Firefighters hope for
safe, sane fireworks
use on New Year’s

By Craig Gima
Star-Bulletin

Honolulu firefighters have a Christmas wish -- for a little bit of rain and a lot of common sense on New Year's Eve.

"Rain would help our cause," said Assistant Chief Wayne Nojiri. "Wet grass and wet brush assist us."

New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and the Fourth of July are the busiest days of the year for firefighters.

Last year, there were 14 structure fires on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Nojiri said at least six were fireworks-related.

The fires were minor, but most could have been prevented if people used common sense when playing with fireworks, he said.

He urged parents to supervise their children and to use fireworks only during the hours permitted, and according to the law.

"New Year's is obviously a busy time of year, and we do gear-up by manning additional engine companies," he said.

Fireworks sales have risen every year since permits are no longer required to buy and use fireworks, Nojiri said.

"The prices are down," he said. "We feel people will be purchasing a lot. Hopefully, they will use fireworks responsibly and safely."

Fireworks can be legally ignited only from 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.

Aerial fireworks are not authorized for use by the general public statewide.

Aerial fireworks include bottle rockets, sky rockets, missile-type rockets, helicopters, torpedoes, Roman candles and jumping jacks that move beyond a circle with a 12-foot radius.

For those who want to see legal aerial fireworks on New Year's Eve, there will be two midnight displays on Oahu, according to the city -- at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel and from a barge offshore of the Halekulani Hotel.

Fireworks safety tips

The Honolulu Fire Department advises:

Always read and follow fireworks label directions.
Have a responsible adult present during use.
Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.
Light one fireworks device at a time.
Only purchase fireworks from licensed retail dealers.
Ignite fireworks outdoors.
Have water available where fireworks will be used.
Never throw fireworks at another person.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
Use fireworks on your property; never toss fireworks into another person's property.
Use fireworks responsibly and safely.
Any questions about fireworks use can be directed to the Honolulu Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau at 831-7744.