Sparklers and other novelty fireworks could be back this New Year’s Eve

HONOLULU(KHON2) — The Honolulu City Council adopted several measures Wednesday, including one to reverse the 13 year old ban on display fireworks. The measure would let people buy novelty fireworks, except for firecrackers, without a permit.

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This New Year’s Eve sparklers and fountains could be making a comeback thanks to Bill 22 adopted by the City Council

“(It) is just the start to address the illegal aerials that we have but also make it compatible to allowing our residents of Oahu the opportunity of burning these type of consumer fireworks,” Honolulu City Council member Calvin Say said.

The council voted almost unanimously in favor of relaxing the ban on novelty fireworks that had been in place since 2011, despite strong opposition from the Honolulu Fire Department.

HFD Assistant Chief Craig Uchimura shared his testimony in the meeting.

“Statistics clearly show that this ban has led to a net decrease in the number of injuries, structure fires and wildland fires,” Uchimura explained.

“I do feel like its important for HFD to have the position they have we always want them protecting our communities,” Councilmember Andria Tupola explained. “But, at the same time, we know that the ban currently isn’t working. I mean Waipahu has the most beautiful fireworks show we see every year from Waikele.”

Residents have mixed feelings.

Ewa neighborhood board member Mitchell Tynanes said he thinks the council is doing the right thing.

“As someone who likes to enjoy sparklers and fountains, I think it’s better, it’d be cheaper for us,” Tynanes said.

“Personally, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Waikele resident Scott Yoshikawa added. “Because the fires wildfires and we have enough fireworks going on other than sparklers. That’s just gonna lead to worse things.”

Lawmakers argued that allowing novelty fireworks will result in fewer illegal aerials, but residents aren’t convinced.

“Straight up, no,” Mark ‘Mr Mean’ Talaeai said. “I honestly don’t think this will deter anything or change anything.”

Yoshikawa said he didn’t think it would change things either. “I think it’s just adding fuel to the fire.”

When it comes to eliminating illegal aerial fireworks, Tynanes said there’s only one course of action he thinks will work.

“I think we need harsher laws,” he explained.

He said stiffer penalties and stronger enforcement are the only way to stop illegal aerial fireworks.

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In a statement Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed his disapproval:
“Given the Honolulu Fire Department’s strong opposition, and with an eye toward increasingly drier weather conditions and ever-worsening wildfire concerns, I cannot in good conscience allow Bill 22 to become law…I stand in support of our firefighters and first responders and plan to veto Bill 22.”

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