Permits For Fireworks Required by July 2

Kaua‘i Fire officials are reminding the public that a permit must be obtained by the fire department by July 2 to purchase and ignite firecrackers on the Fourth of July. KFD headquarters will be closed on July 3 in observance of the Fourth of July. Although the following items are classified as fireworks, no permit is required to purchase them: snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners, and other similar products.

Fireworks and firecrackers may only be ignited on private property between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on July 4.

Applications are available at KFD headquarters located at the Līhu‘e Civic Center Pi‘ikoi Building, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 315, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. In order to enter the building, face coverings are required and social distancing measures will be observed.

“The Kaua‘i Fire Department is not aware of any public fireworks shows in light of COVID-19. The public is reminded that social gatherings pose a higher risk of exposure to the virus,” said Acting Fire Chief Solomon Kanoho. “Those celebrating the 4th of July holiday ought to practice firework safety, other CDC safety guidelines, such as wearing masks and practicing physical distancing from those you don’t live with. On behalf of the men and women of the Kaua‘i Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau, we wish you and your ‘ohana a very safe and happy 4th of July.”

The cost of a fireworks permit is $25. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Only licensed pyro-technicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks. Although retailers will carry fireworks, they will not be selling firecrackers.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department reminds the public that it is illegal to set off fireworks on public property, including streets, sidewalks or parks. Removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework is prohibited.

The public is also advised that all aerial luminaries, also known as flying lanterns or flying luminaries, are prohibited in the State of Hawai‘i, per HRS 132-19.

Captain Daryl Date with the Fire Prevention Bureau advises everyone to exercise caution when igniting fireworks, follow listed instructions and be sure that children are under adult supervision at all times.

For more information about fire safety, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.