Fireworks 411: Three Public Fireworks Displays on Maui

By Wendy Osher

Maui will be ringing in the New Year with three aerial public fireworks displays across the county. Permits have been issued for professional aerial displays in

• Wailea off a barge fronting the beach of the Grand Wailea Resort,
• in Hana at Fagan’s Cross
• and from a barge at Hulopoe Bay off the island of Lanai.

All shows are scheduled to begin at midnight.

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For those that will be celebrating with their own permitted firecrackers or novelty items in Maui County, usage is limited to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2010, to 1 a.m. on New Years Day, January, 1, 2011.

An estimated 180 firecracker permits were issued by Thursday afternoon on Maui, according to Capt. Paul Ha’ake with the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau. The sale count on the outer islands was still being tallied, but Molokai had enough product on hand for 26 permits, while Lanai had enough for 40 permits. The $25 permits are good for the purchase of up to 5,000 firecrackers.

Novelty fireworks such as sparklers, snakes, fountains and cylindrical or cone fountains which emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground are legal in Maui County and do not require permits.

Fireworks Legislation

Setting off fireworks outside designated times is punishable by law. Violations are subject to fines up to $2,000.  Importing and selling aerial fireworks without a permit is a Class C Felony punishable by up to $10,000 and/or up to five years in jail.

Earlier this year, Governor Linda Lingle passed a law that allows counties to enact ordiances that are more stringent than what the state already has in place.  The Honolulu City County responded with a law of their own, creating a partial fireworks ban that goes into effect on January 2nd, one day after the New Years Holiday.  The Honolulu law does not apply to Maui County.

The state law also established a task force to monitoring the sale and distribution of fireworks and prevent the importation of illegal fireworks into the state.

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:

Anyone who plans on using fireworks or supervising children using fireworks should avoid use near dry brush, near fields or around homes.

1.Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries.

2. Young children and fireworks do not mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers to young children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.

4. Always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer for the safe use and handling of fireworks.

5. Make sure you have a clear, flat area to use the fireworks; away from structures, dry grass or brush, and other flammable materials.

6. Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire.

For additional information on the fireworks permits, contact the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 270-7566

Additional Tips to avoid electric dangers

• Carefully set up and use fireworks in an area clear of overhead power lines.
• Do not string fireworks on utility poles.
• Don’t use metal ladders or poles near power lines.
• Keep any type of ladder, pole or tie lines used to set up fireworks at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Power lines are energized and could cause a serious electrical shock, burn or electrocution.

If an object should become tangled in an overhead power line, don’t try to free it. Call the MECO trouble line at 871-7777 on Maui, or 1-877-871-8461 on Moloka`i or Lana`i.