LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Fire Department officials said permits must be obtained from the fire department by Friday, July 2, to purchase and ignite firecrackers on the 4th of July.
They advise purchase of permits now to ensure that permits can be issued in time for purchasing fireworks for holiday celebrations.
Fireworks and firecrackers may only be ignited on private property between 1 and 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 4.
Applications are available at KFD headquarters in the Lihu‘e Civic Center Pi‘ikoi Building, 4444 Rice St., Suite 315, weekdays from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The cost of a fireworks permit is $25. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Only licensed pyrotechnicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks.
Although the following items are classified as fireworks, no permit is required to purchase them: snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners, and other similar products.
The KFD said it is illegal to set off fireworks on public property, including streets, sidewalks or parks. In addition, removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework is prohibited.
The public is also advised that all aerial luminaries, also known as flying lanterns or flying luminaries, are prohibited in the state.
Capt. Jeremie Makepa with the KFD Fire Prevention Bureau advises everyone to exercise caution when igniting fireworks, follow listed instructions, and be sure children are under adult supervision at all times.
For more information about fire safety, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 241-4985.
