Firecracker permits total 93

The city had issued 93 firecracker permits to Oahu residents for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday as of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the last day to obtain them.

That’s fewer than the 174 permits sold for Independence Day 2010, said Capt. Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman. Several satellite city halls were open until 5 p.m. but were not expected to add significantly to the total.

Each $25 permit entitles an adult to buy up to 5,000 common firecrackers. There is no limit on the number of permits a person can purchase.

A city ordinance that took effect Jan. 2 required that permits be issued no later than 10 days before the day the fireworks are to be used.

The same new law makes it illegal for Oahu residents to set off any other kind of fireworks, including sparklers, fountains and spinning wheels. Possessing or setting off illegal fireworks is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.

Chill out at center

Pearlridge Center invites keiki of all ages to enjoy a free Planet Ice Snow Day from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday in the mall parking lot. Twenty tons of man-made snow will be brought in. The event is part of Pearlridge’s "Planet Ice" indoor display through July 31.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Kauai reports water meets EPA rules

Kauai says the results of tests last year show the county’s water meets all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for safe drinking water.

The county says any contaminants found in the water were well below levels allowed by the EPA.

The county’s Department of Water said Wednesday it has prepared reports on the tests conduct in 2010 and sent them to all of its customers. The reports have information on the source of water for all nine of the department’s systems and the level of contaminants in the water.