3 locations available where fireworks permits can be purchased for 4th of July celebrations

Hawaiʻi Fire Department notifies the public that fireworks permits are available through 8 p.m. this Friday for the 4th of July holiday.

Permits and firecrackers can be purchased only at the following locations:

• TNT Tent: Safeway parking lot, 381 E. Makaʻala St., Hilo.
• TNT Tent: Walmart parking lot, 75-1015 Henry St., Kona.
• TNT Tent: Greenhouse Specialist parking lot, 16-711 Milo St., Keaʻau.

Each permit costs $25 and enables the holder to purchase up to 5,000 individual firecrackers.

Only people 18 years old and older can purchase permits, which are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers.

Firecrackers — with a valid permit — and consumer fireworks are allowed to be set off only from 1 to 9 p.m. July 4.

It is unlawful to buy, sell, possess or set off any aerial luminary device — such as sky lanterns and Hawaiʻi lanterns.

Anyone in possession of aerial luminary devices who wants to dispose of them with amnesty can contact Hawaiʻi Fire Department Fireworks Auditor William Aiona via email at fireprevention@hawaii.gov or by alling 808-932-2911.

Fire Department officials remind the public it is illegal to:

• Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks.
• Throw fireworks from a vehicle.
• Offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors and for any minor to possess, sell, set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any firework, except under the immediate supervision of an adult.

Fireworks cannot be set off:

• Any time outside the allowed time period.
• Within 1,000 feet of any operating hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly or animal hospital.
• In or on any school building or property.
• On any highway, alley, street, sidewalk or other public right-of-way, in any park or within 1,000 feet of a church during services.

The Fire Department also asks everyone to do their part to prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks.

Officials offer these tips:

• Have a water hose connected to a water source or a fire extinguisher readily available. Wet down surrounding brush prior to setting off fireworks if necessary.
• Children playing with fireworks should be under adult supervision at all times. Even the smallest fireworks can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
• Fireworks should be set off in a safe area away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles and flammable materials.
• Dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking in water prior to disposal.

Contact Aiona using the contact information above for additional information about purchasing fireworks permits and tips for the safe use of fireworks.