(BIVN) – Fireworks permits are now available for purchase for the upcoming New Year’s celebration on the Big Island. 

The Hawaiʻi County Fire Department says each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 firecrackers. Customers may purchase multiple permits. 

The fire department says permits shall only be issued to people 18 years old or older and are nontransferable and non-refundable. 

Firework sales begin Dec. 26 and end at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Permits are not required for the purchase of novelties and paperless firecrackers, officials say.

Setting off fireworks for New Year’s celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Permits shall be visibly displayed at the site of use during the firing, the County says. 

File photo

Permits are available at the following locations:

• KTA Puainako: 50 E. Puainako St. in Hilo
• KTA Waimea: 65-1158 Mamalahoa Highway in Kamuela
• Pacific Fireworks: 74-5629 Kuakini Highway, Suite 155, in Kailua-Kona
• J. Hara Store: 17-343 Volcano Highway in Kurtistown
• Kimura General Store: 27-289 Mill Road in Papaikou
• Phantom Fireworks Tent: 74-5511 Luhia St. in Kailua-Kona
• Phantom Fireworks Tent: 325 E. Makaʻala St. in Hilo
• Phantom Fireworks Tent: 111 E. Puainako St. in Hilo
• TNT Tent: 381 E. Makaʻala St. in Hilo
• TNT Tent: 75-1015 Henry St. in Kailua-Kona
• TNT Tent: 45-3327 Kou St. in Honokaʻa
• TNT Tent: 16-711 Milo St. in Keaʻau

No permits will be sold in the Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court this year.

The Fire Department would like to remind the public that it is illegal for anyone to:

• Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework.
• Throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle.
• Set off fireworks at any time not within the specified periods.
• Set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church when services are held.
• Set off fireworks on any school property without authorization from the said school official.
• Set off any fireworks on any public way such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park.
• Offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors; or for any minor to possess, purchase, sell, or set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult.
• Set off any aerial luminary devices, commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawaiʻi Lanterns, or any other aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, skyrockets, Roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells.

File photo

Residents are urged to use fireworks safely by:

• Using extreme care when setting off fireworks. Children playing with fireworks should always be under an adult’s close supervision. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe injuries. Please help us to help you start the New Year off safely.
• Fireworks should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials.
• Light fireworks one at a time. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Never place any part of your body directly over or under a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Never hold a lighted firework in your hand or aim it at another person.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.
• Please be mindful of lighting fireworks during moderate to high winds that could contribute to spreading a brush fire rapidly.
• Be sure fireworks are completely extinguished before being disposed of.
• Have a fire extinguisher and/or a water hose for use during an unplanned or unexpected fire. Be sure the water hose(s) can reach all areas where fireworks are being conducted, especially around the entire house. Wetting down any dry grassy area before and after setting off fireworks is also a great idea. Doing it before will also let you know the capability of your water source.
• Wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
• If injured, get medical attention immediately by calling 911.