Department of Fire and Public Safety July 4th Tips and Guidelines

The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety has announced that the sale of fireworks will begin on Saturday, June 29, 2014 and end on July 4, 2014. Firework permits will not be required for consumer fireworks such as sparklers, snakes, and cylindrical or cone fountains which emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground.

At this time none of the local retailers are selling any fire crackers in the County of Maui, therefore no firecracker permits will be issued.

The Fire Prevention Bureau would also like to remind residents of the following rules in relation to fireworks:

· Fireworks can only be legally set off from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Fourth of July.

· Setting off fireworks outside designated times is punishable by law. Violations are subject to fines of up to $2,000.00.

· Aerial fireworks are illegal and extremely dangerous. Importing and selling aerial fireworks without a permit is a Class C Felony.

· It is unlawful to remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.

· It is unlawful to throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.

· It is unlawful to set off fireworks within 1000 feet of health care facilities and facilities for animals.

· It is unlawful to set off fireworks by schools.

· It is unlawful to set off fireworks on public roads, in County parks, at County facilities, cane fields, or places of worship.

· It is unlawful for any person without a permit to set off, ignite, discharge or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks within 500 feet from any hotel.

· It is unlawful for any person to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors, and for any minors to possess, purchase, set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except that which parents or guardians may allow the minor to use while under the immediate supervision and control of an adult.

· Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries.

· Young children and fireworks do not mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers to young children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.

· Always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer for the safe use and handling of fireworks.

· Make sure you have a clear, flat area to use the fireworks; away from structures, dry grass or brush, or other readily ignitable materials.

· Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire.

The BEST way to stay safe is not to use fireworks at all…PLEASE LEAVE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS! This year there is one public fireworks display scheduled at 8:00 P.M. on the 4th of July, from a barge offshore of Front Street. Motorists should note that a closure of Front Street is scheduled for the 4th of July celebration.

For additional information regarding firework permits contact the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau at 244-9161.