Some illegal aerial fireworks still seen on the 4th, despite new laws

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Nuuanu area residents were treated to a professional fireworks show for the 4th of July.

It was a private show, but it was seen by the public all over Nuuanu. It was also one of the five professional fireworks displays that received permits from the city for Independence Day.

Those displays are always a big part of the holiday.

“Tonight we’re watching the fireworks,” said Drew Hunt, who’s visiting Hawaii from Vancouver, B.C.

“Yeah, the fireworks for sure,” said Hunt’s wife, Gaye.

“Funny story ― the people who parked next to us, they reminded us that there was a fireworks show tonight and it just so happened, we decided, why not just stay?” said Kapolei resident Russ Macadangang, who was with his family at Magic Island.

The holiday comes just a few days after new laws took effect, giving law enforcement more tools to hunt down illegal fireworks ― including using drones to monitor public air spaces.

Police and fire officials had also warned that they would increase staff and patrols for Independence Day.

“The public can expect more active policing and enforcement of these new fireworks laws,” said Honolulu Police Maj. Paul Okamoto. “We really ask the public to be knowledgeable about these laws and follow them for the sake of public safety.”

Violators will also face stricter penalties, ranging from citations to arrests.

On the low end, you might see a citation for 200 to 300 dollars, but on the higher end, you might see a Class A felony, which is the most serious of all crimes."

The new laws were prompted by the massive explosion of illegal aerials in Aliamanu last New Year’s Eve that killed six people and injured more than 20 others. HPD has made at least ten arrests in connection.

The city said it issued just 22 permits for personal firecracker use for the 4th of July. And while illegal fireworks don’t light up the skies over residential neighborhoods as much for the 4th, when professional pyrotechnic shows are more traditional, they were still spotted over Kalihi.

We asked people what they thought about the new law.

“I think all the illegal stuff, like the M80’s, maybe then can probably ban those, right?” said one man at Magic Island. “Put a little bit of limitations on it. But let the people have fun too, you know what I mean?”

But police want to leave the fireworks to the professionals, and are promising to crack down with the new law in their pocket.

“I really do hope that people embrace this new law and they take a look at it and read it for themselves,” said Okamoto. “It just isn’t worth it anymore to play around with fireworks.”