Isle residents may be turning more to paperless fireworks instead of the traditional kind as the number of fireworks permits issued continues to decline.

According to the Honolulu Fire Department, permits declined steadily between 2005 and last year.

Last year 6,924 permits were sold, compared with 9,223 permits in 2007, 10,980 permits in 2006 and 13,981 permits in 2005.

“;It appears that the public is buying more novelties that don't require permits,”; said Capt. Terry Seelig, spokesman of the Honolulu Fire Department.

Novelties include spinning fountains and morning glories. It also includes paperless fireworks that are smaller and not as loud as traditional paper firecrackers. Still, Seelig said the paperless fireworks pose a risk of starting a fire or injuring somebody. People need to use caution when handling the paperless fireworks, he said.

Fireworks permits go on sale starting tomorrow through New Year's Eve at any satellite city hall. Permits are $25 each. There are no limits to the amount of permits residents can purchase. Five thousand individual firecrackers can be purchased with each permit.

Officials reminded residents that aerial fireworks are illegal. Fireworks may be set off from 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 1 a.m. on New Year's Day.

City officials also reminded the public to not drink and drive. “;When you're going out, think of safety not just for yourself, but for others,”; said Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha at a briefing yesterday. Call a friend or a cab and have a plan, he said.

PERMITS OVER THE YEARS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Cases of fireworks imported*
Firecrackers	6,580	8,915	2,126	4,635	not available
Novelties	98,972	128,217	112,033	128,633	not available
Retail licenses issued	124	171	148	164	143
Permits issued**	13,981	10,980	9,223	6,924***	2,423

* Cases are not a standard unit size and can vary depending on the manufacturer and type of fireworks in the case.

    Residents take holiday safety precautions

 

 

First responders gathered at City Hall to urge residents to be careful.

[ Watch ]

 

** As of Dec. 23

*** As of Dec. 24 (Dec. 23 was a Sunday that year.)

 

Source: Honolulu Fire Department

 

CAUTION

Some fireworks safety tips:

» Adults should always supervise the use of fireworks by children. Even sparklers can be dangerous for children to use without supervision.

» Don't point or throw fireworks at a person, building or animal.

» Fireworks should only be lighted on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry vegetation and flammable materials.

» Don't shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

» Have a garden hose or bucket of water ready in the event of a fire.

» Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

» Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.

» Don't position your body over fireworks when lighting them.

» Don't attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks.

» Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

» Don't experiment with homemade fireworks. They are dangerous and illegal.