LIHU’E — Erika Kleinfeld is happy with the sunny skies and low-wind conditions, she said. So far, they have equated with brisk fireworks sales, she said. Kleinfeld, of Pacific Fireworks, had just opened her annual retail space at Kukui Grove
LIHU’E — Erika Kleinfeld is happy with the sunny skies and low-wind conditions, she said. So far, they have equated with brisk fireworks sales, she said.
Kleinfeld, of Pacific Fireworks, had just opened her annual retail space at Kukui Grove Center on Monday, the day after Christmas, and on Tuesday business was booming, as she was interrupted during this interview by customers needing to view purchase their choices.
“We were rained out last year,” Kleinfeld laughed. “Remember the monsoons? It was wet and windy, but this year, we should do well.”
Based out of Ohio, Kleinfeld said the firm leaders comes to Hawai’i once a year to celebrate the New Year with local residents.
“I wish there was something else we could do,” Kleinfeld says while looking at the sunny skies. “We only come here for a month. I’d like to be able to enjoy this for three or four months.”
Pacific Fireworks has been in Hawai’i for at least seven years, each year the firm’s representatives establishing a site at the tives Kukui Grove Center from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31.
Kleinfeld said the hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. until 8 p.m., and stays open until 9:30 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 30, and until 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve, this Saturday, Dec. 31, unless all the stock is sold out before that.
The Cock Brand firecrackers require one of the county permits for users to purchase, Kleinfeld said.
In addition to the firecrackers, Pacific Fireworks representatives offer a wide variety of novelty items, including the paperless firecrackers, which do not require permits, and a variety of fountains, ground spinners, and special assortments that also do not require county permits. Kleinfeld was not certain, but said she thought the final day for securing the firecracker permits would be this Friday, Dec. 30, because county offices are closed Saturday and New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, this Sunday, Jan. 1.
New to this year’s offerings are the largest fountains allowed, that come with name offerings like the Waikiki, American Freedom, and the Giant Iron Horse.
Kleinfeld explained that these giant displays offer 500 grams of pyrotechnic material, and “last year, I brought a couple to a party, and they posed some serious competition to the ones there.”
Additionally, Kleinfeld said, a customer pointed out that there are no Kaua’i specialties.
“I’m talking to my boss about this one. We need something Kaua’i,” she said.
She pointed out that, in addition to the Waikiki Lights and Diamond Head offerings, there are also specialties named for places like Maui, and the Kona side of the Big Island.
“We need a Kaua’i,” she said, noting that her boss was already in agreement with that suggestion, and a Kaua’i creation could be in the works for as early as next year’s New Year celebration.
Additionally, Kleinfeld said that, if people want a preview, or more information, they could check out the Web site at www.pacificfireworks.com, which offers customers a $5 factory rebate. Or, they can call 632-0167.
