HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE POLICE CHIEF
PHONE: 961-2211
DECEMBER 22, 1999
MEDIA RELEASE
The Hawaii County Police and Fire Departments are reminding residents to follow the rules governing the use of fireworks so they may enjoy a safe New Year’s holiday.
The use of fireworks is permitted from 9 p.m. Friday, New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1999, to 1 a.m., Saturday, New Year’s Day, January 1, 2000. The use of fireworks at any other time is prohibited.
State law (Chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes) prohibits the use of aerial bombs and displays unless a special permit is obtained.
The law defines an aerial firework essentially as any firework “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 about above the ground and which is prohibited for use by any person who does not have a display permit issued by a county.”
Prohibited aerial fireworks include jumping jacks, 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 gunpowder 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, possessing or igniting any fireworks unless they are under the immediate supervision and control of their parents or an authorized adult.
Police officers will be looking for violators and will enforce the fireworks law. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $500.
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