Late fireworks show sparks ire
By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer
Residents surrounding Aloha Tower Marketplace awoke last weekend to what some thought was a major shooting, or worst, a terrorist attack.
But the booming sounds were from a fireworks display held after midnight Friday and Saturday at Kapono's to commemorate the 30th anniversary of local musicians Cecilio Rodrigues and Henry Kapono performing together.
It was no celebration for Chinatown resident Deborah Ward, who awoke abruptly to the noise.
"I thought it was some kind of bomb going off," Ward said. "I don't object to there being fireworks displays on occasion for things like a holiday ... but what I object to is the loudness of it and the lateness of the hour."
John Bilgrave, president of Kapono's, said he received one complaint from a woman who pointed out retirement homes nearby.
"We didn't, by any means, want to scare anybody," Bilgrave said. "We tried everything we could to do it right and be as considerate as we could be."
Bilgrave said while organizers publicized the event weeks in advance through banners and radio and television advertisements, they'll make an extra effort to inform residents of nearby retirement buildings if they plan future fireworks shows.
Bilgrave said organizers would also consider holding the fireworks shows earlier.
The fireworks displays, which lasted between five and 15 minutes according to neighbors and Bilgrave, was done by Hawai'i Explosives & Protechnics Inc. The company received a permit for the display from the Honolulu Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau.
The bureau issues permits to licensed pyrotechnic operators for $110 each.
Organizers of the Kapono's fireworks show didn't break any laws, said Battalion Chief Lloyd Rogers of the Fire Prevention Bureau.
While there are time restrictions for fireworks displays on certain holidays, there aren't any for shows like the ones held at Kapono's, which are considered to be public displays, Rogers said.
Lynne Matusow, chairwoman of the Downtown Neighborhood Board and a Chinatown resident, also complained about the noise and time of the show.
Matusow said organizers should have taken into consideration the 15,000 residents who live in the Downtown area.
Reach Zenaida Serrano Espanol at zespanol@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.
