LIHU‘E — Erika Kleinfeld, of Pacific Fireworks, was seated behind the makeshift counter on Monday, the first day when fireworks could legally go on sale.
“I love this space,” Kleinfeld said. “The boss went crazy so we have a lot of new things to offer. You only need a permit from the fire department for firecrackers.”
Kaua‘i Fire Department officials said 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, and only licensed pyro-technicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks.
Officials are also reminding the public that firecracker permit applications will be available online only through Dec. 31.
“The last day is Sunday,” Kleinfeld said. “The fire department will have special hours of 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday.”
Individuals applying for permits should follow the instructions. A smartphone or tablet is recommended for the application process to make uploading a photo identification easier.
• Visit https://connect.kauai.gov and click on the “Kaua‘i Fire Department” icon. Then, click on the “Firecracker Permit” icon.
• Create an account, or log in to your existing account with username and password.
• Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• Follow instructions and fill in application details.
• Have a photocopy of your ID saved on your device and upload it to the application.
• Once the application is submitted, the Kaua‘i Fire Department will review it for approval.
• If approved, the permit will be emailed to you.
• Print the permit and bring it to the Kaua‘i Fire Department headquarters at 4444 Rice Street, Suite 315 in Lihu‘e between 8 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Payment of $25 should also be available.
• If a person needs assistance creating a connect.kauai.gov account, or doesn’t have a printer, fire department staff can assist with applying and collecting payment.
• Payments at the fire department can be made through cash and checks. Checks must be made out to Director of Finance.
Although the following items are classified as firecrackers, no permit is required to purchase items, such as snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners, and other similar products.
The Kaua‘i Fire Department reminds the public that it is illegal to set off fireworks and firecrackers on public property, including streets, sidewalks or at parks.
Removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks is prohibited.
The public is advised that all aerial luminaries, known as flying lanterns or flying luminaries, are prohibited in the state of Hawai‘i.
Pacific Fireworks, located between Domino’s and Bed Smart on the Petco side of Hokulei Shopping Village, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 31 or while supplies last.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
