HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE POLICE CHIEF
PHONE: 961-2244
DECEMBER 27, 2001
MEDIA RELEASE
The Police and Fire Departments remind Big Island residents to follow the rules governing the use of fireworks so they may enjoy a safe and happy New Years holiday.
The use of fireworks is only permitted from 9 p.m. Monday, New Years Eve, December 31, 2001, until 1 a.m. Tuesday, New Years Day, January 1, 2002. The use of fireworks at any other time without a permit is absolutely prohibited.
Chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes require residents who want to set off fireworks to first acquire a permit. Each permit which costs $25.00 allow the purchase of no more than 5,000 firecrackers. The permit further requires the name of the responsible party, the location where the activity is to occur, and display of the permit in public view at the site.
As in the past, the use of aerial bombs and displays without a special permit is prohibited by law.
The law defines an aerial firework as “any fireworks which produces an audible or visible effect and which is designed to rise into the air and explode or detonate in the air or to fly above the ground.” It says the use of such fireworks “is prohibited for use by any person who does not have a display permit issued by a county.
Prohibited fireworks include jumping jacks, flying pigs, rockets, helicopters, satellites, roman candles, mines and shells.
Common fireworks allowed without a permit include cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, wheels, illuminating torches and colored fire, dipped sticks, sparklers, firecrackers and salutes.
It’s also against the law to extract the explosive or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks; throw ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle; set off fireworks in any school building or on any school grounds without authorization from school officials; or set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home or home for the elderly.
Anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from purchasing any fireworks; or igniting any fireworks unless they are under the immediate supervision and control of their parents or an authorized adult.
Police officers will be enforcing the fireworks law and looking for violators. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $500.
We also ask that individuals celebrate the New Year in a responsible fashion and to avoid driving if liquor was consumed and to be on he alert for increased vehicular and pedestrian travel.
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