Fourth of July fireworks sales to begin Thursday | News, Sports, Jobs

The Maui News

Fourth of July fireworks will go on sale starting Thursday through 8 p.m. July 4, the Maui Fire Department announced.

Fireworks can only be legally set off from 1 to 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Setting off fireworks outside designated times can result in fines of up to $2,000, according to MFD.

A fireworks permit is not required during designated times for consumer fireworks such as sparklers, snakes and cylindrical or cone fountains, which emit effects no higher than 12 feet off the ground.

Retail stores will not be selling any firecrackers during the holiday, so no firecracker permits will be sold, MFD said.

Aerial fireworks are illegal and extremely dangerous — importing, transferring, selling or using them without a permit is a Class C felony, MFD said.

With the holiday approaching, MFD also reminded the public that it is against the law to:

• Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.

• Throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.

• Set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of health care facilities and facilities for animals; by schools; or on public roads, in county parks, at county facilities, cane fields or places of worship.

• Set off, ignite, discharge or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks without a permit within 500 feet from any hotel.

• Offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors, and for any minors to possess, purchase, set off or otherwise explode any fireworks unless under the immediate supervision and control of an adult.

Fireworks can cause serious burns and eye injuries and should not be given to young children, including sparklers, which burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, MFD said. Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.

When using fireworks, always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer; make sure to have a clear, flat area to use the fireworks that is away from structures, dry grass, brush or other materials that could readily ignite; and have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire, MFD said.

A public fireworks display is scheduled for 8 p.m. July 4 in Lahaina.

For additional information on fireworks permits, contact the MFD Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 876-4690 or see Hawaii Revised Statutes 132D.

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