LIHU‘E — The Duck is back. So is Waikiki, the Hula Girls and Kona Gold, said Erika Kleinfeld of Pacific Fireworks. Kleinfeld opened the doors to the pyrotechnic specialty shop Wednesday, the first day fireworks could legally be sold, at
LIHU‘E — The Duck is back. So is Waikiki, the Hula Girls and Kona Gold, said Erika Kleinfeld of Pacific Fireworks.
Kleinfeld opened the doors to the pyrotechnic specialty shop Wednesday, the first day fireworks could legally be sold, at Kukui Grove Center. She was also greeted by a number of customers who had questions on the permitting.
The Kaua‘i Fire Department is reminding residents that a permit from the fire department is required to set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
Permits for firecrackers are available at the Kaua‘i Fire Department office located in the Pi‘ikoi Building located at 4444 Rice St., Ste. 315 and will be available through Monday, New Year’s Eve. Permits will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $25, which allows a user (over 18 years old) to purchase up to 5,000 non-aerial individual firecracker units.
There is no limit on the number of permits an individual can obtain to buy firecrackers, a county release states. However, applicants must be at least 18 years old to be issued a permit.
Kleinfeld, a 12-year veteran of pyrotechnic sales at Kukui Grove Center, said this year, Pacific Fireworks offers firecrackers (permit required) in both the Cock brand and the Duck brand.
Fireworks can be legally set off from 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m. New Year’s morning.
Although the following items are classified as fireworks, no permit is required to purchase snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners.
“This year, we brought back the popular Waikiki display, new and improved,” Kleinfeld said. “This is in addition to the return of the Hula Girls and Kona Gold, longtime favorites. And, as usual, everything is on special ‘buy two, get the third free.’”
She said they do not have any paperless firecrackers (no permit required) due to problems at the factory, and the popular floating lanterns have been declared illegal in the state. They are also not available.
“The best advice for customers to come in early when the varieties are available,” Kleinfeld said. “Don’t wait until last minute.”
Only licensed pyro-technicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks.
As of press time, there is one scheduled public display hosted by Kalapaki Joe’s and the Po‘ipu Beach Resort Association scheduled for 9:20 p.m. at the Po‘ipu Beach Park.
Gates to the music fest ending with the pyrotechnic display open at 5 p.m.
Captain Daryl Date of the Fire Prevention Bureau advises people to exercise caution when igniting fireworks. Residents (and visitors) are urged to follow all instructions, which come with fireworks, and be sure children are under adult supervision at all times.
Pacific Fireworks, located adjacent to Regis Hair Salon at Kukui Grove Center, will follow mall hours, Kleinfeld said, opening at 9:30 a.m. and closing at 7, or 7:30 p.m.
Friday night the store will close at 9 p.m., and on New Year’s Eve, Kleinfeld said they will open at 9:30 a.m. and stay open until they sell out.
For more information on fire safety, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 241-4985.
