Ban fireworks
By Brenda Hampton
for good!WE are tired of countless failed efforts as individuals to get officials to control the use of dangerous fireworks. So we are uniting in hopes that our voices will be heard.
In our efforts, we've discovered that we are not alone. Our group, People Against Fireworks, has the support of many public servants, including the police and fire departments, not to mention hospitals, convalescent homes and other facilities affected by the abuse of holiday fireworks.
We also speak for the old, the young and innocent, the sick, animal lovers, the poor, homeless and property owners. The list goes on and on of those affected by this ridiculous practice that people recognize as "tradition."
The word "tradition" is defined as the handing down of a belief or custom from generation to generation, a custom recognized as something good and worthy of teaching our children. How or what we have learned from this "tradition" of fireworks?
Annual headlines attest to some of the things we've learned:
Because fireworks were plentiful and cheap this holiday season, New Year's Eve 1998 was especially dangerous. Houses were burned and the smoke was so thick from firecrackers in some areas that people couldn't drive. Some fought with neighbors who carelessly burned fireworks and then went back into their homes to let others clean up their mess. Another major concern was the handling of aerials by minors.That careless and excessive use of fireworks can cause serious physical injuries and property damage.
Some government representatives have commented that, "Well, it's only once a year," or, "It's always been like that in this neighborhood." It's not only once a year but twice. This madness also occurs on the Fourth of July.
And if only one person is maimed because of fireworks isn't that one time too many? Or do we wait until someone dies from the misuse of fireworks or from having respiratory problems due to the polluted environment? Can't we go beyond "tradition" and see what's really happening?
WE need to address and recognize the problem now! If fireworks are to continue in Hawaii, the Legislature must enforce stricter measures to control their use. This is imperative to human life, environmental control and respect for people's property.
Lots of people might think that we are a minority and have just a small voice in this issue. I assure you that this is not so. Those who share my perspective vary from housewives to law-enforcement officials, as well as doctors and politicians.
Our main objective is to ban the use of fireworks in our state. It has brought nothing but anger, hatred, pain, violence and destruction.
We've heard comments like "Oh, it's fun!" Well, what gives a person the right to have "fun" at someone else's expense?
Is it fun to watch someone's home being burned to the ground because some law-breaking idiot blew off illegal aerials that landed on a neighbor's roof?
Is it fun to watch minors use fireworks while their parents encourage them to break the law by allowing them to do so?
Is it fun to see an elderly or sick person gasping for air when the skies are polluted with smoke?
Come on, Hawaii. This isn't fun. It's a crime.
How to join:
Brenda Hampton of Ewa Beach is founder of the
newly formed group, People Against Fireworks.