Maui Fireworks Permit Sales Begin

Maui fireworks, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Fire Prevention Bureau on Maui began selling fireworks permits on Monday Dec. 23, at their offices off Waikō Road, as well as at county parks permit offices at the Lahaina Civic Center and on Molokaʻi.

Permit sales on Lānaʻi begin on Thursday at Pine Isle Market.

The first day of fireworks sales across the county is on Dec. 26, the day after Christmas.

Fireworks permits cost $25 each and are good for the purchase of up to 5,000 firecrackers.  Novelty fireworks such as sparklers, snakes, fountains and cylindrical or cone fountains which emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground do not require permits.

Stores selling permit-required firecrackers include the following: all Foodland stores, including Lahaina Farms and Sack N Save in Wailuku; all Times supermarkets; Nāpili Market; the Golden Dragon tent at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Shopping Center; Pine Isle Market on Lānaʻi; and Misaki’s and Take’s Variety on Molokaʻi.

The public is reminded that fireworks and firecrackers can only be legally set off during a four-hour window between 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1 a.m. on New Years Day.

Violators are subject to fines of up to $2,000. Also, department officials say the import, transfer, sale or use of aerial fireworks without a valid permit is considered a Class C Felony.

Fire officials suggest that the best way to stay safe is to not use fireworks at all and to consider leaving them to the professionals. New Year’s Eve public fireworks displays are available at midnight in Kīhei at a barge offshore of the Grand Wailea Resort, and at the Mānele Bay Hotel on Lānaʻi.

“The use of fireworks to celebrate the start of a new year is a privilege that Maui residents continue to enjoy,” said Maui Fire Captain Paul Haʻake.

According to Capt. Haʻake, the activity increases community risk of fire and fire-related injuries.

“To make sure our community can continue celebrating the start of the new year with fireworks and avoid the risks associated with its 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.”

“Hopefully we can all have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration and continue to celebrate the start of every new year with fireworks,” he said.