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Tuesday, December 29, 2014 Contact: Fire Captain David Jenkins, Public Information Officer, 808-723-7117   New Year's Eve Fireworks and Safety Tips Enjoy Professional Fireworks Displays, Use Firecrackers With Caution   The Honolulu Fire Department reminds everyone that the City and County of Honolulu's fireworks ordinance allows the public to purchase and use firecrackers only.  All other fireworks are illegal for consumer use on Oahu.   "We hope that people will respect the fireworks ordinance and the dangers of firecrackers.  While the number of fireworks-related injuries and fires on Oahu may not be as high 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 Manuel P. Neves.   "The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the public displays conducted by trained professionals.  If you do use firecrackers, please review these safety tips, follow the rules, and be considerate of your neighbors," Neves 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:      Fireworks Safety Tips   ·       Use only approved fireworks 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 fireworks.   ·       Never point or throw fireworks at a person, building, or animal.   ·       Never ignite fireworks indoors.  Ensure your outdoor area is safe for fireworks use.   ·       Fireworks should only be lighted on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry vegetation, and flammable materials.   ·       Do not string fireworks on utility poles.   ·       Keep any type of ladder, pole, or tie lines used to set up fireworks at least ten feet from power lines.   ·       Never ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers.   ·       Have a garden hose or a bucket of water ready in the event of a fire.   ·       Fireworks must not be used by persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol.   ·       Always wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.   ·       When lighting fireworks, never position any part of your body over them.   ·       Never attempt to reignite malfunctioning fireworks.   ·       Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.   ·       Never carry fireworks in your pocket.   ·       Never experiment with homemade fireworks, as they are dangerous and illegal.      General Fireworks Prohibitions   It is unlawful for any person on Oahu 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 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, 2014, and ends at 12 midnight on December 31, 2014.   On Oahu, firecrackers may be set off, ignited, or discharged from 9 p.m. on December 31, 2014, until 1 a.m. on January 1, 2015.   A permit is required to purchase 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.   Honolulu's fireworks 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.  The last day firecracker permits were sold was on December 19, 2014, as Satellite City Halls were not open on December 20 and 21, 2014.                                                                   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   2010 2011 2012 2013 2014           13 7 5 5 4   Retail Licenses Issued   2010 2011 2012 2013 2014           142 43 40 39 80   Firecracker Permits Issued   2010 2011 2012 2013 2014           10,008 10,008 8,656 10,922 11,144          Public Fireworks Displays on Oahu All firing times are approximate   Display Location: Barge Offshore of 4559 Kahala Avenue (Private) Display Date: December 31, 2014 Firing Time: 10:30 p.m.     Display Location: Kahala Hotel and Resort Display Date: December 31, 2014 Firing Time: Midnight     Display Location: Barge Offshore of Waikiki Display Date: December 31, 2014 Firing Time: Midnight     Display Location: Kakaako Waterfront Park Display Date: December 31, 2014 Firing Time: 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m., Midnight     Display Location: Ko O'lina New Year's Celebration Display Date: December 31, 2014 Firing Time: Midnight     – END –