Hawaiʻi Island police are reminding the public about the rules governing the use of fireworks to ensure a safe New Years Eve.
Hawaiʻi state law dictates that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting off, igniting or discharging aerial devices, display fireworks or articles pyrotechnic without a valid pyrotechnic permit may face Class C felony charges resulting in a five-year term of imprisonment if convicted.
The use of fireworks is permitted from 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Residents who want to set off fireworks must pay a permit fee of $25, available from the Hawai‘i Fire Department, which allows an adult to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers.
Common fireworks allowed without a permit include:
- cylindrical fountains
- cone fountains
- wheels
- illuminating torches and colored fire
- dipped sticks
- sparklers
- salutes
It’s illegal to set off fireworks:
- At any time outside the specified time period on New Year’s Eve.
- In any school building or on any school grounds without authorization from school officials.
- Within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, church where services are held, zoo, animal hospital or shelter.
Prohibited fireworks include:
- jumping jacks
- flying pigs
- rockets
- helicopters
- satellites
- roman candles
- mines
- shells
- aerial luminary devices, also known as sky lanterns.
HPD also reminds residents that it’s also illegal to:
- Extract the explosive or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks.
- Throw ignited fireworks at, into, or from a moving vehicle.
- Have anyone under the age of 18 purchase, possess or ignite any fireworks unless they are under the immediate supervision and control of their parents or an authorized adult.
HPD Photo