Fireworks complaints already at 700

Firecrackers don’t officially go on sale until Dec. 26, and aerial fireworks are banned at all times on Oahu, but police have already received more than 700 complaints about them this month, according to a Honolulu Police Department spokeswoman.

The number of calls to HPD since Dec. 1 is noticeably higher than the same period last year, HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu said, although she said last year’s figures weren’t immediately available.

Meanwhile, firefighters haven’t seen any major incidents related to illegal fireworks, said Honolulu Fire Department Capt. David Jenkins.

Firecrackers are allowed for public use during certain holidays, but purchases require a permit. The last day to buy one for the upcoming holiday is Monday, and they are available at satellite city halls. The number of permits that have been issued was not yet available.

Firecracker sales begin Dec. 26 and end at midnight Dec. 31. Jenkins said the number of licenses issued to retailers to sell them has increased to 92 this year from 80 last year.

Firecrackers can be legally set off only from 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.

Several public firework displays are scheduled for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, including off Waikiki Beach (near Trump Tower), Ko Olina Resort, one fronting 4559 Kahala Ave. and one at the Kahala Hotel.