Question: I live In Aina Haina, and about 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, was startled to see fireworks off Wailupe Circle. Why wasn’t the community notified? A huge “auwe” to the organizers for not having the courtesy to inform neighborhoods of the fireworks set off during a wedding reception. There are less imposing ways to acknowledge this special day. The explosion caught the Aina Haina community by complete surprise. (Combination of two complaints.)
Answer: The fireworks display that night had all the necessary permits from the Honolulu Fire Department as well as other key agencies, said HFD spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig.
Because the fireworks took place along the ocean, organizers were required to get permits from the Coast Guard and state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Depending on the location, as in this case, the Federal Aviation Administration also had to OK the aerial fireworks, Seelig said.
On top of that, a barge had to be brought in to shoot the aerials.
Public notification usually is not made, nor is required, for “private” fireworks displays (see archives.starbulletin.com/2008/08/18/news).
However, Seelig said, HFD recommends, “even though it is not a requirement, that they notify the neighbors.”
In this case, “they did,” he said, although it was not known how many neighbors were notified.
“They sent out a letter letting people know they were going to be having a fireworks display that would last four or five minutes, and they gave a firing period of time.”
Seelig said HFD’s general requirement is a 9 p.m. cutoff for fireworks displays, although there are exceptions for earlier or later times, such as the early morning fireworks signaling the start of the annual Honolulu Marathon.
If people are not aware or prepared for a nearby fireworks display, it can be startling, he acknowledged. However, “in this case there were a lot of actions taken to try and let people know about the situation.”
Question: During the recent amnesty period to turn in leftover fireworks, I turned in to the Moiliili fire station what I thought were all my leftover fireworks. But then I discovered a few more in a box in the washroom. I had asked a fireman what I should do if I found more later. He wasn’t sure but said, “Call the police.” Is this what I should do? Will I be fined or have to serve jail time as the law says? The fireworks were unintentionally left behind. I’m 84 years old and am worried what will happen if I call police.
Answer: Don’t worry.
You “should call 911 and ask for police,” said Michelle Yu, spokeswoman for the Honolulu Police Department. “An officer will be sent to (your) home to obtain information and retrieve the fireworks.”
The Honolulu Fire Department collected about 16,000 pounds of fireworks during the amnesty program.
As of Jan. 2 it is against city law to possess or use consumer fireworks, including fountains and sparklers, or aerial fireworks (unless licensed). However, people who obtain permits may use firecrackers on specific holidays/events.
“We are continuing to destroy the fireworks at an undisclosed location,” Yu said.
Auwe
To a reckless driver. On Sunday, Aug. 7, around noon, I was circling the parking area of Shirokiya and Macy’s at Ala Moana Center, looking for a space. I needed to park as close as possible to the stores due to my disability. As I rounded a corner, a large white truck (speeding) came up to my back bumper. I was in a much lower sedan. He honked his horn, yelled some obscenity and threw a small hard object at my back window! I had a visitor in my car (first time in the islands). Way to go showing “aloha.” There should be no speeding, especially in parking lots! — Karma
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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
