Maui New Year’s Eve Fireworks Information

Maui fireworks. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The County of Maui’s, Department of Fire and Public Safety announces the sale of New Year’s Eve fireworks beginning on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 and ending on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 at 12:01 a.m.

A fireworks permit is not required for consumer fireworks such as sparklers, snakes, and cylindrical or cone fountains which emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground. However, a fireworks permit is required for the use of fire crackers. The following are details for fireworks permits.

• Each permit costs $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

• Each permit allows a purchase of up to 5,000 pieces of fire crackers
• There is no limit to the number of permits issued to each person
• Permit applicants must be 18 years or older and show proof of age at the time of permit processing

*Permits will be available from Dec. 19-30, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

• CENTRAL MAUI, Fire Prevention Bureau – 313 Manea Pl. Waikapū Consolidated Baseyard
• WEST MAUI, County Parks & Recreation Permit Office – Lahaina Civic Center, 1840 Honoapiʻilani Hwy. Lahaina
• MOLOKAI, County Parks & Recreation Permit Office – Mitchell Pauole Community Center, 90 Ainoa St.

*County Offices are closed on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 in observance of the Christmas Day Holiday.

A limited number of fireworks permits will be available at the following locations:

KAHULUI
• Phantom Fireworks, front parking lot of Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, 275 West Kaʻahumanu Ave.
• TNT Fireworks, Kings Cathedral & Chapels, 777 Mokulele Hwy

KIHEI
• Phantom Fireworks, Kukui Mall, 1819 S Kīhei Rd.
• Pacific Starr Fireworks, Piʻilani Shopping Village, 225 Piʻikea Ave.

LANAI – Pine Isle Market

Permit required firecrackers will be sold at the following retail locations:

ALL MAUI LOCATIONS OF
• CVS Longs Drugs
• Foodland
• Walgreens

WAILUKU
• Sack N Save

KAHULUI
• Phantom Fireworks, Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
• TNT Fireworks, Kings Cathedral & Chapels

KIHEI
• Pacific Starr Fireworks, Piʻilani Shopping Village
• Phantom Fireworks, Kukui Mall

LAHAINA
• Foodland Farms
• Times Supermarket

MOLOKAI
• Misaki’s Grocery
• Take’s Variety Store

LANAI – Pine Isle Market

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

• Fireworks 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 designated times is punishable by law. Violations are subject to fines of up to $2,000.
• Aerial fireworks are illegal and extremely dangerous. The import, transfer, sale, or use of aerial fireworks without a 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 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, or other readily ignitable materials.
• Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire.

Public Aerial Fireworks Display Locations:

• Grand Wailea Resort – Offshore barge. 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive

Dec. 31, 2016 – begins approx. 11:59 p.m.

• Four Seasons Resort Lanai – Hulopoe Beach. 1 Manele Bay Rd.

Dec. 31, 2016 – begins approx. 11:59 p.m.

The use of fireworks to celebrate the start of a new year is a privilege that Maui residents continue to enjoy.

Fire officials say, “unfortunately, this activity increases our community’s risk of fire and fire-related injuries.” To ensure our community can continue celebrating the start of the new year with fireworks and avoid the risks associated with its use the department advises the public to 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.

“Let’s 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.  The best way to stay safe is to not use fireworks in the first place … Leave fireworks to the professionals,” said Maui Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto.

For additional information on fireworks permits, contact the Maui Fire Department’s, Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 876-4690 or refer to the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes 132D.