Sales of fireworks permits are down somewhat from previous years, with only 143 sold as of yesterday, versus 229 sold last year.

Dennis Taga, head of the city's satellite city hall division, said paperless firecrackers, which don't require a $25 permit to purchase, likely are making a difference.

As of about noon yesterday, 114 fireworks permits had been issued on O'ahu at the various Satellite City Halls, fire Capt. Terry Seelig said.

"Traditionally, far more people in Hawai'i celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks than the Fourth of July," Seelig said.

Permits are required for firecrackers. Novelty items such as sparklers, snakes, wheels and smoke "bombs" do not require permits.

Aerial fireworks are illegal on all islands, except for those used in commercial-type displays put on by licensed technicians.

Retailers can legally sell fireworks until 8 p.m. today and by law, fireworks may be set off from 1 to 9 p.m. today. Each $25 permit allows the purchaser to buy up to 5,000 firecrackers.

Fireworks permits went on sale at midnight Friday morning and can legally be sold through 8 p.m. today.

The 16th annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular takes place today off Magic Island. The 'ewa entrance to Ala Moana Beach Park will be closed to inbound traffic starting at 8 a.m. today.

The 18-minute fireworks show will start at 8:30 p.m.

More than 200,000 spectators are expected to watch the state's largest fireworks show, put on by Pyro Spectaculars. Ala Moana Center contributed close to $3.75 million to pay for the event.

The fireworks show — and the concert at the makai parking deck of Ala Moana Center, which starts at 5 p.m. — are free and open to the public.

To beef up security around the airport tonight, use of Lagoon Drive south of Aolele Street will be restricted to area business tenants, their employees, customers and guests on official business from 6 to 11:59 p.m.

Deputies from the state Sheriff's Office will operate a security checkpoint near Aolele Street.

Also, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources will close Tantalus State Park at 4 p.m. today to reduce the chances of fire spreading from illegal fireworks, according to a news release. The park will reopen the next day at 7 a.m. and return to its normal summer closing time of 7 p.m. tomorrow.

The Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor also will observe a channel closure from 8 to 9:30 p.m. today for safety during fireworks displays. Vessels should refrain from entering and remaining in the Ala Wai Boat Harbor channel, the harbormaster said.

Meanwhile, AAA Hawaii is offering its free "Tipsy Tow" service to drivers from 6 p.m. to midnight today. Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver may call (800) 400-4AAA for a free tow home of up to seven miles.