MFD announces public fireworks displays and fireworks laws, safety guidelines for New Year’s Eve

Maui County will host two public aerial firework displays this year—one at the Grand Wailea Resort and another at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi—according to a recent announcement from the Maui Fire Department. The department reminds residents that the import, transfer, sale, or use of aerial fireworks outside of permitted displays is illegal, extremely dangerous, and punishable as a Class C felony.

The sale of New Year’s Eve consumer fireworks starts Friday, Dec. 27 and ends Wednesday, Jan. 1, according to MFD. No permit is required for consumer fireworks, such as sparklers, snakes, and cone fountains emitting effects no higher than 12 feet, during the designated time frame of 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

However, a firecracker permit is required for the use of firecrackers and will be sold only at certain locations in Maui County, including eight locations on Maui, two locations on Lānaʻi, and two locations on Molokaʻi:

• Foodland Kaʻahumanu, 90 Kāne St., Kahului
• Foodland Kīhei, 1881 S. Kīhei Road, Kīhei
• Foodland Pukalani, 55 Pukalani St., Pukalani
• Foodland Kehalani, 255 Kehalani Village Drive, Wailuku
• King’s Cathedral, Walmart parking lot, 101 Pakaula St., Kahului
• Nāpili Market, 5095 Nāpilihau St., Suite 107-A, Lahaina
• Pacific Starr Fireworks, Piʻikea Village Shopping Center, 281 Piʻikea Ave., Kīhei
• Safeway Maui Lani parking lot, 58 Maui Lani Parkway, Wailuku
• Pine Isle Market, 356 8th St., Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi
• King’s Chapel, 1001 Fraser Ave., Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi
• Misaki Market, 78 Ala Mālama Ave., Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi
• Take’s Variety Store, 29 Mohala St., Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi

Each firecracker permit costs $25 and allows a purchase of up to 5,000 pieces of firecrackers. 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 purchase.

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. on New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
• Setting off fireworks outside designated times is punishable by law. Violations are subject to fines of up to $5,000.
• 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 healthcare facilities and facilities for animals.
• It is unlawful to set off fireworks near 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 of 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:

• Grand Wailea Resort
  3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea
  Dec. 31, 2024 – begins approximately at 11:59 p.m.
• Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi
  1 Mānele Bay Road, Lānaʻi City
  Dec. 31, 2024 – begins approximately at 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. Unfortunately, this activity increases our community’s risk of fire and fire related injuries,” says a recent Maui Fire Department announcement. “To ensure our community can continue celebrating the start of the new year with fireworks and avoid the risks associated with their use, please remember to do 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. The best way to stay safe is to not use fireworks in the first place… Leave fireworks to the professionals.”

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