City Council
panel urges harsher
fireworks laws

It wants the Legislature to
either impose a ban or give
jurisdiction back

Staff and wire reports

The City Council's Policy Committee has fired off a resolution urging stiffer fireworks laws.

Authority over fireworks was taken away from the counties by the state Legislature in 1995.

Council members say fireworks-related incidents have worsened since then, and they want the Legislature to either impose a ban -- Oahu-only or statewide -- or give jurisdiction back.

"What we have right now is open warfare," said Councilman John Henry Felix, who introduced the resolution.

A number of people testifying yesterday before the Policy Committee agreed.

Police and fire officials support a ban. The Police Department says fireworks-related calls increased 18 percent during the recent New Year's celebration. At least 40 people were treated at island hospitals because of the smoke.

Deputy Fire Chief John Clark said the proliferation of fireworks has also extended to aerials, which already are illegal.

Clark said fire officials believe at least one home in Kaneohe was destroyed as a result of aerials being aimed and fired directly at it, and that a Diamond Head home also was targeted.

Linda Kaawalauole of Kapolei and Brenda Hamilton of Ewa Beach recently organized People Against Fireworks and have started a petition urging a ban by the Legislature.

"It was like a war zone," Hamilton said, referring to the experience in her neighborhood on New Year's Eve.

Some residents testified that the fireworks caused health and safety problems. Lottie McAteer said she had trouble breathing because of the dense smoke.

Makakilo resident Gig Greenwood said he does not favor a ban, but suggested charging fees for fireworks permits.

Proceeds from the permits would go to police, fire and other agencies charged with fighting the ill effects of fireworks.