#new year fireworks

Maui Humane Society is urging its community’s animal lovers to foster a pet now in an effort to clear space for incoming lost, sick, or injured pets who are expected to arrive as a result of New Year’s fireworks.

There are two public aerial fireworks displays planned in Maui County this year–in South Maui at the Grand Wailea Resort, and at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi at 1 Mānele Bay Road. Both displays begin at approximately 11:59 p.m., New Yearʻs Eve, Dec. 31, 2023.

As New Yearʻs celebrations get underway and fireworks are set off, pet owners may be wondering about special precautions they could take to provide some added safety for their animals.

“If it’s illegal fireworks, it’s a Class C felony [and] it’s a $2,000 fine,” said Chief Pelletier, calling it a public safety issue. “Though you may think it’s harmless to fire something off, people lose limbs, we know people burn down houses, and it’s usually the innocent person who is affected.”

Over a 24 hour period beginning New Year’s Eve at 3 p.m., the Maui Fire Department responded to 12 total fire related calls.