Firecrackers Go on Sale Thursday; HFD Offers Safety Tips

The Hawaii Fire Department has announced that firework permits will be available for purchase beginning Thursday.

Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers. Multiple permits can also be purchased.

Those purchasing permits must be 18 years of age or older. The permits are non-transferable, and non-refundable. Fireworks sales will also begin on Dec. 26 and will end at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Permits are not required for the purchasing of novelties and paperless firecrackers.

Fireworks may be set off for New Year celebrations between the hours of 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Permits shall be visibly displayed at the site of use, and during the time of the firing.

Permits are available at the following sites:

• Fire Administration Office, Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 26, 27, 30 and 31.
• Kona Fire Prevention Office, West Hawai’i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg E, second floor, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 26, 27, 30 and 31.
• Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, Kamuela, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. on Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31.

Fireworks permits will also be sold at the following firecracker vending outlets:

• TNT Tent, Prince Kuhio Plaza, Ohuohu St. Parking area
• Hilo Pinky’s (Pinky’s 5 Eight), 27-289 Mill Rd., Papa’ikou.
• Pacific Fireworks, 1177 Kilauea Ave., Hilo
• Pacific Fireworks Kona, 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona
• Thunder Fireworks Kona, 75-1022 Henry St., Kailua-Kona
• Long’s Drug Prince Kuhio Plaza, 111 E. Puainako St., Hilo

The fire department is also reminding the public that it is illegal for anyone to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework, or throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle.

It is also illegal to set off any fireworks:

• Within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church when services are being held
• On any school property without authorization
• On any public area such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk or park

It is also illegal to sell fireworks to minors or for any minor to possess or ignite any fireworks except under the immediate supervision of an adult;

Also illegal are any aerial luminary devices, commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawaii Lanterns, or any other aerial devices such as bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman candles, cakes, mortars or shells.

The department is also asking that the public use extreme care when setting off fireworks. Children playing with fireworks should be under an adult’s close supervision at all times. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe injuries that will quickly ruin the holidays.

Other tips:

• Fireworks should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials.
• Be sure fireworks are completely extinguished before being disposed of.
• And most importantly, have a fire extinguisher and or a water hose ready to use in the event of an unplanned or unexpected fire. Be sure the water hose can reach all areas of where fireworks activities are being conducted, especially around the entire house.

Firefighters are also recommending that fireworks users wet down any dry, grassy area before and after setting off fireworks.

For information call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 in Hilo or 323-4760 in Kona.