The Honolulu Fire Department urges everyone in the community to be smart and stay safe since firecrackers can present a real danger to those using them.
They remind the public that anyone who ignites firecrackers must have a permit. Permits are only available online and must be purchased by Dec. 21. Access the Firecracker E-Permit Application system on the HFD website by clicking on the following in order:
- Click on the “Application” tab located in the website ribbon.
- Complete the required information.
- Check the acknowledgement box.
- Click on the “Submit” tab and continue to payment processing.
Permits must be picked up at the Satellite City Hall that was selected online.
- Kapolei and Windward City Shopping Center locations are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
- Ala Moana and Pearlridge locations are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Permits are nonrefundable and will be available for pickup until Dec. 31. Permits do not guarantee the availability of fireworks.
Firecracker sales begin Dec. 26 in the City and County of Honolulu and ends at midnight on Dec. 31. According to HFD, they must be discharged or ignited between 9 p.m. Dec. 31 and 1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2025.
Chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, states that the use of aerial fireworks is prohibited unless a display permit is issued by the HFD Fire Chief.
HFD provides the following firecracker safety tips:
• Only use approved firecrackers from a licensed retail outlet that posts its retail license.
• Always read and follow the warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer to ensure the safe handling and use of firecrackers.
• Never point or throw firecrackers at a person, building, or animal.
• Never ignite firecrackers indoors. Ensure your outdoor area is safe for firecracker use.
• Firecrackers should only be ignited on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry vegetation and flammable materials.
• Do not string firecrackers on utility poles.
• Keep any type of ladder, pole, or tie lines that are used to raise firecrackers at least 10 feet from power lines.
• Never ignite firecrackers in metal or glass containers.
• Have a garden hose or a bucket of water available in the event of a fire.
• Firecrackers must not be used by persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Always wear eye protection when igniting firecrackers.
• When igniting firecrackers, never position any part of your body over them.
• Never attempt to reignite malfunctioning firecrackers.
• Store firecrackers in a cool, dry place.
• Never carry firecrackers in your pocket.
• Never experiment with homemade firecrackers as they are illegal and dangerous.
Under general firecracker prohibitions, people on Oahu may not:
• Throw ignited firecrackers at a person or an animal.
• Throw ignited firecrackers from above the first floor of any building.
• Throw ignited firecrackers from, at, or into a vehicle
• Ignite firecrackers on public ways, in parks, cane fields, or places of worship.
• Ignite firecrackers on public beaches or in forest or wildlife reserves.
• Ignite firecrackers in school buildings or on school grounds.
• Ignite firecrackers within 1,000 feet of hospitals, health and elderly care facilities, and facilities for animal care, including the zoo.
• Ignite firecrackers within 500 feet from a hotel.
• Offer for sale, sell, or give any firecrackers to minors. Honolulu’s firecracker ordinance makes it illegal for minors to use firecrackers on Oahu, even with adult supervision.
• Possess or use aerial fireworks, unless the HFD’s Fire Chief issues a display permit per Chapter 132D, HRS.
• Transport firecrackers in carry-on or checked luggage, airline cargo, or mail.
• Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.
The public must purchase firecrackers from licensed retailers no earlier than five days prior to use, according to HFD. Retailers must have licenses secured at locations for which the license has been issued and they must be displayed prominently. Licensed retailers cannot sell more than 5,000 individuals firecrackers per permit.