EDITORIAL
Quiet New Year's no argument for fireworks

It's a sad commentary when a New Year's Eve that featured only a relatively small number of emergencies, fewer-than-normal medical problems due to smoke inhalation and one house fire attributed to fireworks is considered a good night.

But that was the report out of this year's rain-dampened celebrations.

Despite tough new permitting laws for firecrackers and soaking rains, there were still enough incidents to keep police and firefighters on alert.

One phenomenon this year appeared to be the extended use of fireworks "novelties" that can be purchased without a permit.

These novelties create much the same noise and smoke as the more restricted firecrackers.

The Fire Department's continuing position is that private use of fireworks should be banned. We concur, particularly on crowded, urban O'ahu.

But if an outright ban is not politically possible, then the novelties should be included within the permit system. They pose the same danger.

Those who use fireworks safely and legitimately should not object to the permit process.

After all, it is primarily designed to weed out the careless.