Hawaiʻi County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd announced that consumer fireworks may be purchased beginning on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, and ending on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at 8:00 pm at various retailers on the island.
According to American Promotional Events/TNT who will supply these retailers, there will be no paper firecrackers (which require permits to purchase and use) available for sale. Big Island residents who have firecrackers on hand and would like to set them off during this time may purchase a permit from the fire department by calling 808-932-2911 to set up an appointment. Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers. Firecrackers (with a valid permit) and consumer fireworks are allowed to be set off during the approved hours of 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm on July 4 only.
It is unlawful to buy, sell, possess, or set off any Aerial Luminary Device such as Sky Lanterns and Hawaiʻi Lanterns. Any person in possession of any Aerial Luminary Device, who would like to dispose of it with amnesty, can contact the Fire Department at 932-2911.
Chief Todd reminds the public that it is illegal for anyone to:
1. Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework;
2. Throw firework from a vehicle;
3. Set off any firework:
- At any time not within the time period allowed;
- 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 way, in any park, or within 1,000 feet of a church during the periods when services are held.
4. Offer for sale, sell, or give any firework 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.
The Hawaii Fire Department also asks everyone to do their part to prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks:
1. Have a water hose connected to a water source or a fire extinguisher readily available. Wet down surrounding brush prior to setting off firework if need be.
2. Children playing with fireworks shall be under adult supervision at all times. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries.
3. Fireworks should be set off in a safe area away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials. County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
4. Dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking in water prior to disposal.
Anyone interested in disposing of unwanted or damaged fireworks can call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932- 2911 for further information to schedule a pick-up. Please do not drop off fireworks at local fire stations. For more information on the purchasing of firework permits, disposal of firework, or tips on the safe use of firework, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911.