Get your fireworks permits in time for New Year’s

Kaua‘i Fire Department officials are reminding the public that fireworks permit applications will be available online through Dec. 30 or until vendors are out of inventory.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau is encouraging the public to apply for permits before Dec. 26, when vendors begin selling fireworks.

Follow the instructions below to apply for a fireworks permit. A smartphone or tablet is recommended for the application process to make uploading a photo ID easier.

• Visit https://connect.kauai.gov, click “Kaua‘i Fire Department,” then click the “Firecracker Permit” icon
• Create an account or log in to your existing account with username and password
• Follow instructions and fill in application details
• Have a photocopy of your ID saved on your device and upload it to the application
• Once your application is submitted, the Fire Department will review it for approval
• If approved, the permit will be emailed to you
• Print the permit and bring it to the Department of Motor Vehicles Motor Vehicles Division to pay the $25 fee. The DMV will have a dedicated line for payments for fireworks permits only to accommodate the public. This line will be marked with signage and is walk-in only. (Please note that customers cannot add other transactions – e.g., title transfers or driver’s license renewals. Appointments must be made at kauai.gov/DMV or via walk-ins during the hours of 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

If you don’t have a printer, KFD officials can print the permit at Fire Headquarters at 4444 Rice Street, Suite 315. Once paid, the DMV will stamp the permit and validate it for use to purchase fireworks. Payments can be made via cash, check or credit card.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Officials are reminding the public that fireworks and firecrackers may only be ignited on private property between 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Only licensed pyro-technicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks.

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.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department is reminding 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 fireworks is prohibited.

The public is 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 Jeremie Makepa with the KFD 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 or questions about applying for a permit, please contact the KFD Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.