KAILUA-KONA — Big Island police received nearly 100 calls regarding fireworks over the New Year’s holiday.
Between Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, and Wednesday, New Year’s Day, the Hawaii Police Department received 98 calls related to fireworks issues islandwide, according to data provided Thursday morning. That number includes all calls related to fireworks, whether illegal or otherwise.
A breakdown of calls in East and West Hawaii was not available, as were details regarding citations issued. It’s unclear if any arrests were made, however, at least one citation was issued.
The legal time to discharge fireworks for New Year’s celebration in Hawaii County was from 9 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31, to 1 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1, only.
The Hawaii Fire Department reported responding to just one fireworks-related incident in West Hawaii over the holiday.
Shortly before 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, Waikoloa firefighters responded to a small brush fire ignited by fireworks in the Waikoloa Village area. The fire was quickly extinguished and burned less than one-quarter acre, according to fire officials. No injuries were reported or structures threatened.
A citation was issued to the responsible individual, according to police.
The Hawaii Fire Department also responded to several water rescue calls on Tuesday in West Hawaii, though no fatalities were reported. The incidents occurred at Keauhou and Kahaluu bays in North Kona and the shoreline at Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, in South Kohala.
In the Keauhou Bay incident, a pair of kayakers became distressed but were assisted by a boater prior to HFD’s arrival. At Kahaluu Bay, a lifeguard stationed there was able to bring the victim to shore and medics transported them to the hospital. In South Kohala, Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, beach personnel were able to assist the victim to shore prior to the arrival of HFD’s helicopter and Jet Ski.