Kauai County reminds residents to apply early for firework permits

Kauai County is pushing residents to secure firecracker permits early as July 4 approaches, with fireworks and firecrackers allowed only on private property between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the holiday. The rules are meant to keep celebrations under control while preventing injuries, fires and illegal blasts in neighborhoods across the island.

Firecracker permits are available through the Connect Kauai portal and must be printed and validated in person at Kauai Fire Department Headquarters, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 315, in Līhue. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, the fee is $25, and a smartphone or tablet is recommended for uploading a photo ID during the online application process. Permit-related service is available on weekdays for roughly 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. or 4 p.m. Retail licenses for fireworks and permits for public displays are handled separately through the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson wants residents to have “a fun and memorable Fourth of July while making safety a priority.” Residents should avoid using fireworks in dry or windy conditions, and a bucket of water, a hose or a fire extinguisher should be kept nearby. If a fire develops, residents should call 911 immediately.

The county also drew a bright line around what is not allowed. Fireworks on public property, including streets, sidewalks and parks, are illegal, and removing the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework is strictly prohibited. Consumer items such as snakes, sparklers, fountains, whistles, toy smoke devices, wheels and ground spinners do not require a permit to purchase, but the county still classifies them as fireworks.

Hawaii prohibits aerial luminaries, or flying lanterns, and only licensed pyrotechnicians with proper permits may ignite aerial fireworks. Illegal fireworks use can bring fines of up to $25,000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years. Act 244 authorizes drones for the Department of Law Enforcement and counties to record activity over public property to support probable cause in fireworks enforcement.