Fire Chief Kenneth Silva and other city officials urged caution for July 4 celebrations, and said tall brush growth and dry conditions make fireworks extra risky this year.

"We encourage everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals and to take your families out to enjoy one of the many commercial fireworks displays all around the island," Silva said.

Fireworks sales began early yesterday morning and continue until 8 p.m. on July 4. But fireworks can be legally used only between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on July 4.

Police "will be very cognizant of violations," and a task force will focus mainly on the island's Leeward side to prevent brushfires, said Deputy Police Chief Paul Putzulu.

Police responded to more than 570 fireworks violations around the holiday last year, and several arrests were made, he said.

"We're hoping these numbers will come down this year, but we will be taking steps to make safety of the community our priority," he said.

City buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on the holiday, but 11 extra buses will operate on July 4 after the Ala Moana fireworks display, Mayor Mufi Hannemann said.

Six buses will serve Leeward and Windward-bound routes, which include Routes C (Kapolei/Makaha), 19 ('A'ala Park), 40 (Makaha), 42 ('Ewa Beach), 57 (Waimanalo) and 62 (Wahiawa).

Passengers should board buses at the Ala Moana boulevard stop 6, on the makai side of Ala Moana Center.

The other five buses will be on Route 8, and will pick up Waikiki-bound passengers at the Ala Moana boulevard bus stop 9, on the mauka side of Ala Moana Park, closest to Atkinson Drive.

Parks director Lester Chang said vehicles must leave Ala Moana Park by the regular 10 p.m. closing time on July 3. But people may remain in the park overnight to reserve space for the July 4 celebration, he said.

A $25 permit, which may be bought at any Satellite City Hall, is required when purchasing consumer fireworks from licensed retail sites. Permits must be used in the year issued and only for the designated holiday.

Licensed retailers must not sell more than 5,000 individual firecrackers per permit.