HONOLULU (KHON2) — As the holidays begin to close in, Honolulu Fire Department officials released a message to help Hawaii residents celebrate the season safely.
“HFD wishes everyone a joyful and safe holiday season. We urge the communities that we serve to be smart and stay safe by recognizing the potential dangers associated with firecrackers,” said HFD in a news release.
Residents are reminded they must obtain a permit before planning to ignite fireworks. Permits are only available for purchase online and should be completed by Dec. 21.
Once purchased, permits need to be picked up at the Satellite City Hall that was selected online and will be available for pickup through Dec. 31.
To submit a firework permit application, visit the Firecracker E-Permit application system.
If you’ve been approved for your firework permit and have purchased fireworks, HFD officials would like to remind you of the following safety tips.
Fireworks should only be purchased from licensed retail outlets and ignited on smooth, flat surfaces away from flammable materials and buildings.
Users should always wear eye protection when handling fireworks and they should never be ignited indoors.
Make sure to always read the directions before igniting fireworks and never attempt to use them if you are under the influence.
In case of an emergency, keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby.
“Together, we can enjoy jolly holidays if we remember to be considerate of others by obeying laws. The HFD encourages the public to be careful, as firecrackers can pose a real danger. Our wish this holiday season is for everyone to safely enjoy the New Year’s celebrations.”
Check out more news from around Hawaii
Other unlawful fireworks practices include:
- Throwing firecrackers at a person or animal, into a vehicle, above the first floor of a building
- Igniting fireworks in public ways, parks, beaches, forests or wildlife reserves or on school grounds
- Selling or giving fireworks to minors
- Transporting fireworks in carry-on or checked luggage
Fireworks on Oahu can only be lit from Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. until Jan. 1 at 1 a.m.