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NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS AND SAFETY TIPS Enjoy Professional Fireworks Displays, Use Firecrackers With Caution   The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) reminds the public that Honolulu's new ordinance allows only firecrackers to be used.  All other fireworks are now illegal for consumer use in Honolulu.   "We hope that people will respect the new Honolulu fireworks ordinance and the dangers of firecrackers.  While the number of fireworks-related injuries and fires on Oahu may not be as gigh as those nationwide, it is still too many for the public to suffer.  We experience the same trends as other communities where consumer fireworks cause injuries (most often to children and teens) and fires on New Year's Eve," said Fire Chief Kenneth Silva.   "The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the public displays conducted by trained professional on Oahu.  If you do use firecrackers, please review these safety tips, follow the rules, and be considerate of your neighbors," Silva added.   The following information is provided to help the public remain safe and enjoy the New Year's Eve celebration and New Year's Day holiday:    Firecrackers Safety Tips   ·       Use only approved firecrackers from a licensed retail outlet that posts its retail license.   ·       Always read and follow warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer to ensure the safe handling and use of firecrackers.   ·       Never point or throw firecrackers at a person, building, or animal.   ·       Never ignite firecrackers indoors.  Ensure your outdoor area is safe for firecrackers use.   ·       Firecrackers should only be lighted on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry vegetation, and flammable materials.   ·       Do not string firecrackers on utility poles.   ·       Keep ladders, poles, or tie lines used to set up firecrackers at least ten feet away from power lines.   ·       Never shoot firecrackers in metal or glass containers.     ·       Have a garden hose or a bucket of water ready in the event of a fire.   ·       Alcohol and firecrackers do not mix.   ·       Always wear eye protection when lighting firecrackers.   ·       When lighting firecrackers, never position any part of your body over them.   ·       Never attempt to relight malfunctioning firecrackers.   ·       Store firecrackers in a cool, dry place.   ·       Never carry firecrackers in your pocket.   ·       Never experiment with homemade fireworks.  They are dangerous and illegal.     General Fireworks Prohibitions   It is unlawful for any person in Honolulu to:   Throw ignited fireworks at a person or an animal.   Throw ignited fireworks from above the first floor of any building.   Throw ignited fireworks from, at, or into a vehicle.   Set off fireworks on public ways, in parks, cane fields, or places of worship.   Set off fireworks on public beaches or in forest or wildlife preserves.   Set off fireworks in school buildings or on school grounds.   Set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of hospitals, health and elderly care facilities, and facilities for the care of animals, including the zoo.   Set off fireworks within 500 feet from a hotel.   Offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors.  Honolulu's new ordinance makes it illegal for minors to use firecrackers on Oahu, even with adult supervision.   ·       Possess or use aerial fireworks unless the Fire Chief of the HFD issues a display permit per Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 132D.   ·       Transport fireworks in carry-on or checked luggage, airline cargo, or mail.   ·       Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.      New Year's Eve Sale and Use of Fireworks on Oahu   The sale of firecrackers in the City and County of Honolulu began on December 26, 2011, and ends at 12 midnight on December 31, 2011.   On Oahu, firecrackers may be set off, ignited, or discharged from 9 p.m. on December 31, 2011, until 1 a.m. on January 1, 2012.   A permit is required for the purchase of firecrackers on Oahu.  Firecrackers must be purchased from licensed retailers no more than five days prior to its use.  Retail licenses shall be prominently displayed in public view and secured at the location for which the license has been issued.  Licensed retailers shall not sell more than 5,000 individual firecrackers per permit.    The new Honolulu ordinance requires that firecracker permits be obtained no less than ten days before they are used.  Therefore, firecracker permits for the New Year's Eve celebration are no longer available, as December 21 was the last day the public could purchase a firecracker permit.                                                        According to Chapter 132D, HRS, the use of aerial fireworks is prohibited unless the HFD's Fire Chief issues a display permit.     Oahu Fireworks Statistics   Import Licenses Issued   2007 2008 2009 2020 2011           11 13 12 13 7       Retail Licenses Issued   2007 2008 2009 2010 2011           148 164 143 142 43               Firecracker Permits Issued   2007 2008 2009 2010 2011           9,223 6,924 8,055 10,008 8,461      Public Displays of Fireworks on Oahu All firing times are approximate   Display Location: Waikiki Beach (1,500' offshore) Display Date: December 31, 2011 Firing Time: Midnight         Display Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace Display Date: December 31, 2011 Firing Time: Midnight         Display Location: Ihilani Resort & Spa Display Date: December 31, 2011 Firing Time: Midnight   – 30 –   CONTACT:  Fire Captain Terry Seelig, Public Information Officer, 808-723-7117

Last Reviewed: Thursday, December 29, 2011

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Thursday, December 29, 2011