On January 2, 2011, an island-wide partial fireworks ban placed restrictions on pyrotechnics use for Oahu residents. The possession and use of fountains, sparklers, aerial fireworks, and other consumer fireworks are illegal and not permitted. A firecracker permit and a valid identification is required to purchase and use firecrackers on Oahu. You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a firecracker permit. Each permit is nontransferable and allows a one-time purchase of up to 5,000 firecrackers.

Firecrackers may only be used on the following holidays and designated times:

• 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. New Year’s Day
• 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Chinese New Year’s Day
• 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fourth of July

Firecrackers may also be used from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for cultural events, such as, but not limited to, anniversaries, births, blessings, deaths, grand openings, and weddings.

A permit is required to purchase firecrackers. Chapter 20, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu requires that firecracker permits be purchased no later than ten days before they are used.

Individuals who purchased firecracker permits are reminded that a firecracker permit does not guarantee the firecrackers’ availability for purchase, as firecracker inventories are determined by fireworks wholesalers and retailers.

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.