Fireworks injuries fly higher
POSTED: Saturday, January 09, 2010
The number of people injured by fireworks during New Year's is the highest in the past 10 years, according to a state official.
A total of 112 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries at emergency rooms throughout the state, said Dan Galanis, epidemiologist of the state Department of Health's Injury Prevention and Control Program. Of that figure, seven people were admitted to hospitals—also the highest in 10 years.
The figures have some officials renewing calls for a ban on fireworks. But some say it will be difficult to impose an outright ban as fireworks have been a long tradition in Hawaii.
AIR QUALITY POOR ON NEW YEAR'S
Light and variable winds combined with fireworks gave Oahu polluted air at New Year's. The state Department of Health said yesterday the air quality at monitoring sites on Punchbowl Street in Honolulu, in Pearl City and at Sand Island exceeded the federal standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter averaged over 24 hours.
The data showed the air pollution increased during about midnight and subsided around 3 a.m.
—Associated Press
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The total number of injuries is a 42 percent increase over the previous New Year's total of 79 injuries. The spike was due to the 68 percent increase of injuries in Honolulu at 99 injuries compared to 59 injuries last year, Galanis said. Four injuries occurred on the Big Island, one on Kauai, seven on Maui and one on Lanai.
The patients' ages ranged from 2 to 82 years old. Half of them were under age 18. Most of the patients were males, Galanis said.
While most were treated and released from the emergency rooms, seven people were admitted to the hospital, he said.
Most injuries involved burns to the hands and fingers. Most patients, 72 percent, were injured while setting off or holding some type of fireworks, Galanis said.
Capt. Terry Seelig, spokesman for the Honolulu Fire Department, said: “;We find it shocking that the number is so high. It just re-emphasizes what we've been saying. We need to realize that these tragedies are not acceptable as they are preventable.”;
The Fire Department will ask lawmakers for a total fireworks ban. “;Our goal is no injuries or loss of property,”; Seelig said.
Waipahu resident Richard Oshiro recognizes the fireworks problem is worsening, especially the amount of illegal aerials and “;blasts.”;
But he says a total fireworks ban will be difficult to impose. It's great when fireworks are used at wedding celebrations and grand openings for businesses, he said. “;That's part of our culture,”; Oshiro said, but added that there needs to be a way to control fireworks.
