Fireworks Displays Planned For Hana, Wailea, and Lanai

There are three public fireworks displays planned in Maui County for New Year’s Eve. All three displays begin at 12:00 midnight on New Year’s Eve will be at the following locations:

Hana – below Fagan’s Cross

Kihei – barge offshore fronting the Grand Wailea Hotel

Lanai – Manele Bay Hotel

Firework permits are available until 4:30 today for those wanting to pop their own firecrackers this year. A limit has been placed on the number of permits issued—with a total of 250 available. Permits are not required for novelty items.

Firework permits and processing are available December 24 – 31, 2009 – During normal business hours 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Fire Prevention Bureau (Wailuku Fire Station)

County Parks Permit Office – Lahaina

County Parks Permit Office – Molokai

Pine Isle Market – Lanai

Based on the inventory available, the maximum amount of permits for Maui is 250, for Molokai 61, and for Lanai 47.

Fireworks permits are required to purchase the firecracker type of fireworks and are good for 5,000 firecrackers. Permit applicants must be 18 years or older and show proof of age at the time of permit processing. There is no limit to the number of permits a person may purchase and the cost of each permit is $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,. 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.

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

Fireworks and firecrackers 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 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 1,000 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:

1.Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries.

2. Young children and fireworks do not mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers to young children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.

4. Always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer for the safe use and handling of fireworks.

5. Make sure you have a clear, flat area to use the fireworks; away from structures, dry grass or brush, and other flammable materials.

6. Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire.

“Safety is always a concern. Of course, the best way to stay safe is to not use fireworks and enjoy one of the professionally done shows,” said Captain Paul Haake of the department’s Fire Prevention Bureau. “Dry conditions have always been a concern and this year is no different. We want people to enjoy their New Year celebrations safely.”

For additional information on the fireworks permits, contact the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 270-7566

Maui Electric Urges the Public to Celebrate Safely on New Year’s Eve

Maui Electric Company reminds those celebrating with fireworks to do so carefully. Some tips to having a safe New Year’s Eve are:

• Carefully set up and use fireworks in an area clear of overhead power lines.

• Do not string fireworks on utility poles.

• Don’t use metal ladders or poles near power lines.

• Keep any type of ladder, pole or tie lines used to set up fireworks at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Power lines are energized and could cause a serious electrical shock, burn or electrocution.

If an object should become tangled in an overhead power line, don’t try to free it. Call MECO’s trouble line at 871-7777 on Maui, or 1-877-871-8461 on Moloka`i or Lana`i.

Safety Tips From The Maui Fire Department:

• 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, and other flammable materials.

• Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire.