LIHU‘E — No sooner than Santa finishing his appointed stops, globally, another tradition kicked in, Monday morning when sleep still clouded the minds of Christmas revelers.
“I just saw Santa,” said Erika Kleinfeld of Pacific Fireworks that opened its doors on the first day vendors were allowed to sell firecrackers and fireworks. “In fact, I just dropped him off at the airport.”
Kleinfeld was greeted by an army of shoppers, many clutching copies of the fireworks permit needed to purchase firecrackers.
“We have the Duck and Cock brands,” Kleinfeld said. “In fact, I believe we’re the only people that carry those brands.”
The county encouraged people over 18 years old to apply for permits ahead of Dec. 26 when vendors could start selling fireworks.
“The most popular are the Throw Packs, and the 20’s that contain 4,582 firecrackers,” Kleinfeld said. “We have the other sizes, but these are the top two that people want.”
In answer to a customer’s question about selling out, Kleinfeld simply said, “I can’t help it. If a customer comes in with 10 permits, I’m not going to tell him I need to wait for someone who is trying to get a permit. I do have a good supply of firecrackers, but it won’t last forever.”
Open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Pacific Fireworks shop is open through Dec. 31, or until supplies are exhausted. They’re located in Hokulei Shopping Village between Orly’s Patisserie and Aloha ‘Aina Juice Cafe.
“I’m not wasting any time,” Kleinfeld said. “I started as soon as I could. If I run out of inventory, I can get to the beach.”
Kleinfeld has been returning to Kaua‘i to vend fireworks for the past 23 years.
County officials remind people that fireworks and firecrackers may only be ignited on private property between 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2023.
The County of Kaua‘i Fire Department reminds people that it is illegal to set off fireworks on public property, including streets, sidewalks, or parks.
It is also illegal to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents of any fireworks.
Although the following items are classified as fireworks, no permits are needed to purchase them. These items include snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners, and other similar products.
All aerial luminaries, known as flying lanterns or flying luminaries, are prohibited in the state of Hawai‘i, per HRS 132-19.
Capt. Jeremie Makepa of the KFD Fire Prevention Bureau advises everyone to exercise caution when igniting fireworks, followed listed instructions, and be sure that children are under adult supervision at all times.
Information: KFD Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.
