 

  •  Final Judging – will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Waimea Park between 8:30 and 9:30. Each float will be given ten minutes’ notice to prepare for judging.

 

  • ALL RIDERS SHOULD BE ON THE FLOAT AND WALKERS IN POSITION WHEN THE JUDGES ARRIVE, AND YOUR ENTRY SHOULD PERFORM AS IF IT WERE IN THE PARADE.

 

  •  Award Announcements – will be made on the main stage at the end of the parade.

 

  • JUDGING CRITERIA:

 

Judging criteria and final decisions are based on the following:

 

1. Overall Effect 40 points

  • Photo impact of design, most colorful, attractive, elegant, picturesque.

 

2. Floral Usage - 20 points

  • Use of flowers, seeds, greenery and other natural materials

 

3. Animation  - 20 points

a) Mechanical Props

b) Human mobility on float, dancing, costumes, use of music and participant animation on float.

 

4. Theme - 20 points

  • Consideration of Aloha Festivals Island of Hawai’i theme or Paniolo Parade theme.

 

5. Tie Breaker (These points will only be added if needed for tie-breaker)

  • Scale of 1-10 how festive is this float?

 

TOTAL POINTS:100 POINTS

 

 

Judges will also consider the appearance and effectiveness of costumes, workmanship, and attention to aprons –– both sides, top and rear of float.

 

During the parade, floats must proceed in the prescribed manner. There will be no stopping or unnatural movements.

 

VIII. AWARDS

 

Awards will be announced at the District Park, at the end of the parade. Awards are subject to change according to the amount of entries. At least 3 -6 entries for 1 place, At least 7 - 9 entries for 2 places, And at least 10 or more entries for 3 places

 

 

  1. Puʻu Hāloa 1st Place Award – Highest total points

  2. Puʻu Kaʻala 2nd Place Award – Second highest total points

  3. Puʻu Lālā 3rd Place Award – Third highest total points

 

IX. POST–PARADE & DISMANTLING AREA

 

Floats will proceed past the official parade terminus at The Kalani Schutte District Park and park on the side shoulders of Alaohia Rd. Floats need to be disassembled enough that nothing will fly off and can return to a safe place to dismantle - – NO DISMANTLING IS ALLOWED AT THE KALANI SCHUTTE DISTRICT PARK. NO DUMPING OF TRASH ON CITY & COUNTY OR STATE PROPERTY.

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