HFD: Unwanted, Illegal, and Damaged Firework Collection

A collection of unwanted, illegal, and damaged fireworks will be collected by the Hawai’i County Fire Department at the end of the month, according to Fire Chief Darren Rosario.

The island-wide initiative will take place on Jan. 26 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and will allow the public to turn in their unwanted explosives for proper disposal.

Individuals interested in disposing of fireworks should call the Fire Prevention Bureau, at 932-2912, to schedule removal.

Fire officials say that depending on the type of fireworks being discarded, it may be necessary for removal to be conducted through pick-up, especially for larger illegal or damaged fireworks. Normal unwanted fireworks will be able to be dropped off at a location determined through appointment with the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Officials hope that the initiative will give the public the opportunity to keep these fireworks from hazardous situations, as the unexploded fireworks can be dangerous if they encounter any spark or flame.

Prior to turning the fireworks in, individuals can soak them in water overnight and dry them prior to transporting them.

Other hazardous items will not be accepted, as collected items only include all types of fireworks, fountains, sparklers, firecrackers, cakes, rockets and, “aerial luminary devices.”

The purchase, sale, use, possession, ignition, or cause to ignite any such aerial luminary device has been deemed illegal by the State of Hawai’i.  According to officials, these devices are defined as “any homemade or manufactured device that has an open flame and can be sent airborne or adrift, leaving the height and distance it travels to be determined by existing atmospheric conditions.”

A major issue of concern with the illegal devices is that they can start brushfires, get entangled in electrical lines, or possibly impact an aircraft if near an airport or if an aircraft is in the vicinity.