PUHI — Pacific Fireworks, the long-time pop-up fireworks shop, opens from 9:30 a.m. today December 26 in the Hokulei Village Shopping Center adjacent to Uncle’s Shave Ice on the Nuhou Road side of the center.
“Sunday is my birthday,” Erika Kleinfeld of Pacific Fireworks said. “I’m not working Christmas. I’ll be at the beach, and I’m not taking any early greetings. You need to come see me on my birthday!”
Happy birthday!
“You’ll need a permit for firecrackers,” Kleinfeld said. “We have both the Duck and Cock brands, but you do need the permits to get them.”
Kaua‘i Fire Department officials joined Kleinfeld in reminding the public that fireworks permits are needed to purchase firecrackers, and the permits are being accepted online only.
“I got permits for my family, and it’s pretty easy,” said Stacie Chiba Miguel, the A&B Hawai‘i regional manager, who stopped off to check on Kleinfeld at the Hokulei site. “Just follow the instructions. It’s pretty straightforward.”
Following are step-by-step instructions for adults to get fireworks permits online:
• Go to connect.kauai.gov and click the “Fireworks Permit” icon;
• Create an account or log in to an existing account with username and password;
• Follow instructions and fill in application details;
• Have a photocopy of picture ID saved on a device and upload it to the application;
• Once the application is submitted, the KFD will review it for approval;
• If approved, the permit will be emailed;
• Print the permit and bring the printed copy to the county Department of Finance Motor Vehicles Division or Driver License Division to pay the $25 fee. Those without appointments will be considered walk-ins and may have a wait time.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Once validated with a stamp indicating payment has been made, the permit may be used to purchase firecrackers.
Kleinfeld said that in addition to the firecrackers that need permits, Pacific Fireworks has a lot of other pyrotechnics that although called fireworks do not require permits to purchase. These include snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners.
“We brought in a lot this year,” Kleinfeld said. “Some of the new items include the Ferris Wheel, Neon Sky, SWAT, Kiss of Death, Unbreakable, SS Thrusters, Category 5, I Love USA and Ghost Rider.”
The new items join perennial best-sellers like Waikiki Lights that has been the top seller at Pacific Fireworks for many years.
The KFD reminds the public that it is illegal to set off fireworks on public property, including streets, sidewalks or parks.
Fireworks may be enjoyed on private property between 9 p.m. Dec. 31 and 1 a.m. Jan. 1, said KFD Fire Prevention Capt. Jeremie Makepa. He advises everyone to exercise caution when igniting fireworks, follow listed instructions, and be sure that children are under adult supervision at all times.
For more information, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.
Pacific Fireworks will be open from 9:30 a.m. until “around 7-ish,” or until supplies are exhausted.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
