Fireworks vendor Sharlene Mersburgh completes a transaction for 5,000 firecrackers with Melvin Faylogna of Kalihi. She said business was slow, but not because of a lack of customers; rather, it’s because customers lack permits to buy firecrackers. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

A nearly windless weather pattern tomorrow night will keep fireworks-related smoke close to land, creating breathing difficulties for people with lung problems, according to the National Weather Service and the Honolulu Fire Department.

The only good news is that the cool, clear conditions will put dew on rooftops, lessening the chance for fires, said Hans Rosendal, lead forecaster for the weather service.

Although fireworks-related emergencies have declined, along with the sale of firecrackers, the fire department is still concerned that injuries will occur, said Capt. Richard Soo, fire department spokesman.

The department's fireworks auditor said that retailers are running out of firecrackers, which require a permit to purchase, Soo said. But "novelty fireworks," which do not require a permit, will likely increase breathing problems because they emit a large amount of smoke, Soo said.

"And if you look at novelty items, they generate sparks and that's how children get hurt," Soo said.

This year, however, the department will not deploy extra fire trucks because of the overall decline in the sale of firecrackers.

"The city will be protected, but we are not going to put out extra apparatus this year," Soo said. "Usually we put out three relief trucks and staff them with 12 overtime personnel."

Adults may purchase firecrackers until 9 p.m. tomorrow, but only by buying a $25 permit for every 5,000 firecrackers. As of Friday, 1,183 permits were sold.

In Kalihi, vendor Sharlene Mersburgh today said sales were slow.

"We are not running out of firecrackers," she said. "We have customers coming in and out but they don't have permits. Plus, they don't want to pay the price for the permits and for the fireworks."

One man offered her $25 if she sold him firecrackers without a permit.