Happy 2020! Two Public Aerial Fireworks Displays in Maui County

There will be two public aerial firework displays in Maui County for New Year’s Eve–one at the Grand Wailea Resort from an offshore barge; and the other from the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi in the “laydown area” of Mānele Bay.  Both displays are scheduled to start at approximately 11:59 p.m.

For those that plan to use fireworks, the legal kind–which are those that emit effects not higher than 12 feet of the ground–can only be set off from 9 p.m. today to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.  Violations are subject to fines of up to $2,000.

A fireworks permit is required for the use of fire crackers. Each permit costs $25 and is good for the purchase of up to 5,000 pieces of fire crackers.

The Maui Police Department is cracking down on illegal aerial fireworks.  Under Act 248, signed into law this year, a homeowner or renter can be found criminally liable for using aerial fireworks, which is classified as a Class C Felony.

Officials with the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau maintain that the best way to stay safe is to “not use fireworks in the first place and to leave them to the professionals.”

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, 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 for 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.

Fireworks Permit Details:

• Each permit costs $25, payable by check/money order to the County of Maui. Cash will be accepted at the Fire Prevention Bureau and Pine Isle Market only
• Each permit allows a purchase of up to 5,000 pieces of fire crackers
• There is no limit to the number of permits issued to each person
• Permit applicants must be 18 years or older and show proof of age at the time of permit processing

Where to Purchase Permits:
(Permits are available from Dec. 17 to 31, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the locations listed below. Note: County Offices are closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019 in observance of the Christmas Day Holiday)

• CENTRAL MAUI: Fire Prevention Bureau (313 Manea Place in Waikapū) at the Consolidated Baseyard
• WEST MAUI: County Parks & Recreation Permit Office at the Lahaina Civic Center (1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway in Lahaina)
• MOLOKAʻI: County Parks & Recreation Permit Office at the Mitchell Pauʻole Community Center (90 Ainoa Street)

A limited number of fireworks permits will be available at the following locations:

KAHULUI
• Phantom Fireworks, front parking lot of Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (275 West Kaʻahumanu Avenue)
• Pacific Starr Fireworks, Akakū Center (333 Dairy Road, Unit 108)

• Kings Cathedral (777 Maui Veterans Highway)

KĪHEI
• Pacific Starr Fireworks, Piʻilani Shopping Village (225 Piʻikea Avenue)

LĀNAʻI
• Pine Isle Market

Permit required firecrackers will be sold at the following retail locations:

ALL MAUI LOCATIONS OF
• CVS Longs Drugs-exception Lahaina
• Foodland Supermarkets, Kaʻahumanu, Pukalani, Wailuku, Lahaina

WAILUKU
• Sack N Save

KAHULUI
• Phantom Fireworks, Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
• Pacific Starr Fireworks, Akakū Center
• Kings Cathedral

KĪHEI
• Pacific Starr Fireworks, Piʻilani Shopping Village

MOLOKAʻI
• Misaki’s Grocery
• Take’s Variety Store

LĀNAʻI
• Pine Isle Market

The Maui Fire Department also reminds residents of the following rules regarding fireworks use:

• Fireworks can only be legally set off from 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. New Year’s Day
• Setting off fireworks outside designated times is punishable by law. Violations are subject to fines of up to $2,000
• The import, transfer, sale, or use of aerial fireworks without a permit is a Class C Felony
  

  Fireworks. File photo credit: Carl Yoshihara (7.6.19)