Fireworks have been a part of celebrations for centuries across the world, ever since they were first brought from China to Europe. But even then, the danger of fireworks was not to be underestimated. It was important that they would be launched far away enough from flammable things and never to put too many in one spot at once. Even with modern science improving on the manufacturing of fireworks, safety precautions were an upmost priority.
Probably the safest place to launch fireworks were over bodies of water. As such, many seaside hotels and resorts provided firework shows in the summer. Mieni Atoll has been doing their Starlight on the Water show for a few years now. It was a perfect way of celebrating July the 4th safely.
And while fireworks were going off over the sea, the people on land were having a luau. It wasn't a completely traditional luau as most of the food being served was typical Americana barbecue: hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, ribs, and other such things. There was a Hawaiian-style roast pig as well, which provided quite a bit for the meat-eaters.
One prominent meat-eater there was Haku the tiger shark, who was providing some of the entertainment with his ukulele. While he provided a few Hawaiian tunes, most of what he played were various classic patriotic songs such as 'Yankee Doodle' and 'The Girl I Left Behind Me'.
"Ye know, most o' them 'ol' American tunes' are actually English or Irish in origin," said his girlfriend, Finola.
"Well, the United States were originally British colonies before they won their independence," said Haku.
"Yea, England thought they were rightful masters of the world. Still plenty o' people back home who want to cut off from Great Britain entirely," said Finola, "But we've had more than enough fightin' because o' that."
"We make ourselves weaker by fighting those who should be our allies," said Haku.
"So, tattoo-makin', ukulele-playin', and surfin'," said Finola, "Is there anything Hawaiian ye can't do?"
"I can't do a fire dance," said Haku, "And I think that's less feasible as a shark."
"Still, yer a right rounder for a lot o' stuff," said Finola.
"Sometimes I can't tell if what you're saying is a good thing or not," said Haku.
Finola chuckled and said, "It's practically a game back home ta confuse the tourists."