Firecracker permit applications available through New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is still 20 days away, but it’s never too early to start planning your festivities.

Kaua‘i Fire Department officials are reminding the public that firecracker permit applications are available through New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.

Follow these instructions to apply for a permit:

• Visit the Kaua‘i County website, click on the “Kaua‘i Fire Department” icon and then click the “Firecracker Permit” icon.
• Print the permit and bring it to the Kaua‘i Fire Department headquarters, located at 4444 Rice St., Suite 315, in Līhu‘e, anytime from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 31. Headquarters will be closed Christmas Day.
• If you need assistance creating an account or don’t have a printer, department personnel can help you apply and collect payment at headquarters.
• Online payments are available. Cash and checks can be made in person at headquarters. Checks must be made payable to the Kaua‘i County Director of Finance.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• All permits printed from the website (connect.kauai.gov) need to be validated in person at headquarters.
• Fireworks and firecrackers are only allowed to be ignited between 9 p.m. Dec. 31 and 1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2025, on private property.

A smartphone or tablet is recommended to complete the application process to facilitate uploading photo identification.

If approved, the permit will be emailed to you.

Only licensed pyrotechnicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks.

No permit is required to purchase snakes, sparklers, fountains, cylindrical or cone fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners and other similar products.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department reminds the public that setting off fireworks and firecrackers on public property — including streets, sidewalks or parks — is illegal. Removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks is also prohibited.

Fireworks should only be ignited on a smooth, flat surface, away from buildings, dry vegetation and flammable materials.

All aerial luminaries, also known as flying lanterns or flying luminaries, are prohibited in Hawai‘i.

Kaua‘i Fire Department officials also advise everyone to exercise caution when igniting firecrackers, follow the listed instructions and ensure children are being supervised by an adult at all times.

Call the Kaua‘i Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985 for additional information about fire safety or questions about applying for a firecracker permit.