Media Release

Police are reminding the public that fireworks may be set off only between 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve (Friday, December 31) and 1 a.m. New Year’s Day (Saturday, January 1). It is against the law to set off fireworks at any other time during the holiday season.

It is unlawful for any person without a valid permit to set off aerial fireworks. Persons who violate this law could be found guilty of a misdemeanor or Class C felony.

Also be aware that it is against the law:

• to sell or give fireworks to minors
• for a minor to possess or set off fireworks unless under the immediate supervision of a parent or guardian
• to throw ignited fireworks at a person or animal
• to throw ignited fireworks from a vehicle, at a vehicle or into a vehicle
• to set off fireworks in a vehicle
• to throw ignited fireworks from above the first floor of a building
• to set off fireworks above the first floor of a building
• to set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of a hospital, convalescent home, zoo, animal shelter or animal hospital
• to set off fireworks on school property
• to set off fireworks on a street or sidewalk
• to set off fireworks in a park or public beach
• to set off fireworks within 50 feet of a cane field
• to set off fireworks within 500 feet of a hotel

Persons who violate the above laws could face a fine of up to $2,000 for each violation.

To learn more about fireworks laws on line, go to the Hawaii Revised Statutes at www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent and read HRS 132D-5 and HRS 132D-14.

The employees of the Hawai’i Police Department wish the public a safe and happy New Year.