Fireworks Permits Available; Three Public Displays Scheduled

The Hawaii Fire Department has begun issuing permits for the purchase of fireworks for the July 4th holiday, Fire Chief Darren Rosario said today.

For those looking for public fireworks displays on July 4th, three are scheduled for the Big Island: at Coconut Island in Hilo, from a barge off-shore of Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona and at Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa. All three start at 8 p.m.

For individual consumer use, each permit costs $25 and entitles the holder to purchase up to 5,000 firecrackers. Purchasers must be 18 years of age or older.

By law, fireworks may be set off only between the hours of  1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on July 4th. Permits should be displayed at the site.

Sales of fireworks will end at 8 p.m. on July 4th.

The permits are non-transferable. Because they are also non-refundable, department officials recommend that vendors be asked if they have  firecrackers in stock before the permit is purchased.

Permits are not required for novelties or paperless firecrackers, the department said. Also, the ban on consumer fireworks on Oahu does not affect Hawaii County.

The permits are available at:

▪   The Fire Administration Office, Suite 2501, at the Hawaii County Building at 25 Aupuni St. in Hilo.

▪   The Fire Prevention Kona Office at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building E, 74-5044 Ana Keohokalole Hwy. in Kailua-Kona.

▪   Pinky’s Store in Papaikou.

▪   Rodney Freitas Fireworks at the old Chevron station on Kamani Street in Pahala.

▪   Thunder Fireworks at 75-1022 Henry St. in Kailua-Kona.

The hours at the two county facilities are until 4 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 2-3.

Rosario reminded the public that it is illegal for anyone to remove the powder or other pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks or throw fireworks from a vehicle.

It is also illegal to set off fireworks outside of the allotted time; within 1,000 feet of a hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly, animal hospital or church if services are being held; on any school property; or on any public street, sidewalk or in a park.

Minors are also not allowed to possess or use fireworks unless under the immediate supervision of an adult.

The fire department is also encouraging the public to be careful in firework use to prevent injuries and fires. The public is asked to avoid setting off fireworks in dry grass or brush and to have a hose or fire extinguisher available if warranted by conditions.