Maui New Year’s Eve Fireworks Reminders, Lone Public Aerial Display on Lānaʻi

The sale of New Year’s Eve fireworks on Maui began on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 and ends on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.

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 County of Maui’s, Department of Fire and Public Safety provided the following details and reminders for fireworks permits.

• 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

Permits for sale:

Permits will be available from Dec. 21-31, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Central Maui at the Fire Prevention Bureau located at 313 Manea Place in the Waikapū Consolidated Baseyard. *County Offices are closed on Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 in observance of the Christmas Day Holiday.

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

• Kahului: at Phantom Fireworks, front parking lot of Queen Kaahumanu Center, 275 West Kaahumanu Ave.; and King’s Cathedral, 777 Maui Veterans Highway
• Kīhei: Pacific Starr Fireworks, Piʻilani Shopping Village, 225 Piʻikea Ave.
• Lahaina: King’s Cathedral, 1221 Honoapiʻilani Hwy.
• Lānaʻi: Pine Isle Market

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

• CVS Longs Drugs: Kahului and Wailuku locations
• Foodland Supermarkets: Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Lahaina locations
• Wailuku: Sack N Save
• Kahului: Phantom Fireworks, Queen Kaʻahumanu Center; and King’s Cathedral
• Kīhei: Pacific Starr Fireworks, Piilani Shopping Village
• Lahaina: King’s Cathedral, 1221 Honoapiilani Highway
• Molokaʻi: Misaki’s Grocery; and Take’s Variety Store
• Lānaʻi: Pine Isle Market

Rules Relating to 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.
• Aerial fireworks are illegal and extremely dangerous. The import, transfer, sale, or use of 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, 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:

• 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:

• Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi – Laydown Area Manele (tentative) 1 Mānele Bay Rd., Dec. 31, 2020 – begins approx. 11:59 p.m.

“The use of fireworks to celebrate the start of a new year is a privilege that Maui residents continue to enjoy,” Maui fire officials said in a department press release. “Unfortunately, this activity increases our community’s risk of fire and fire-related injuries.”

To ensure the community can continue celebrating the start of the New Year with fireworks and avoid the risks associated with its use, the department reminds the public to remember the following: supervise children using fireworks, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety tips provided, use common sense, and watch out for each other’s safety.

“Let’s all have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration and continue to celebrate the start of every New Year with fireworks,” Maui fire officials said. “The best way to stay safe is to not use fireworks in the first place … Leave fireworks to the professionals,” the Department advised.

For additional information on fireworks permits, contact the Maui Fire Department’s, Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 876-4690 or refer to the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes 132D online.