Fireworks injury risk still high
| • | Camp Timberline offers fireworks refuge |
By Walter Wright
Advertiser Staff Writer
Fireworks sales may continue to decline because of the 3-year-old permit system, but that doesn't necessarily reduce the chance of injury, according to records from the last few years.
Advertiser library photo • Jan. 1, 2002
The city last year sold 4,401 of the $25 permits required to purchase a maximum of 5,000 firecrackers. That was 32 percent fewer than the 6,427 permits sold in 2000.
Fireworks burst over Honolulu Harbor. The fireworks were launched from Sand Island as part of the New Years celebration at Aloha Tower Marketplace.
But fireworks injuries in Hawai'i increased by about 10 percent around New Year's Eve last year, the second year of the permit system, over the same holiday period the previous year.
Firecrackers for New Year's Eve go on sale tomorrow through 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, Honolulu Fire Chief Attilio K. Leonardi said yesterday.
Leonardi warned that fireworks can cause serious burn and eye injuries, and urged residents to consider "leaving fireworks to the professionals."
The Honolulu Police Department received fewer fireworks-related calls between the day after Christmas and the day after New Year's in 2001 — 790, or about 29 percent fewer than the previous year.
If you are going to get a permit to buy and use firecrackers, the chief offered a series of safety tips: • Use only approved products from licensed outlets that have posted their retail permit at the sales site. • Read and follow all warnings and instructions. • Make sure others are out of range before lighting fireworks. • Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house and any dry leaves or other flammable materials. • Never set off fireworks in metal or glass containers. • Keep a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of fire. • Never give fireworks, even sparklers, to little children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The figures suggest the increased injuries last year might have resulted from items other than firecrackers, such as "novelty" items that are cheaper and can be purchased without a permit.
Follow cautions
The numbers are too small to draw conclusions, state epidemiologist Dan Galanis said at the time, but they do raise questions.
Fire department spokesman Capt. Richard Soo said it appeared children in particular might be suffering more injuries from "novelty" fireworks items.
The shift to novelty items, which can be at least as smoky as firecrackers, also means air quality might not improve as a result of a decline in firecracker sales, officials said.
The second year of the permit system resulted in reports of worse air-quality conditions than the first year, though weather patterns also may contribute to the level of air pollution from fireworks.
Firecracker permits may be purchased at satellite city halls for $25 at any time of year, but most sell when firecrackers do.
As of noon yesterday, 186 permits had been purchased. The city did not have a comparable figure for the same day last year.
This time of year, firecrackers may be set off only between 9 p.m. New Year's Eve and 1 a.m. New Year's Day, excluding within 500 feet of hotels, which means all of Waikiki.
They may not be exploded near schools, places of worship, healthcare facilities or animal care facilities.
Advertiser library photo • Dec. 26, 2001
It is illegal to set them off in public rights of way, streets and highways, parks or cane fields.
Scott Tomita from Kaimuki checked out a box of 5000 count firecrackers on sale at Daiei.
Licensed retailers may not legally sell more than 5,000 firecrackers per permit, Soo said.
Aerial fireworks are prohibited except in public displays approved by the fire chief, Soo said.
Aloha Tower, the Halekulani and the Kahala Mandarin hotels have permits for aerial shows at midnight on New Year's Eve, Soo said.
It is illegal for minors to set off firecrackers, except when allowed by parents or guardians and supervised by an adult.
Most violations of the firecracker laws are misdemeanors punishable by fines of up to $2,000. Illegal purchase, possession or use of aerial fireworks is a felony.
Leonardi said this is a good time to check smoke detector batteries, change them every Dec. 31, make sure there are working fire extinguishers available, and plan fire escape routes from their homes.
Reach Walter Wright at wwright@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8054.
