#fireworks

US Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda of Hawaiʻi introduced proposed legislation to crack down on illegal fireworks by allowing prosecutors to pursue money laundering charges against criminals moving illegal fireworks across state lines.

Between 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, and 6 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, the Maui Police Department received 118 calls for service related to fireworks violations throughout the County of Maui. During this time, one citation was issued for an aerial fireworks violation, eight reports were generated for documentation purposes, and two arrests were made.

With New Year’s celebrations approaching this week, the Maui Humane Society is urging pet owners to take proactive steps to protect their animals from the stress of fireworks.

There will be two public aerial fireworks displays in Maui County this year — one from the Grand Wailea Resort in South Maui, and the other from the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi at Mānele Bay. Both shows begin at approximately 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2025.

New, stricter state laws impose severe penalties for illegal fireworks use, particularly aerial fireworks and repeat offenses. Violations may result in heavy fines of up to $25,000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years.

If convicted, Goo and Tamura face imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to $250,000 per count, plus terms of supervised release, and Goo faces an additional 15 years of imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

There will be two public aerial fireworks displays in Maui County this year — one from the Grand Wailea Resort in South Maui, and the other from the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi at Mānele Bay. Both shows begin at approximately 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2025.

The County of Maui’s, Department of Fire and Public Safety announces the sale of New Year’s Eve fireworks starting on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, and ending on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.

Jess Kiesel Lee, 43, of Kula, Maui, was sentenced last week by US District Judge Jill A. Otake to 40 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for possessing, as a convicted felon, explosive powder. According to court records, Lee set off an improvised explosive device (“IED”)—a homemade firework—near Kaʻamana Street in Kula, on or before Aug. 7, 2024. Officers with the Maui Police Department later encountered multiple IEDs near that location.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., took action on 313 of the 321 bills enrolled during the 2025 regular session of the Hawai‘i State Legislature.

The passage of House Bills 1483 and 550, (Acts 243 and 244, respectively) is a decisive response to the growing concerns following the tragic Āliamanu fireworks incident that occurred on New Year’s Eve and the increased environmental worries following the Maui wildfires.

Sen. Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 11 – Mānoa, Makiki/Punchbowl, Tantalus, and Papakōlea) is sponsoring a community forum tonight to discuss the potential impact of federal funding cuts on local services and resources, along with critical topics such as condo insurance, little fire ants, fireworks, schools and public safety. The forum is held alongside fellow area […]

The Department of the Attorney General successfully prosecuted two men for selling illegal aerial fireworks in the community prior to the new year, following law enforcement sting operations to identify and arrest distributors of illegal fireworks. Wolfgang Clark pled no contest this week and was granted a deferred plea to two counts of felony fireworks […]

Drivers be advised that stopping, standing or parking on State highways to view fireworks on New Year’s Eve is illegal and potentially dangerous.

SB 2085 creates the Office of the State Fire Marshal within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to enhance fire safety and prevention across Hawaiʻi. The state fire marshal, appointed for a five-year term, will coordinate statewide fire protection efforts, propose fire code amendments and oversee fire safety training and certification.

With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, the Maui Police Department is reminding the public to be mindful of the dangers of fireworks and their surroundings, given the current hot and dry summer conditions. The Maui Police Department is seeking continued assistance from the community in reporting illegal fireworks violations.

Since its inception in July, the Illegal Fireworks Task Force has seized over 3,000 pounds of illegal fireworks. This includes 515 pounds of illegal and unwanted fireworks that were turned in over the weekend.

The Maui Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in preventing fires and injuries by being aware of surroundings and the hazards of fireworks during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.  

The LahainaTown Action Committee and the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development are seeking donations from the community to support this year’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in Lahaina Town.

PacWhale Eco-Adventures will host several Fourth of July cruises this year, allowing guests to drink, dine and view fireworks from the ocean.