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Homeowners, renters are now liable for aerial fireworks under new law

Rob Perez

Homeowners and renters, beware.

A new law makes you liable for aerial fireworks found on or shot from your property.

Violations can range from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony and come with a fine of $500 to $2,000.

Capt. David Chang of the Honolulu Police Department said at a recent news conference that residents are encouraged to call 911 to report violations. He said providing video evidence from a cell phone can make the case stronger.

Chang acknowledged, though, that reporting a neighbor can be difficult.

>> RELATED: Irritated neighbors want to lower the boom on illegal fireworks

“If we want real change, then people are going to have to start stepping up, being that witness, being that good community member,” he said.

The police in the first week of December received about 170 calls from people complaining about fireworks, compared with more than 300 during the same period a year ago.

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