By Staff Reports
(Kauai) – The Kaua’i Fire Department is reminding residents that a permit from the fire department is required to purchase and ignite firecrackers on New Year’s Eve.
Thursday, Dec. 31 is the last day to obtain a permit.
Applications are available at KFD headquarters located in the Piikoi building of the Lîhu’e Civic Center, 4444 Rice St., Ste. 315, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
The cost of a permit is $25 and it can be used to purchase up to 5,000 non-aerial individual firecracker units. There is no limit on the number of permits an individual can obtain.
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.
Fireworks may only be ignited on private property from 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
The Kauai Fire Department reminds the public that it illegal to set off fireworks on public property, including streets, sidewalks or parks. Removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework is prohibited.
“We urge everyone to exercise caution when igniting fireworks to help prevent fires and avoidable injuries,” stated Captain Daryl Date of the Fire Prevention Bureau. “Follow all instructions that come with fireworks and be sure that children are under adult supervision at all times. Set off fireworks away from dry grass or flammable materials, and keep a water hose and/or fire extinguisher nearby in case of an unexpected fire.”
For more information about fire safety, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 241-4985.