Despite the down economy, some retailers in the state are hoping residents will still light up New Year's Eve with fireworks.

Don Quijote purchasing manager Mel Yogi said the store chain ordered the same amount of fireworks as last year.

Sales on Friday before the blackout followed a similar pattern as last year, he said.

“;There was a slight rush in the morning, and it tapered off,”; Yogi said Friday, the first day of legal fireworks sales. “;But it looks similar as last year. We anticipate the same kind of sales.”;

But some shoppers said they are cutting back on purchases.

Kalihi mom Chris Quisote thought she would buy the same amount, at least until she was laid off from her job as a front-desk supervisor at a hotel in November. Now her family is scaling back.

“;Last year, we spent about $220,”; she said. On Friday, there was only $80 worth of fireworks in her shopping cart at Don Quijote. “;We just didn't have the money.”;

“;I didn't get anything for Christmas,”; added her husband, Jacob Quisote.

Quisote has been looking for another job, with little luck. Her husband has been supporting her and their daughter with his job as a residential specialist at a condominium.

“;No food, no traveling, no vacation,”; Jacob Quisote said. “;Grateful to be with my loved ones, but it's tough.”;

Jacob Quisote said while they may be cutting back, the family had to buy at least some fireworks for New Year's celebrations. It's a tradition that he and his daughter couldn't let go.

“;In tough times, people tend to hold on to tradition,”; said Yogi, who has worked at the Kaheka Street location since it was known as Holiday Mart. “;It's almost like buying sashimi at this time of the year.”;

Fireworks sales were slow at the Nimitz location of City Mill on Friday, but store manager Charlie Nakama said that is typical at the beginning of the purchase period.

“;Usually once the other stores start running down, people start filtering to us,”; Nakama said. “;Sales pick up closer to New Year's. Last year, I was at the Pearl City location and we did terrific on opening day.”;

Nakama said his location also ordered the same amount of fireworks as last year - about seven crates.

“;It always surprises me, the people who spend the amount of money they do,”; Nakama said. “;It is something even for myself that has been passed on.”;

The legal sale of fireworks ends New Year's Eve. On Oahu, fireworks may be set off from 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1. A $25 permit is required for the purchase of consumer fireworks.

Last year, 9,223 permits were issued. Figures for this year are not yet available.