Fourth of July fireworks will go on sale Tuesday

Consumer fireworks, which don’t require a permit, will be sold starting Tuesday through July 4. They include sparklers, snakes and cylindrical or cone fountains that emit effects no higher than 12 feet off the ground.

Stores won’t be selling firecrackers, so no firecracker permits will be sold.

The Maui Fire Department said that no public aerial displays will be held on the holiday.

Fireworks can be legally set off only from 1 to 9 p.m. July 4.

Setting off fireworks outside those times is a violation punishable by fines of up to $2,000.

In a news release, the department said aerial fireworks are illegal and “extremely dangerous.” Importing, transferring, selling or using aerial fireworks without a permit is a felony offense carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The department added that it’s also illegal to:

≤ Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents or throw ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.

≤ Set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of health care facilities or facilities for animals, within 500 feet from any hotel and near schools. Setting off fireworks is also illegal on public roads, in county parks, at county facilities, in cane fields or places of worship.

≤ Offer to sell or give fireworks to minors and for minors to possess, purchase or ignite fireworks unless parents or guardians allow minors to use fireworks while under the immediate supervision of an adult.

Safety tips for using fireworks include never giving fireworks, even sparklers, to young children; allowing older children to use fireworks only under the direct supervision of an adult; and reading and following manufacturers’ warnings and instructions for safe use and handling of fireworks.

The department also recommends having a clear, flat area to use fireworks that is away from structures, dry grass or brush or other readily ignitable materials. People should have a water hose or bucket readily available in case of a fire.

More information is available by calling the Fire Prevention Bureau at 876-4690.