HPD Reminds Public of Fireworks Rules Ahead of New Year’s Eve

Illegal aerial fireworks are a common sight in Hawaiʻi skies in days leading up to New Year’s Eve. However, Hawaiʻi police continue to remind the public of rules regarding the use of pyrotechnics.

Hawaiʻi state law dictates that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting off, igniting or discharging aerial devices, display fireworks or articles pyrotechnic without a valid pyrotechnic permit may face Class C felony charges resulting in a five-year term of imprisonment if convicted.

Police officers will be enforcing the fireworks law and looking for violators. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $500.

Anyone igniting aerial pyrotechnic displays risks not only their lives but also the lives of loved ones nearby and potentially neighbors as well, police stated.

The use of fireworks is permitted from 9 p.m. Friday, New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2021, until 1 a.m. Saturday, New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2022. Residents who want to set off fireworks must pay a permit fee of $25, available from the Hawai‘i Fire Department, which allows an adult to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers.

Common fireworks allowed without a permit include:

• Cylindrical fountains
• Cone fountains
• Wheels
• Illuminating torches and colored fire
• Dipped sticks
• Sparklers
• Salutes

It’s illegal to set off fireworks at any time outside the specified time period on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, it’s illegal to set off fireworks in any school building or on any school grounds without authorization from school officials.

Pyrotechnics are not allowed to be set off within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, church where services are held, zoo, animal hospital or shelter.

Prohibited fireworks include:

• Jumping jacks
• Flying pigs
• Rockets
• Helicopters
• Satellites
• Roman candles
• Mines
• Shells
• Aerial luminary devices, also known as sky lanterns.

Hawai‘i Police Department reminds residents that it’s also illegal to extract the explosive or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks; throw ignited fireworks at, into, or from a moving vehicle; have anyone under the age of 18 purchase, possess or ignite any fireworks unless they are under the immediate supervision and control of their parents or an authorized adult.

With regards to pets, HPD advises pet owners to secure their animals inside.

Pets tied up outside can panic due to the loud noise and may break their tie-out or jump over a fence to escape the noise, police stated. Make sure pets are microchipped to increase chances of reunification in the event the animal runs away.

HPD suggests thunder shirts, favorite treats, and crating, as ways to help keep pets calm. Additionally, be sure to check yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets to explore the area.

The Hawai‘i Police Department asks the public to kokua this holiday season by following the rules regarding fireworks to reduce the risk of injuries to people and pets alike.