Kauaians will get their chance to legally buy firecrackers for the Fourth of July celebration.
Beginning Friday, the Kaua’i County Fire Department will offer applications for the purchase of firecrackers. The permit system does not apply to the purchase of other fireworks, which include sparklers and cones.
Each permit, which can be obtained from the county for $25, allows their holder to purchase no more than 5,000 firecrackers from vendors licensed by the county.
The permit system was set up by state law partly to reduce the risk of fires during the celebration. Kaua’i County fire chief David Sproat said small brush fires have flared on the island in past years after they were set by errant exploding firecrackers.
Permit applications can be picked up at fire stations, the Lihu’e Civic Center and the Historic County Building in Lihu’e.
After filling out the form, applicants must present it to officials at the Lihu’e Fire Station on June 29, July 2 and July 3. Permitholders will pay a $25 fee to the county’s Treasury/Motor Vehicle Registration Division.
Firecrackers can only be ignited from 1 to 9 p.m. on July 4.
Persons who violate the law can be found guilty of a misdemeanor or a class C felony, depending on the severity of the infraction, county officials said. Violators could also be required to pay up to $2,000 in fines.
Sproat said he was not aware of any citations being issued during the first year the law was in effect.
Kaua’i County Police inspector Clayton Arinaga said officers will be on the lookout for violations.
Sproat also said it is illegal to buy aerial fireworks and that only individuals licensed by the government can buy and launch them.
If people want to watch an aerial display, they can attend the fireworks show planned at Vidinha Stadium July 4, Sproat said.
“We recommend that people go to an established celebration,” he said. “They have experienced, licensed technicians that will put on the display. It is safe.”
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
