Maui New Year Fireworks Display, Guidelines

Fireworks, file image/graphic by Wendy Osher.

The Maui Fire Department reminds residents of the following rules in relation to fireworks as the New Year holiday approaches:

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.

Department officials remind the public that aerial fireworks are illegal and extremely dangerous. The import, transfer, sale, or use of aerial fireworks without a valid permit is considered 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 1000 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.

Maui fire officials advise that the best way to stay safe is not to use fireworks at all and to consider leaving fireworks to the professionals. A public fireworks display will take place at 12 midnight as Maui rings in the New Year in an offshore barge fronting the Grand Wailea Hotel in South Maui.

In anticipation of a demand for fireworks permits the Maui County Fire Department has announced that it will be offering the following locations and hours for fireworks permit processing.

The hours and locations for fireworks permit processing are as follows:

Weekdays: Dec. 21-31, 2015 – During normal business hours (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)

• Fire Prevention Bureau – 313 Manea Place, Wailuku
• County Parks Permit Office – Lahaina Civic Center
• County Parks Permit Office – 90 Ainoa St., Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi

* County offices are closed on Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas Day.

Dec. 26-31, 2015

The first day of fireworks sales is Dec. 26, 2015.

The following stores are selling permit-required firecrackers:

Lānaʻi

• Pine Isle Market

Molokaʻi

• Misaki’s
• Take’s Variety

Maui

• All Foodland Supermarkets (including Lahaina Farms & Sack N Save Wailuku)
• All Times Supermarkets
• All CVS Long’s Drugs Stores
• All Walgreens Drug Stores
• Haʻikū Mart
• Nāpili Market
• Pacific Starr Fireworks (Piʻilani Shopping Village)
• TNT Fireworks (King’s Cathedral) & (Azeka Shopping Center)
• Phantom Fireworks (Queen Kaʻahumanu Shopping Center), (Kukui Mall) & (790 ʻEha Street, Wailuku Unit #4)

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 and the cost of each permit is $25 payable by check/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 which emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground do not require permits.

For additional information on the fireworks permits, contact the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 876-4690 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.