MEDIA RELEASE

Fire Chief Darren Rosario would like to announce that the fire department will collect unwanted, illegal, and/or damaged fireworks from anyone wishing to turn them in for proper disposal. Members of the public will be able to drop off their unwanted fireworks (island-wide) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013.

Those wishing to participate can contact the HFD Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 on Monday, July 15, 2013 between of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to get more information regarding drop off locations and drop off times.

Please be advised that these fireworks are dangerous and must be kept away from sparks and flames. Fireworks may be soaked in water overnight and dried prior to disposal.

No other hazardous materials or explosive products will be accepted. Acceptable items will include all fireworks, fountains, sparklers, firecrackers, cakes and rockets. Aerial luminary devices will also be accepted.

However, the fire department would like to remind the public that the State of Hawai‘i prohibits purchase, distribution, use, possession, ignition or cause to ignite aerial luminary devices.

An aerial luminary device is any homemade or manufactured device that has an open flame that can be send airborne or adrift, leaving height and distance of flight to be determined by existing atmospheric conditions.

These devices can start brushfires as well as entangle in electrical lines. They can hit aircrafts if lit near an airport. The common brands found in Hawaii are “Sky Lanterns” and “Hawai‘i Lanterns.”

The Hawai‘i Fire Department would like to thank the community for its continued support in helping make the island safe.

– For more information:

Fire Prevention Bureau 932-2912