Maui County Fireworks Sales Underway

An example of consumer fireworks that are legal to use between set times without a permit. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Select Maui County stores started selling fireworks on Friday, Dec. 26. Permit sales began last week and will continue through New Year’s Eve.

The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety offers fireworks permit processing during the following times and locations:

Weekdays through Dec. 31,  during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Fire Prevention Bureau, 313 Mānea Place, Wailuku, off of Waikō Road
• County Parks Permit Office, Lahaina Civic Center
• County Parks Permit Office, Molokaʻi
• Pine Isle Market – Lānaʻi

County offices will close at noon on New Year’s Eve in Lahaina and on Molokaʻi

The following stores are selling permit-required firecrackers:

• All Foodland stores, including Lahaina Farms & Sack N Save Wailuku
• All Times Supermarkets
• All CVS Long’s Drugs stores
• All Walgreens Drug Stores
• Napili Market
• Golden Dragon tents at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center & Azeka Shopping Center-Makai
• Pacific/Starr Fireworks at Piʻilani Shopping Village
• Pine Isle Market on Lānaʻi
• Misaki’s and Take’s Variety on Molokai

Fireworks permits are required to purchase the firecracker type of fireworks and are good for 5,000 firecrackers. Permit applicants must be 18 years or older and show proof of age at the time of permit processing. There is no limit to the number of permits a person may purchase.

The cost of each permit is $25 payable by check or money order to the County of Maui. Cash will be accepted at the Fire Prevention Bureau and Pine Isle Market only.

Novelty fireworks such as sparklers, snakes, fountains and cylindrical or cone fountains that emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground do not require permits.

The Maui Fire Department would also like to remind residents of the following rules in relation to fireworks:

• Fireworks and firecrackers can only be legally set off from 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. New Year’s Day. Setting off fireworks outside of designated times is punishable by law. Violations are subject to fines up to $2,000.
• Aerial fireworks are illegal and extremely dangerous. The import, transfer, sale, or use of aerial fireworks without a valid permit is a Class C Felony.

General prohibitions:

• It is unlawful to remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.
• It is unlawful to throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.
• It is unlawful to set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of health care facilities and facilities for animals.
• It is unlawful to set off fireworks by schools.
• It is unlawful to set off fireworks on public roads, in county parks, at county facilities, cane fields, or places of worship.
• It is unlawful for any person without a permit to set off, ignite, discharge or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks within 500 feet from any hotel.
• It is unlawful for any person to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors, and for any minors to possess, purchase, or set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except that the parents or guardians may allow the minor to use fireworks while under the immediate supervision and control of an adult.

Safety tips regarding fireworks use:

• Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries.
• Young children and fireworks do not mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers to young children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.
• Always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer for the safe use and handling of fireworks.
• Make sure you have a clear, flat area to use the fireworks; away from structures, dry grass or brush, and readily ignitable materials.
• Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire.

The best way to stay safe is not to use fireworks at all… Consider “leaving fireworks to the professionals.”

Public fireworks displays will be held at midnight on New Year’s Eve at the following locations:

• Kīhei – barge offshore between the Grand Wailea Hotel & the Fairmont Kealani
• Lānaʻi – Manele Bay Hotel

For additional information on the fireworks permits, contact the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 244-9161 or visit www.co.maui.hi.us and review the fireworks rules at the Department of Fire and Public Safety or Fire Prevention Bureau web pages.

“The use of fireworks to celebrate the start of a new year is a privilege that Maui residents continue to enjoy. Unfortunately, this activity increases our community’s risk of fire and fire-related injuries,” said Captain Paul Haake with the Department of Fire & Public Safety. “To make sure our community can continue celebrating the start of the new year with fireworks and avoid the risks associated with its use, please remember to do the following: supervise children using fireworks, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety tips provided, use common sense, and watch out for each other’s safety. Hopefully, we can all have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration and continue to celebrate the start of every new year with fireworks. Happy New Year.”