Hawaii County announces fireworks permits for 2023 July 4 celebrations
Hawaii Fire Department Fire Chief Kazuo Todd announces that firework permits will be available for purchase beginning Thursday, June 29, until Tuesday, July 4, at 8:00 pm. This announcement comes as part of the preparations for the upcoming Fourth of July festivities. Firework permits and firecrackers can be obtained exclusively from two designated locations:
1. TNT Tent @ Safeway Parking Lot, 381 E. Makaala Street, Hilo, HI
2. TNT Tent @ Walmart Parking Lot, 75-1015 Henry Street, Kona, HI
Each permit will cost $25.00, enabling the holder to purchase up to 5,000 individual firecrackers. Permits will be issued to individuals 18 or older and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Notably, novelties and paperless firecrackers do not require permits.
Individuals with valid permits can set off firecrackers and consumer fireworks during the approved hours of 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm on July 4. However, Chief Todd emphasizes that buying, selling, possessing, or setting off any Aerial Luminary Device, including Sky Lanterns and Hawaii Lanterns, is illegal. Individuals possessing such devices are encouraged to contact Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki at 808-323-4760 for proper disposal with amnesty.
To ensure public safety, the Hawaii Fire Department reminds everyone of the following illegal activities:
1. Removing the contents from any firework(s).
2. Throwing firework(s) from a vehicle.
3. Setting off firework(s) outside the approved time period or within 1,000 feet of hospitals, nursing homes, homes for the elderly, animal hospitals, schools, highways, parks, or churches during service times.
4. Selling, giving, or possessing firework(s) for minors, and minors setting off or igniting firework(s) without adult supervision.
The Hawaii Fire Department urges the public to take necessary precautions to prevent fires and injuries caused by firework(s):
1. Ensure that a water hose is connected to a water source or have a fire extinguisher readily available and wet down the surrounding brush before setting off firework(s).
2. Ensure children playing with firework(s) are always under adult supervision, as even the smallest fireworks can cause serious injuries.
3. Set off firework(s) in a safe area away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials. Dispose of used firework(s) properly by soaking them in water before disposal.
Furthermore, the Hawaii Fire Department will conduct a collection of unused and unwanted firework(s) after the 4th of July holiday. Individuals interested in disposing of firework(s) can contact Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki at 808-323-4760 for information on pick-up and drop-off locations. Local fire stations are not designated drop-off points for firework(s).
Lastly, the public is invited to enjoy public fireworks displays at the following locations:
1. Off-shore Barge at Hilo Bay at 8:00 pm.
2. Barge located off-shore near Huggo’s Restaurant at 8:00 pm.
For more information on purchasing fireworks permits, safe use of firework(s), or firework(s) disposal, please contact Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki at 808-323-4760.
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