Honolulu police and fire officials are introducing an amnesty program where Oahu residents can turn in what are now illegal fireworks without any legal ramifications.

Under a law that took effect on Jan. 1, private citizens on Oahu can only use firecrackers, and only during specified holidays such as New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July. Other fireworks, including novelty items such as sparklers and small fountains, are no longer legal to sell, possess or set off.

The new amnesty program will allow the public to drop off illegal fireworks at specified fire stations on Oahu. The dropoffs can be done from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the next four weekends, excluding the Fourth of July weekend.

Details of the amnesty program are to be given at a press conference Wednesday. 

The Honolulu Fire Department is also reminding Oahu residents that under the new law, they still need to obtain $25 permits for every 5,000 firecrackers they want to purchase, and that they now must obtain those permits no later than 10 working days before the actual holiday.

That means for the upcoming Independence Day celebration, people must have fireworks permits in hand by June 23. Ten days normally would have meant the last day would be June 24, but this year that date falls on a city furlough day when satellite city halls are closed.

As in previous years, permits for firecrackers can be purchased at satellite city halls. There is no limit on the number of permits a person may purchase.