HILO — There’s no such thing as too safe when it comes to fireworks, and inspections at retail sites are ongoing this week to minimize the chance of accidents during the Fourth of July holiday.
Fireworks go on sale at sites around the island today. Sales end at 8 p.m. on July 4.
Between 15 and 20 locations are set to be licensed to sell fireworks, Hawaii Fire Department fireworks auditor Mike Matsui said Tuesday. Retailers apply in early April each year and must go through the fire-inspection process before they are allowed to begin sales.
Earlier this week, the fire department had not yet finished issuing this year’s licenses because some sites were still working to bring their facilities into compliance.
“The majority of the items are easily corrected,” Matsui said. “But some are more costly to do the repairs. A lot of the big issues are dealing with the fire alarm systems.”
He said sprinkler systems are also a common cause of inspection hang-ups.
Firecrackers and consumer fireworks are allowed to be set off between the hours of 1 p.m and 9 p.m. on July 4.
Permits to buy firecrackers for personal use on the holiday can be purchased at seven sites for $25.
Each permit allows for the purchase of 5,000 individual firecrackers. A permit is not needed for novelty or paperless fireworks.
Matsui said those who do purchase fireworks and firecrackers should “use common sense” when lighting off backyard pyrotechnics, and offered a reminder that use of fireworks is not allowed in county parks, state parks or along roadsides.
“You see a lot of (them) being used at Liliuokalani (Gardens) and Bayfront during the day while they’re waiting for the big show,” he said. “But it is illegal, so people should be aware of that.”
It is also illegal to set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of a hospital, nursing home or animal hospital.
The fire department will be collecting unused and unwanted fireworks on Wednesday, July 12. Please call 932-2912 for more information about pick-up and drop-off locations.
Email Ivy Ashe at iashe@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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Locations for purchasing permits to buy firecrackers
Phantom Fireworks Tent – Prince Kuhio Plaza, parking lot off Ohuohu Street
Phantom Fireworks Tent – parking lot next to Walgreens Hilo
Phantom Fireworks Tent – Kona Commons Shopping Center parking lot
Phantom Fireworks Tent – Kona Crossroads parking lot
Phantom Fireworks Tent – Kona Coast Shopping Center parking lot
Hilo Fire Administration – 25 Aupuni Street 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. today, Friday and Monday
Kona Fire Administration – 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. today and Friday