Beginning Thursday, June 29, firework permits will be available for purchase through Tuesday, July 4, at 8:00 pm.
Firework permits and firecrackers can be obtained exclusively from two designated locations:
- TNT Tent @ Safeway Parking Lot, 381 E. Makaala Street, Hilo, HI
- TNT Tent @ Walmart Parking Lot, 75-1015 Henry Street, Kona, HI
The permits, which cost $25.00 each, enable holders to purchase up to 5,000 individual firecrackers. Permits will be issued to individuals 18 or older and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Novelties and paperless firecrackers do not require permits.
Individuals with valid permits can set off firecrackers and consumer fireworks during the approved hours of 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm on July 4. However, the Hawaiʻi County Fire Department emphasizes that buying, selling, possessing, or setting off any Aerial Luminary Device, including Sky Lanterns and Hawaiʻi Lanterns, is illegal. Individuals possessing such devices are encouraged to contact Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki at 808-323-4760 for proper disposal with amnesty.
To ensure safety, HFD reminds the public of the following illegal activities:
- Removing the contents from any firework(s).
- Throwing firework(s) from a vehicle.
- Setting off firework(s) outside the approved time period or within 1,000 feet of hospitals, nursing homes, homes for the elderly, animal hospitals, schools, highways, parks, or churches during service times.
- Selling, giving, or possessing firework(s) for minors, and minors setting off or igniting firework(s) without adult supervision.
HFD will conduct a collection of unused and unwanted firework(s) after the 4th of July holiday. Individuals interested in disposing of firework(s) can contact Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki at 808-323-4760 for information on pick-up and drop-off locations. Local fire stations are not designated drop-off points for firework(s).
Public fireworks displays will take place at the following Hilo and Kailua-Kona locations
- Off-shore Barge at Hilo Bay – 8:00 pm.
- Barge located off-shore near Huggo’s Restaurant – 8:00 pm.
For further information on purchasing fireworks permits, safe use of firework(s), or firework(s) disposal, contact Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki at 808-323-4760.
HPD Photo