Kauaʻi prepares for New Year’s Eve: Fireworks for sale, increased DUI enforcement

As the Garden Isle prepares for New Year’s Eve, fireworks are on sale, but Kauaʻi first responders are ramping up enforcement of illegal fireworks, as well as driving under the influence.

In Kapa‘a, a TNT Fireworks tent went up over the weekend, offering limited, permitted fireworks. It is drawing anticipation from celebrants and reminders from officials about safety and enforcement.

“I would say what everyone is looking for is the stuff that you need the permits for, which are the really loud ones,” said Brandon Young, a volunteer at the TNT Fireworks tent on Kauai’s east side.

The tent offers a wide selection of firecrackers, sparklers, ground blasters and exclusive items, including the Laser Saber and Mighty Sword that are available only at the two tent locations.

Customers also can sign up at the tent to obtain permits for products that require them for detonation, including the Peacock Red Tau, the Delirium and the Kahuna.

Fireworks permit applications are available only online.

Prices range from $7 for a three-pack of sparklers to $399 for the Launch Pad Heroes box.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Youth Group is providing the fireworks at the TNT tent with “20 percent of the proceeds going directly to the church,” Young said.

Enforcement of fireworks laws will continue to increase across the island as the holiday season progresses.

“Keeping our community safe is everyone’s kuleana,” Kaua’i Police Chief Kalani Ke said.

In response to last year’s firework tragedy on Oʻahu, authorities have sought to deter violations by increasing surveillance, raising fines, and introducing the possibility of jail time.

A year ago at a New Year’s Eve house party in Aliamanu, six people died, including a toddler, and 20 others were injured when illegal fireworks ignited in a garage.

On Oʻahu, the Honolulu Police Department will be using drones to help with enforcement for the first time on New Yearʻs Eve. It is due to a new law that allows police to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to gather evidence for illegal fireworks.

Kauaʻi officials also confirmed that “the use of drones is being considered to assist with enforcement.”

Young said he understands the harm fireworks can cause after losing a close friend two years ago in a firework accident.

“He lit it, and I guess he thought that the fuse was done, and then it ended up blowing up by his chest, and he passed away,” Young said.

One of many reasons why he agrees that “drones are a good idea. “I just go back to being safe and just know what you’re dealing with.”

Ke added: “As we enter the New Year, we’ll be stepping up enforcement, but safety starts with each of us. Plan ahead, make responsible choices, and look out for one other to help keep Kaua‘i safe.”

The Kauaʻi Police Department has already arrested 122 motorists for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant in 2025, including 14 in November. Compared to 197 arrests in 2024.

The police will be aggressively patrolling for DUIs on New Yearʻs Eve, hoping to save lives. On Kauaʻi, there have been seven traffic fatalities so far in 2025.

For more information on fire safety or questions about permit applications, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.