4th of July Fireworks Information for Maui

Fireworks, Maui Now file image.

The sale of 4th of July fireworks began on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 and ends on Monday, July 4, 2016 at 8 p.m., according to information released today by the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety.

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 and allows a purchase of up to 5,000 pieces of fire crackers
• There is no limit to the number of permits issued per person
• Only 88 permits are available for Maui County

Permits are available at the Fire Prevention Bureau offices located at 313 Manea Place in Waikapu, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or at the only fire cracker retail location in Maui County. Fire crackers are only sold at;

• Phantom Fireworks, located in the front parking lot of the Queen Kaahumanu Center, 275 West Kaahumanu Ave. in Kahului.

RULES Relating to the Use of Fireworks:

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

• Fireworks can only be legally set off from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
• 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. Importing and selling 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, set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except that which parents or guardians may allow the minor to use 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:

Pulama Lanai Pineapple Festival
Lanai City Soccer Field, Awalua Ave., Lanai
July 2, 2016 – begins at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Lahaina 4th of July Fireworks
Offshore barge along Front Street, Lahaina Maui July 4,
2016 – begins at approximately 8 p.m.

For the 4th of July celebration, Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic on July 4, from 4 p.m. until around 9 p.m. between Prison Street and Baker Street.

Fire officials say, “The best way to stay safe is to not use fireworks in the first place … Leave fireworks to the professionals.”

For additional information on the fireworks permits, contact the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 876-4690 or visit the County of Maui website and review the fireworks rules under the “Fire Control” section.