It’s that time of year when blowing off fireworks will light the Big Island skies Saturday night, although not everyone is excited about the long-held tradition.
However, if initial sales are any indication, many families will be lighting fountains and long strings of firecrackers to ring in the New Year.
Joe Tawater of Pacific Fireworks in Ilima Court in Kailua-Kona has been selling the pyrotechnics for over 16 years and said he had a record breaking first day of sales on Monday.
Last year, Tawater had sold out his inventory by New Year’s Eve, the first time since he has been selling them, which resulted in his supplier opting to increase this year’s supply for his family run business. He said it was the first year he was able to spend with his family blowing off the fireworks he sells.
“Locals believe if they want things to change in the new year they need to blow stuff up,” he said. “People want the red paper firecrackers and fountains.”
He said he has many new products for sale and recommended those who want the best selection to shop early.
On Tuesday, his store was filled with families and keiki checking out his large inventory.
Tawater said the price of the products plus shipping charges have increased since last year by about 6%, but that has not deterred sales.
“I’ve had kids that came in here as toddlers that are now all grown up and want to share the experience with their keiki,” he said.
Hawaii Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd stressed safety when celebrating.
“As we are getting close to the New Years season here and fireworks are more prevalent at the moment, I would definitely recommend people have access to a garden hose at whatever location they will be shooting fireworks off, especially if it is dry or if there are dry shrubs or grass in the area. Add-itionally it’s not bad to have a bucket prefilled with water so if you have punks or sparklers that need to be doused after using you can throw items in there,” he said.
Todd added residents should also make sure their house is safe by ensuring there is no brush or other things against the structure that would allow fire to transition from a wildland area to a home.
Kohala Councilwoman Cindy Evans said she would like to see the community eventually transition from families blowing off firecrackers at home to taking part in events.
“There was a group of organizations that got together in June to talk about the impacts of fireworks. We realize animals are so traumatized, and the impacts on so many things,” she said.
She added that people with PTSD are also traumatized by the loud booms and people with respiratory illnesses are affected by the chemicals and smoke. In addition, all are impacted by the litter left behind and the danger of fire. Most, but not all of these effects are caused by illegal fireworks.
The group came up with an awareness campaign highlighting the negative effects, partnering with the nonprofit Domestic Violence Hurts Animals and People (dvhap.org) passing out flyers and brainstorming ideas to minimize harmful outcomes.
“We want to eventually talk about where we can have safer designated places for families to do that, but that is a gradual movement,” she said.
Evans said there are soundless fireworks that are being developed that can be explored for the county.
“We can have fireworks without the boom, which is what really upsets people and animals,” she said. “People get excited about that when they understand the harm the noise can cause. As a community moving into the future we need to talk about how can we have the excitement and enjoyment in a safer way.”
Firework permits are available at firecracker vending outlets as well as Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, in Waimea, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 31; the Fire Administration Office located at the Hilo County Building, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 30, and the Kona Fire Prevention Office, located at the West Hawaii Civic Center, by appointment only through Dec. 30. Call (808) 323-4760 to set up an appointment.
Each permit costs $25 and entitles a holder 18 years and older to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers. Multiple permit purchases are authorized. Fireworks sales began Monday and end at midnight Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, which is Saturday.
Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers, such as cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, wheels, illuminating torches and colored fire-dipped sticks, sparklers and salutes.
Setting off fireworks for New Year celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, and 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Sunday.
It is illegal for anyone to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework; throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle, according to the Hawaii Fire Department.
Fireworks are not permitted within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church when services are held; on any school property without authorization from the said school official or on any public way such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park.
Prohibited fireworks include jumping jacks, flying pigs, rockets, helicopters, satellites, roman candles, mines, shells and aerial luminary devices, also known as sky lanterns.
Aerial fireworks are also illegal, the Hawaii Police Department said. Anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting off, igniting or discharging aerial devices, display fireworks or articles pyrotechnic without a valid pyrotechnic permit may face Class C felony charges resulting in a five-year term of imprisonment, if convicted.
Please remember that anyone igniting aerial pyrotechnic displays risk not only their life but also the lives of loved ones nearby and potentially neighbors as well,” police said.
Police, who are also managing Hawaii County Animal Control Services, also offered advise to owners of pets amid the festivities including keeping pets indoors; making sure pets are microchipped and to consider using a thunder shirt, treats or crating as a means to keep pets calm. Veterinarians may be able to prescribe anxiety medications for canines.