New law gives county more control over fireworks

Governor Linda Lingle signed a bill into law yesterday that gives individual counties the authority to limit or ban fireworks.  Act 170 allows counties to enact ordinances that are more stringent than what the state already has in place.

The new law also establishes a task force to make recommendations to prevent the illegal importation of fireworks into the state.

The next big celebration involving fireworks is the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

The Maui Chamber of Commerce is organizing a 10^th Annual 4^th of July Fireworks Celebration in Lahaina.  The event traditional involves a public fireworks display offshore from Front Street.  The celebration is funded by Maui businesses and individuals and efforts to raise funds are ongoing.