6 Fireworks Related Injures Reported on Maui in New Year

Fireworks. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

There were six fireworks related injuries from Maui reported during the 2014 New Year period, according to newly released data from the state.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Clean Air Branch report indicates that statewide, the injury count was 33—that’s a 17% decrease from the 40 injuries documented in the previous year.

State officials noted a reduced number of injuries on Oʻahu, particularly among patients 18-years-of-age and younger, with a “relatively-low” injury count on Oʻahu in the three years following a Honolulu County ordinance to regulate fireworks use.

“There has been no commensurate reduction in other 3 counties in the state which have fewer regulations regarding consumer use of fireworks,” the report said.

The report also measured low levels of smoke from fireworks during the 2014 New Year period, with particulate levels in the areas of Pāʻia and Kīhei on Maui measured below the standard level.

The highest recorded particulate level of 16 micrograms per cubic meter was in Pearl City on Oʻahu, according to the report.