DEAN SENSUI / DSENSUI@STARBULLETIN.COM A variety of fireworks awaited customers at Fireworks Depot in the McCully Shopping Center yesterday. The salesperson said the bulk of sales are expected in the last two or three days before the Fourth of July.

Oahu revelers itching
to sparkle for the holiday

Fourth of July sales concern
fire officials due to safety threats

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By Lisa Asato
lasato@starbulletin.com

Kris McKinley was among the first shoppers at Fireworks Depot yesterday, "looking for something to have a good time" to celebrate the Fourth of July.

What caught his eye wasn't the fancy $35 fountains, but rather a $3 box of red, green and blue sparklers.

"Reminds me of when I was a kid," said the 22-year-old visitor from Whittier, Calif., who was planning to celebrate with friends and his brother, who lives in Ewa.

Stores across Oahu started selling fireworks yesterday in anticipation of Thursday's national holiday.

And according to Honolulu Fire Capt. Richard Soo, the timing couldn't be worse.

"It's in the height of the brush fire season," said Soo, a department spokesman.

DEAN SENSUI / DSENSUI@STARBULLETIN.COM Melanie Zosa and Kris McKinley took a look at fountain-type fireworks at Fireworks Depot in the McCully Shopping Center yesterday.

He said a brush fire that consumed about 3 acres in Hauula yesterday "pointed out how all areas of the island are dry. Once you start putting fireworks for sale, even novelty items ... if they're not used wisely it could easily start a brush fire."

There's always an increase of eye and hand injuries related to fireworks used in the days leading up to the Fourth, he said. And he recommended that people go to public fireworks displays, including at Magic Island, Kailua Beach Park and Schofield Barracks.

"We're hoping people take advantage of that," he said.

Fireworks can be sold and set off legally until 9 p.m. Thursday. Buyers need a $25 permit to purchase firecrackers.

But the novelty items Chris Zosa, 13, was eyeing yesterday don't require a permit.

"I like the fireworks that shoot up in the air," said Zosa, who was browsing with McKinley at Fireworks Depot in the McCully Shopping Center. Zosa was also excited over the smoke bombs and "Color Cracking Balls."

"It's pretty cool," he said. "They actually sparkle."