IF PATRIOTISM were measured by the number of explosions (legal or illegal) that happen here during the evening of the Fourth of July, Hawaii would be bleeding red, white and blue.

But as reported in our paper Tuesday, our island state is ranked number 97 out of a hundred U.S. cities for "patriotism," according to Men’s Health magazine’s criteria based on voter-registration percentages (meh), money spent on military veterans per capita (double meh), voluntarism in civic activities (pretty good), and sales of fireworks (solid) and American flags (passing).

Too bad the supposed study didn’t skew more toward fireworks, because here on Oahu, three displays are scheduled for the holiday weekend — two on the east side and one that will (hopefully) continue its long tradition on the windward side.

Kailua Fireworks committee Chairwoman Brook Gramann said Tuesday morning that chances were good for fireworks at Kailua Beach on the Fourth at 8 p.m., something that’s occurred regularly since 1948 (not counting 2002, when there was a barge problem). Thanks to corporate donations from Castle Medical Center, Target and Hardware Hawaii, $45,000 of the $50,000 goal had been achieved, so Gramann was confident that the $5,000 difference would be reached.

AND FOR the rest of you that need to blow stuff up real good, here’s hoping you got your $25 permit before today — it’s Furlough Friday for city employees working in satellite city halls.

Numbers of permits purchased have held around the 140 to 150 mark over the last several years, but you couldn’t tell that for all the aerial displays that happen around the island.

Please, be safe on the Fourth.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

Aloha Tower Festivities
Where: Aloha Tower Marketplace
When: Events take place tomorrow from 3 to 10 p.m., with keiki activities and live music from jazz group AIR at 6 p.m. and rock bands Prevail and I Digress at 9 p.m. Fireworks over Honolulu Harbor: 8:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: www.alohatower.com
Note: Gordon Biersch Brewery has its own "Red, White & Brews" party, with music from the King Pins from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and Powerhouse from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Navatek is offering a special "Fireworks Spectacular Cruise" from Pier 6 at Aloha Tower, 6:15 to 9:15 p.m.: 539-3411. The cruise package is also available Sunday, when the Navatek will be positioned near Magic Island to observe Ala Moana Center’s fireworks display.

Ala Moana Center’s Fourth of July Spectacular
Where: Ala Moana Center
When: Entertainment at Ala Moana’s CenterStage begins at noon Sunday with performances by John Cruz, Sean Na’auao, Melveen Leed and Kaleo Del Sol. There’s more music at the parking deck from 5 p.m., with the Navy Military Band, Makana, Anuhea, Natural Vibrations, A Touch of Gold and Amy Hanaiali’i. The fireworks display goes off at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: alamoanacenter.com
Note: This annual event is truly "spectacular," with three separate launching platforms and more than 1,800 shells fired over the course of the stunning 18-minute display. There’s open seating on the shopping center’s Makai-Ewa parking deck, and spectators can tune to KUMU 94.7 FM for a soundtrack that accompanies the show.

Kailua fireworks
Where: Kailua Beach Park
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free
Info: KailuaFireworks.com
Note: Public parking will be available at Lanikai Elementary School.

Pearl Harbor fireworks
Where: Ward Field
When: Activities begin at 2 p.m. Sunday with games, rides and entertainment. Grammy winner Michelle Branch appears at 5:30 p.m. and comedian Sinbad at 7:30 p.m.; fireworks blaze at 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: www.greatlifehawaii.com
Note: For military ID cardholders and guests only.