In light of recent brush fires due to dry weather, the county is asking for caution when using firecrackers this Fourth of July. “Be extremely cautious and use common sense,” Fire Inspector Daryl Date said. The risk of firework-ignited brush
In light of recent brush fires due to dry weather, the county is asking for caution when using firecrackers this Fourth of July.
“Be extremely cautious and use common sense,” Fire Inspector Daryl Date said.
The risk of firework-ignited brush fire is up from past years, as weather has been drier than normal. In fact, all islands in the state are experiencing dry conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, the seasonal outlook for Hawai‘i from late June through September foresees drought that will persist or intensify.
This week, the U.S. Drought Monitor characterized Kaua‘i as abnormally dry, while severe drought was seen on parts of the Big Island and Maui.
“We hope that people see how many wild fires and brush fires that are out there,” Fire Prevention Bureau Capt. David Bukoski said of being aware of the risks.
Bukoski said that in the past fires have been started by fireworks, and even a sparkler can be a threat.
According to the bureau, firecrackers may be ignited between the hours of 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. tomorrow. Permits must be obtained before 4 p.m. today at the department’s Lihu‘e office in the Lihu‘e Civic Center, Mo‘ikeha Building, suite 295, in order to purchase non-aerial fireworks at any retail outlet.
Permits cost $25 and are good for up to 5,000 “nonaerial individual firecracker units,” according to a Fire Department statement. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Novelty items such as snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners do not require permits.
Aerial fireworks are completely off-limits to consumers.
Fire Inspector Dodd Apao said that in addition to permitting individuals, the Fire Department has permitted the big display to take place at Kaua‘i Hospice’s 16th annual Concert In The Sky event.
“It’s the most spectacular one by far,” Apao said, noting that the site will be inspected beforehand to ensure that conditions are right for the show.
In the only other large fireworks show, the Pacific Missile Range Facility will present a 12-minute-long display at the base at Barking Sands around 9 p.m. tonight.
For residents planning trips to neighboring islands or the Mainland, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice to remind travelers to leave their fireworks at home.
“Although commercial flights in Hawai‘i make up a fraction of the region’s overall air traffic, the state’s passengers account for more than one-third of all fireworks seizures at the region’s airports,” states a FAA press release.
Fireworks in all forms are banned on flights, as friction can cause them to ignite en route. Civil fines can range from $250 to $50,000 depending on the violation; criminal convictions can result in up to five years in prison and fines of $250,000 for individuals, states the release.
As for other county safety precautions, Kalani Vierra, Ocean Safety Bureau supervisor, said the usual number of lifeguards will staff beaches during regular hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the Fourth. The one thing that does stand out about the holiday, he said, is the rubbish on the beach the following day.
Post-holiday beach cleanups around the island include the seventh annual cleanup of Hanalei Bay at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. On Saturday, the local Surfrider Foundation chapter will host a cleanup of Kalihiwai Beach at 9 a.m. Also that day, the Sierra Club will clean up and hike the coastline starting at 9 a.m. at Kealia Beach and ending at Ahihi Bay with a picnic and swim. For more information on that outing, call Vivian Hager at 822-3610.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommendations
• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal “safe” firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing.
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don’t go off.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
• Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Blake Jones, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or bjones@kauaipubco.com.
