It’s almost New Year’s and the Hawaiʻi Fire Department wants to make sure Big Island residents celebrate the holiday safely and responsibly.
Fireworks permits will be available for purchase beginning Sunday, Dec. 26. Each permit costs $25 and entitles the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers. People also can buy multiple permits. Permits shall only be issued to people 18 or older and are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
Permits will be available for purchase at the following locations:
Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court in Waimea. Residents can buy permits from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 26-31.
KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako St., Hilo.
KTA Kona, 74-5594 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona.
Pacific Fireworks, 74-5629 Kuakini Highway, Suite 155, Kailua-Kona.
J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Highway, Kurtistown.
BJ Alan Tent, 74-5454 Makala Boulevard, Kailua-Kona.
BJ Alan Tents at 325 E. Makaʻala St. and 111 E. Puainako St. in Hilo.
TNT Tent, 381 E. Makaʻala St., Hilo.
Fireworks permits will also be available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 27-30 at the Fire Administration Office at the county building in Hilo and the Kona Fire Prevention Office by appointment only Dec. 27-30 at the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona. Call 808-323-4760 to set up an appointment.
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Fireworks sales end at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers.
Setting off fireworks for New Year’s is allowed between the hours of 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1 a.m. New Year’s Day. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of firing.
The fire department also reminds the public that it is illegal to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework and throw fireworks from, at or into any vehicle. It is also illegal to set off any fireworks:
Anytime outside the specified time periods.
Within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter or church during services.
On any school property without authorization.
On any public way such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk or park.
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It is illegal to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors, or for any minor to possess, purchase, sell or set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult. Residents also cannot set off any aerial luminary devices, commonly called sky lanterns or Hawaiʻi lanterns, or other aerial devices such as bottle rockets, skyrockets, Roman candles, cakes, mortars or shells.
The Hawaiʻi Fire Department humbly asks everyone to kōkua in helping prevent fires and avoid unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks. Use extreme care when setting off fireworks.
Children playing with fireworks should be under an adult’s close supervision. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe injuries that will quickly ruin the holidays. Fireworks also should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials.
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Be sure fireworks are completely extinguished before being disposed. Most importantly, have a fire extinguisher and/or a water hose ready to use in the event of a fire. Be sure the water hose can reach all areas where fireworks activities are being conducted.
It’s also a great idea to wet down any dry, grassy areas before and after setting off fireworks. Doing it before will also let you know the capability of your water source.
For more information, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-932-2911 in Hilo or 808-323-4760 in Kona.
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