LIHU‘E — Fireworks vendor Erika Kleinfeld is worried that some people wanting to set off firecrackers as part of the traditional New Year’s celebration won’t get necessary permits in time. Kleinfeld, who represents Pacific Fireworks, said that people need to
LIHU‘E — Fireworks vendor Erika Kleinfeld is worried that some people wanting to set off firecrackers as part of the traditional New Year’s celebration won’t get necessary permits in time.
Kleinfeld, who represents Pacific Fireworks, said that people need to know that county offices where permits are obtained will be closed this Friday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, and those people desiring firecracker purchases need to have their permits by 4 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 30.
She is anticipating a number of disappointed shoppers who show up Friday morning with no permits, but wanting to purchase firecrackers, and said she has a meeting scheduled with Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste to try and set up some sort of system where shoppers can get permits on Friday, the county’s observance of the New Year holiday.
Firecracker permit applications are available at all Kaua‘i fire stations, the Kaua‘i Fire Department headquarters in the Mo‘ikeha Building, the Office of the Mayor, and from the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) information desks at both the Mo‘ikeha Building and in the lobby of the historic County Building.
Applicants, who must be at least 18 years old, must bring the signed application form with valid photo identification to the KFD headquarters for approval. Once approved, the applicant will take the approved form with a $25 fee to the Finance Department, Treasury/Motor Vehicle Registration division in the Kapule Building for validation.
The permit will allow holders to purchase a limit of 5,000 individual firecracker units (in a single package, or multiple, smaller packages) from a licensed fireworks vendor.
The last day to obtain permits for New Year’s Eve is 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, according to a press release from the Kaua‘i Fire Department Prevention Bureau.
Fireworks may only be set off from 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m. New Year’s Day.
Kleinfeld said that in addition to the Duck brand, one of the preferred brands among firecracker enthusiasts, her temporary location next to Kauai Bakery & Cinnamon in Kukui Grove Center also offers fireworks that don’t require permits for purchase.
Among the newer varieties is their house brand of paperless, no-permit-required Thunder String, one of their new items this year.
“We lit one up last night, and it just kept going and going,” she said.
Fountains, which also don’t require permits, are also popular, and Kleinfeld noted that in addition to the popular Waikiki Lights, they have several new fountains this year, including a patriotic-themed American Freedom, a more localized Diamond Head, Iron Horse, and Maui Mayhem.
Kleinfeld, who has been at Kukui Grove for the past four or five years, and offers daily in-store specials, said the shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, the shop will open at 9 a.m., and remain open until everything is sold.
For more information on the firecracker permits, people may contact the Kaua‘i Fire Department Prevention Bureau at 241-6511.
For more information on Pacific Fireworks’ offering, people may call toll free at 1-800-632-1707, or visit their Web site at www.pacificfireworks.com.
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or mailto:dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
