HONOLULU (Eagle News) – Earlier this week, Mayor Rick Blangiardi urged residents and visitors throughout the Island of Oahu to welcome 2024 safely by using only legal, permitted firecrackers.
Aerial fireworks, as well as fountains, sparklers and other consumer fireworks, have been deemed illegal in Oahu since 2011. However, county authorities have been unable to fully enforce the restriction for various reasons.
“Fireworks pose a legitimate threat to people and property, and we all need to do more to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe from senseless tragedy,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “Fireworks are dangerous and are illegal for a reason, and we must learn the tragic lessons from recent catastrophic fires and realize that fireworks could easily spark the next disaster.”
Blangiardi emphasized that massive fires like those in Maui last August can occur in a more urbanized setting in Oahu if the illegal fireworks are left unchecked.
Last year, Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) responded to 16 fireworks-related fire calls; while Emergency Services answered numerous medical incidents, including one involving a 28-year-old man from Central Oahu who died after a firework exploded in his face.
“Every year, we warn about the incredible dangers of fireworks, yet every year there is a population of people who disregard that message and cause great harm to themselves or others, including young children,” said Dr. Jim Ireland, director of Honolulu’s Emergency Services. “Suffering fatal injuries, or ending up in an emergency room with a limb missing due to a firework exploding, is a tragedy that is completely preventable.”
“We must be mindful of how quickly recent wildfires spread and destroy lives and property. We should never assume or take anything for granted,” said HFD Chief Sheldon Hao. “Our records show a significant increase of fireworks-related fire calls in 2022 as compared to 2021, and we are concerned about the upward trend of wildland fires in our community, as they are more susceptible to them.”
“Our message is simple. We’re urging everyone to follow the law and celebrate responsibly,” said Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan. “Every year, lives are tragically impacted due to the poor decision making and carelessness of others. Let’s change that, and make it a safer holiday season for our community.”
If members of the public observe any violation of fireworks laws on-island, they should call 911 to report the incident. Callers are also highly encouraged to meet with the responding officer and provide a written statement, along with photographs or recordings that depict the alleged violation and suspect.
(Alfred Acenas, Hawaii-Pacific Bureau, Eagle News Services)