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Monday, June 26, 2000




Star-Bulletin file photo
Firefighters urge residents to leave fireworks to the professionals
and attend public displays, such as this one from New Year's,
rather than light their own fireworks and risk injury
or incur penalties for violations.



HFD emphasizes danger
of fireworks

Star-Bulletin staff

Tapa

"Leave fireworks to the professionals," the Honolulu Fire Department strongly recommends.

With fireworks on sale on Oahu from tomorrow until 9 p.m. on July 4, the Fire Department stresses caution, reminding prospective users that fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries.

Safety tips offered for fireworks use include:

Bullet Use only approved fireworks from a licensed retail outlet that has posted its retail permit at its selling site.

Bullet Always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer for the safe use and handling of fireworks.

Bullet Ensure that other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

Bullet Light fireworks only on a smooth, flat surface away from houses, dry leaves and flammable materials.

Bullet Have a garden hose or bucket of water ready in case of fire.

Children should use fireworks only under the direct supervision of an adult. Even sparklers can be dangerous to small children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that each year, 8,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks.

About 55 percent of the fireworks-related injuries are burns, and most of the burns involve the hands, eyes and head.

Nearly 40 percent of the victims are under age 15.

A special study of fireworks-related injuries found that firecrackers, rockets and sparklers caused the bulk of emergency room-treated injuries from fireworks during the study period.

The Fire Department warns that it is against the law to:

Bullet Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.

Bullet Throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.

Bullet Set off fireworks in the vicinity of health care facilities and facilities for animals.

Bullet Set off fireworks by schools.

Bullet Set off fireworks on public ways, in parks, cane fields or places of worship.

Bullet Use aerial fireworks unless the Fire Chief issues a public display permit.

Also, it is unlawful for:

Bullet Any person without a permit to set off, ignite, discharge or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks within 500 feet from any hotel, which shall include Waikiki.

Bullet Any person to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors, and for any minor to possess, purchase or set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except that parents or guardians may allow a minor to use fireworks while under the immediate supervision and control of an adult.

Penalties for violations are:

Bullet Any person importing aerial common fireworks or special fireworks into the state without first having obtained a license shall be guilty of a Class C felony, punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed five years or both.

Bullet Any person violating any other provision of Chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days or both.



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