Officials ramp up the conversation around illegal fireworks after tragedy

Hawaiʻi officials plan to crack down on illegal fireworks after they triggered an explosion that killed 3 people and injured dozens more on Oʻahu.

A New Yearʻs celebration was marred by tragedy in Aliamanu on Oʻahu when a firework called a “cake” with 50 illegal aerial rockets within it tipped over and fired into a carport that set off more fireworks inside shortly after midnight on New Yearʻs Eve, according to Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan.

Many had critical injuries with burns over much of their bodies and are fighting for their lives, officials said.

In a story from Hawaiʻi News Now, Dr. Jim Ireland, Honolulu Emergency Services Department director, stated that most of the 20-plus patients transported to hospitals were critically injured with burns over much of their bodies.

“On behalf of the state of Hawai‘i, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost in the horrific Salt Lake fireworks tragedy and I pray for the full recovery of the injured,” Gov. Josh Green said in a press release. “While my heart is heavy on this first day of 2025—EMS, the Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Police Department have my deepest gratitude. All acted swiftly and heroically to provide care under extremely difficult circumstances.”

According to Green, the Illegal Fireworks Task Force established in 2023 is working to combat illegal fireworks and has seized 227,000 pounds of illegal fireworks to date.

“We must continue to work together to prevent tragedies. I urge residents to report illegal activity and to prioritize safety,” Green said. “My administration remains committed to protecting our communities and preventing further loss.”

In a press conference Wednesday, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi promised to combat Hawaii’s systemic problem of illegal fireworks and take decisive action.

“We’re angry, frustrated and deeply sad and at this unnecessary loss of life,” Blangiardi said. “This situation is out of control and it cannot be allowed to continue.”

In the same press conference, Green stated his initial thoughts for controlling illegal fireworks would start with classifying that possession of anything over 50 pounds as a class C felony – 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Civil Beat reported in a story Wednesday that a large part of the problem with illegal fireworks is that there is number of state and federal entities enforce various regulations at ports of authority, however, none of them have the power to simply open up cargo at random to search for fireworks and seize them.

Blangiardi said the County of Honolulu would work with state and federal agencies to implement technology at ports of authority to stop the import of illegal fireworks.

The Honolulu Police Department ask anyone with video leading up to, during, or following the explosion in Aliamanu to reach out to the department.