The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) wishes everyone a joyful and safe holiday season. We urge the communities that we serve to be smart and stay safe by recognizing the potential dangers associated with firecrackers. Together, we can enjoy jolly holidays if we remember to be considerate of others by obeying the laws.

If you plan to ignite firecrackers, a permit must be purchased. Firecracker permits are only available online and must be purchased by December 21, 2024. The application can be accessed through our Firecracker E-Permit application system at https://www1.honolulu.gov/hfdfireworks/ by clicking on the following in sequential order:

 Click on the Application tab located in the website ribbon.
 Complete the required information.
 Check the acknowledgement box.
 Click on the Submit tab and continue to the payment processing.

Permits must be picked up at the Satellite City Hall that was selected online. The Kapolei and Windward City locations are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. The Ala Moana and Pearlridge locations are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Permits will be available for pick up until December 31, 2024.

Permits are nonrefundable, and an approved permit does not guarantee firecrackers will be available for purchase, as firecracker inventories are determined by fireworks wholesalers and retailers.
The sale of firecrackers within the City and County of Honolulu begins on December 26, 2024, and ends at 12 midnight on December 31, 2024.

Firecrackers may be ignited or discharged on O‘ahu from 9 p.m. on December 31, 2024, until 1 a.m. on January 1, 2025.

According to Chapter 132D, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS), the use of aerial fireworks is prohibited, unless a display permit is issued by the HFD Fire Chief.

The HFD encourages the public to be careful, as firecrackers can pose a real danger. Our wish this holiday season is for everyone to safely enjoy the New Year’s celebrations.

The following information is provided in hopes of keeping our communities safe:

Firecracker Safety Tips
 Only use approved firecrackers from a licensed retail outlet that posts its retail license.
 Always read and follow the warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer to ensure the safe handling and use of firecrackers.
 Never point or throw firecrackers at a person, building, or animal.
 Never ignite firecrackers indoors. Ensure your outdoor area is safe for firecracker use.
 Firecrackers should only be ignited on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry vegetation, and flammable materials.
 Do not string firecrackers on utility poles.
 Keep any type of ladder, pole, or tie lines that are used to raise firecrackers at least ten feet from power lines.
 Never ignite firecrackers in metal or glass containers.
 Have a garden hose or a bucket of water available in the event of a fire.
 Firecrackers must not be used by persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
 Always wear eye protection when igniting firecrackers.
 When igniting firecrackers, never position any part of your body over them.
 Never attempt to reignite malfunctioning firecrackers.
 Store firecrackers in a cool, dry place.
 Never carry firecrackers in your pocket.
 Never experiment with homemade firecrackers, as they are illegal and dangerous.

General Firecracker Prohibitions
It is unlawful for any person on O‘ahu to:
 Throw ignited firecrackers at a person or an animal.
 Throw ignited firecrackers from above the first floor of any building.
 Throw ignited firecrackers from, at, or into a vehicle.
 Ignite firecrackers on public ways, in parks, cane fields, or places of worship.
 Ignite firecrackers on public beaches or in forest or wildlife reserves.
 Ignite firecrackers in school buildings or on school grounds.
 Ignite firecrackers within 1,000 feet of hospitals, health and elderly care facilities, and facilities for animal care, including the zoo.
 Ignite firecrackers within 500 feet from a hotel.
 Offer for sale, sell, or give any firecrackers to minors. Honolulu’s firecracker ordinance makes it illegal for minors to use firecrackers on O‘ahu, even with adult supervision.
 Possess or use aerial fireworks, unless the HFD’s Fire Chief issues a display permit per Chapter 132D, HRS.
 Transport firecrackers in carry-on or checked luggage, airline cargo, or mail.
 Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.

Firecrackers must be purchased from licensed retailers no earlier than five days prior to its use. Retail licenses shall be prominently displayed in public view and secured at the location for which the license has been issued. Licensed retailers shall not sell more than 5,000 individual firecrackers per permit.

For more holiday safety tips, please visit the HFD’s website at https://fire.honolulu.gov/fire-and-life-safety/additional-topics/.