An unexpected fireworks display over Hilo Bay Monday caught a couple people off-guard. An unexpected fireworks display over Hilo Bay Monday caught a couple people off-guard. ADVERTISING As it turns out, the surprise aerial show at 7 p.m. was the
An unexpected fireworks display over Hilo Bay Monday caught a couple people off-guard.
As it turns out, the surprise aerial show at 7 p.m. was the kicker to a post-inauguration shindig for Mayor Billy Kenoi at the Wainaku Executive Center.
Kenoi spokesman Ilihia Gionson said the party was “a campaign event, not a county event” and that the fireworks were set off on the grounds of the center.
Kenoi said in a voicemail message Tuesday afternoon that the fireworks show was donated by Hawaii Explosives and Pyrotechnics of Mountain View.
“I know they got all the required permits,” Kenoi said. “They notified all adjoining properties within a 1,000-square-foot radius.”
Police Capt. Robert Wagner, commander of the South Hilo Patrol Division, said police dispatchers logged only two calls on the event.
Wagner said that since no roads were closed, a police permit wasn’t required.
A call on Tuesday morning to Mike Matsui, fireworks auditor for the county Fire Department, wasn’t returned by press time.
