Fourth of July is Saturday, which means backyard barbecues, beach gatherings, and fireworks — both public displays and the home variety.
Those who want to celebrate Independence Day with a bang can legally do so using firecrackers, as long as there is a valid permit, and other fireworks that don’t require permits, only during the hours of 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
According to a statement from the Hawaii Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau, there are no retail locations selling firecrackers that require a permit to purchase. Permits are required, however, to set off firecrackers previously purchased. Call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 or 932-2915 if you need to purchase a permit.
Those wanting to buy fireworks that don’t require permits can do so from today until 8 p.m. Saturday.
Longs Drug Stores are selling fireworks at their major store outlets, including Prince Kuhio Plaza, downtown Hilo, Pahoa, Waimea, Kailua-Kona and Keauhou.
“We’re just selling the ones that don’t require permits, the ones that stay close to the ground,” a Longs customer service representative said Tuesday.
The smaller Longs stores, such as the Keaau store and the pharmacy-only outlets, aren’t selling fireworks.
Also selling fireworks is Phantom Fireworks, which has set up tent sales at Kona Commons in front of Office Max and at Prince Kuhio Plaza at the rear of the mall. Their sales also are limited to fireworks that don’t require a permit to purchase, such as Chinatown thunder strings, gyro blooms, jade and butterfly fountains and crackling balls.
Phantom’s hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Although permits are not required, sales of fireworks are limited to buyers 18 and older with valid identification.
It is illegal to buy, sell, possess or set off any aerial luminary device, such as sky lanterns and Hawaii lanterns. Anyone in possession of an aerial luminary device who wishes to dispose of it with amnesty can call the Fire Prevention Bureau.
It’s also illegal for any person to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to a minor, or for any minor to possess or set off fireworks except under adult supervision.
In addition, it’s illegal to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks or to throw fireworks from a vehicle.
It’s also unlawful to set off fireworks: At any time not within the legal time period; within 1,000 feet of any operating hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly or animal hospital; in any school building or on any school property; on any highway, alley, street, sidewalk or other public way; in any park; or within 1,000 feet of a church during services.
Fire officials urge fireworks users to use common sense and offer these tips to prevent fires and injuries:
• Have a water hose connected to a water source or a fire extinguisher handy. If necessary, wet down surrounding brush prior to setting off fireworks.
• Children playing with fireworks shall be under adult supervision at all times. Even the smallest fireworks can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
• Fireworks should be set off in a safe area away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles and flammable materials.
• Dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking in water prior to disposal.
The Hawaii Fire Department will collect unused and unwanted fireworks on July 10. Those interested in disposing of fireworks should call 932-2912 for information on pickup and dropoff locations.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
