Police cite two residents for aerial fireworks

MPD reminds it is illegal to import, transfer, sell, or use aerial fireworks without a permit

Maui police issued two fireworks violation citations over the weekend to two residents igniting illegal aerial fireworks, police said Monday.

Around 7 p.m. Saturday, a witness reported residents on Miner Place in Makawao igniting illegal aerial fireworks and loud consumer fireworks throughout the day, police said.

A witness stated through visual confirmation that the violating residence could be accurately determined, police added. The resident was issued a citation for fireworks violation and a court date was set.

Around 6:45 p.m. Sunday, a witness reported a resident on Makiki Street in Waiehu had been igniting illegal aerial fireworks. When police arrived, an officer observed the resident igniting a firework. The resident was issued a citation and a court date was also set.

Police remind residents that it is illegal to import, transfer, sell, or use aerial fireworks without a permit. The law establishes criminal liability for a homeowner, renter, or person responsible for real property who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly allows an individual to possess, set off, ignite or cause to explode any aerial device while on the real property.

There are criminal penalties, which can constitute a Class C felony, a misdemeanor, or a fine of at least $500 and no more than $2,000, police said.

Police said they appreciate the public’s help in reporting the violations. Witness statements, photographs and video recordings that show the offense that can be authenticated by one or more witnesses are sufficient when officers arrive on the scene, police said.

Consumer fireworks can only be legally ignited from 9 p.m. Thursday on New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. Friday, New Year’s Day.