Light winds could fail to clear fireworks smoke

The National Weather Service is predicting a smoky New Year as light winds may not blow away the haze from the tons of fireworks that will be set off.

Legal Aerial Fireworks Two fireworks displays will be open to the public: Aloha Tower Marketplace » When: Begins 7 p.m., with fireworks at midnight » What: A New Year's celebration with waterfront dining, shopping, live bands and a 10-minute fireworks display over Honolulu Harbor choreographed to music simulcast on KSSK. Extra city buses and taxis will be on hand at midnight to help drive spectators home. Additional parking will be available at Harbor Court, the TOPA Center and Harbor Square. Waikiki » When: Midnight » What: The Waikiki Improvement Association hosts "Celebrating the Good Old Days of 2006." World-famous fireworks artists the Grucci Brothers will be firing one announcement salute every minute starting five minutes before midnight. The brothers expect to fire off 1,200 shells for the eight-minute special effects display. The show will be visible across Waikiki.

And that's bad news for tens of thousands of residents with breathing problems who may have to shutter themselves indoors during New Year's celebrations.

Emergency-room visits spike during New Year's because of the complications developed from the smoke, which can aggravate conditions like asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, according to the American Lung Association of Hawaii.

There are about 64,000 adults and 28,600 children who will be affected by the smoke on Oahu, said Dr. Jeffrey Kam, chief of Straub's Department of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology.

National Weather Service forecaster Jonathan Hoag said the recent rain and cold winds that could have put a damper on New Year's Eve should mostly clear out by today. That means light, easterly trade winds of about 10 to 15 mph tomorrow night, with the possibility of some scattered windward and mountain showers.

"The winds at night tend to become a little lighter, around 9 or 10 p.m.," Hoag said. "Around midnight, it becomes a problem for many people."

The Honolulu Fire Department reports more than 1,000 fewer firecracker permits were sold as of Thursday, compared to last year. The city sold 9,232 this year, compared to 10,317 permits sold by Dec. 28 last year.

But that's not necessarily good news. The fire department reports more fireworks were imported this year: 137,132 cases of fireworks and novelties were shipped in, compared to 105,552 cases last year.

Paperless firecrackers, which do not require a permit, may also be increasing in popularity.

"The paperless fireworks are, in my mind, worse because you're basically burning plastic," Kam said. "Hopefully there will be no vog coming through, too."

Kam said that for people who don't have masks, he recommends staying indoors and running the air filter or air conditioner. If they have to go outside, they should wet a cloth and put it over the mouth.

"The other thing we always mention is for those who take medication, make sure it's available and not expired," Kam said. "Some doctors are working (today), so if you have questions, now's the time to contact them before you have an attack."

On Thursday at the Ala Moana Center, the Straub Clinic & Hospital gave out about 1,000 breathing masks to residents with respiratory problems.

Take precautions to breathe easier

For residents who have respiratory disorders, the state Department of Health recommends the following guidelines:

» Stay indoors and close your windows and doors.

» Check that your air conditioner or purifier is working, and change filters if necessary.

» Do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.

» If you take medication, make sure to have an adequate supply.

» Contact your doctor to get clear instructions on what to do if your condition worsens.

» Avoid people who have colds or other lung infections and wash your hands thoroughly.

» Drink plenty of fluids to loosen mucus. Warm beverages work best.

» Get plenty of rest and limit physical exertion.

After the blasts, clean up the area

The city Department of Environmental Service reminds residents on how to dispose of fireworks waste properly:

» Keep fireworks away from trash. If you have fireworks activity in your neighborhood, make sure your refuse container is closed and placed out of the way.

» Sweep up the paper and spent pyrotechnics. Don't leave debris in the street overnight. It can be blown or washed into a storm drain system and pollute streams and shoreline waters.

» Ensure fireworks waste is extinguished, dousing it with water if necessary.