Passion for fireworks won’t die
Fireworks can maim. The smoke can be obnoxious. Still, declaring a unilateral ban on fireworks would be wrong. Some people and pets still love them despite the usual bad press since New Year's Eve.
A friend of mine, who asked to remain anonymous lest she be flamed by anti-fireworks fanatics, admitted to enjoying illegal aerials. "I was raised with them and played with both (illegal aerials and legal fireworks). They're relatively safe with proper precautions, just like handling wild animals," she said.
Even her dog enjoyed the fire and noise, she said. "My old poi dog used to love New Year's Eve. He didn't mind the explosions. He'd chase whirly jumping jacks sparking on the ground and we'd have to pull him away. His whiskers would be singed but he'd be fine."
It seems a shame that a few vocal opponents of fireworks may eventually crush one of the rituals that distinguishes this holiday for Hawaii families.
The current permit requirements do not necessarily mean that fireworks purchasers will use them responsibly. Also, as with firearms, only certain personality types will cause harm with fireworks either deliberately or inadvertently. Maybe mandatory fireworks handling classes in conjunction with permits would allow lawmakers to bring back local favorites such as aerials.
--Christina Chun
cchun@starbulletin.com