VIDEO: Maui Rings in 2012 with Bang

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnvMZHG3DuA /] By Wendy Osher

As Maui rang in the New Year, there were no immediate reports of fireworks related incidents on Maui.  (We will post updates if and when they become available.)

There were, however, more fireworks for sale on Maui this year, with enough product to supply 600 permits, or three million permit-type firecrackers.

The increase in stock comes as O’ahu spends their first New Year under a consumer fireworks ban that went into effect on Jan. 2, 2011.

Maui fireworks. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Fire Prevention Capt. Paul Haake said the retailers on Maui nearly doubled their firecracker supply this year, increasing stock from a year ago when enough product was brought in to supply 350 permit holders.

As of noon on Friday, the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau on Manea Place in Waikapu, had sold an estimated 200 permits; and the County Parks Permit office at the Lahaina Civic Center had sold about 30 permits.

While sales of fireworks permits are far from the supply on hand, sales of permits has surpassed last year’s count of more than 160.

Maui fireworks. Photo by Wendy Osher.