On Tuesday, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi warned residents and visitors across Oahu against using dangerous and illegal fireworks, according to a news release.
“Fireworks pose a legitimate threat to people and property, and we all need to do more to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe from senseless tragedy,” said Blangiardi. “Fireworks are dangerous and are illegal for a reason.”
Since 2011, aerial fireworks, fountains, sparklers and other consumer fireworks have been illegal.
Last year, a 28-year-old Wahiawa man died after fireworks exploded in his face, a 20-year-old Hawaii Island man died from injuries sustained while holding a firework launcher that went off above his head, and a 35-year-old Hawaii Island man died while making homemade fireworks.
Along with Blangiardi, leaders of three of the City and County of Honolulu’s first responder agencies spoke at Tuesday’s news conference.
Dr. Jim Ireland, the director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, said firework injuries are “completely preventable.”
"Every year we warn about the incredible dangers of fireworks, yet every year there is a population of people who disregard that message and cause great harm to themselves or others, including young children,” said Ireland.
Blangiardi also warned that fireworks may cause wildfires, especially in dry parts of the island.
“We must learn the tragic lessons from recent catastrophic fires and realize that fireworks could easily spark the next disaster,” he said.
Honolulu Fire Department Chief Sheldon Hao said people should be mindful of how quickly recent wildfires spread. The HFD responded to 16 fireworks-related fire calls last year.
“Our records show a significant increase of fireworks-related fire calls in 2022 as compared to 2021, and we are concerned about the upward trend of wildland fires in our community, as they are more susceptible to them,” Hao said.
Honolulu Police Department Chief Joe Logan urged people to call 911 to report any violation of firework laws. Logan encouraged callers to meet with responding officers, provide a written statement, photographs, videos, or any other relevant information. Based on the information provided to the officer, they may take enforcement action if probable cause exists.
“Our message is simple: We’re urging everyone to follow the law and celebrate responsibly,” he said. “Every year, lives are tragically impacted due to the poor decision making and carelessness of others. Let’s change that and make it a safer holiday season for our community.”
HPD made 13 arrests and issued about 150 citations between Nov. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2022 for firework related offenses on Oahu. HPD is also working to prevent the distribution of illegal fireworks.