LIHUE — There are two options to choose from once you get to Pacific Fireworks, which set up shop late last week at the Kukui Grove Center. The big, exploding types require permits, while the gentler ones don’t. “Firecrackers? You
LIHUE — There are two options to choose from once you get to Pacific Fireworks, which set up shop late last week at the Kukui Grove Center.
The big, exploding types require permits, while the gentler ones don’t.
“Firecrackers? You need a permit,” said Erika Kleinfeld who has been operating the shop for the past 13 years, a popular spot for partygoers looking to ring in the New Year with some added flair. “Otherwise, you are free to purchase sparklers, fountains, snappers, ground blooms with no permit.”
Permits and applications are available at the Kauai Fire Department headquarters in the Piikoi Building of the Lihue Civic Center, 4444 Rice Street, Ste. 315.
“Once you get and pay for the permit, you’re free to come back and get firecrackers — up to 5,000 for one permit,” Kleinfeld said. “You can mix-and-match between the Cock and Duck brand, up to the 5,000 for one permit.”
The cost of a fireworks permit is $25 and can be used 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 purchase firecrackers. However, applicants need to be at least 18 years old to be issued a permit.
“We urge everyone to exercise caution when igniting fireworks to help prevent fires and avoidable injuries,” said Kauai Fire Captain Daryl Date of the Fire Prevention Bureau. “Follow all instructions that come with fireworks and be sure that children are under adult supervision at all times. Set off fireworks away from dry grass or flammable materials and keep a water hose and/or fire extinguisher nearby in the event of an unexpected fire.”
Only licensed pyro-technicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks.
Fireworks may only be ignited on private property from 9 p.m. Tuesday until 1 a.m. Wednesday.
Although the following items are classified as fireworks, no permit is necessary to purchase them: snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical, or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners.
“We have everything from the itty-bitty fountains to the ones with 500 grams,” Kleinfeld said. “Fireworks in Hawaii is a long-standing tradition because it is based on religion.”
She said she is surprised at the amount of knowledge younger people have in terms of what fireworks do what, and what they are specifically looking for.
KFD reminds the public that it is illegal to set off fireworks on public property, including streets, sidewalks or parks.
Additionally, removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks is prohibited.
Call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 241-4985 for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
