Hawaii Aims to Curb Illegal Fireworks Following Tragic New Year’s Eve Explosion

In the aftermath of a tragic New Year’s Eve incident that claimed six lives, including that of a 3-year-old boy, Mike Lambert, director of Hawaii’s Department of Law Enforcement, has noticed a significant decrease in illegal fireworks activity in his suburban Honolulu neighborhood. The shocking blasts from a house party last year have left a lasting impact on residents, prompting many to reconsider their use of fireworks.

Historically, the sound of fireworks has been a common occurrence in Hawaii, with residents igniting them for various celebrations, sporting events, or sometimes for no reason at all. However, Lambert speculates that the recent tragedy may have sparked a change in attitudes towards illegal fireworks. “In some neighborhoods, it was typical to hear loud booms at any hour,” he remarked.

This year, authorities are equipped with stricter laws aimed at curbing illegal fireworks usage. Lambert has warned that citations will be issued to offenders. “We have no delusions that you can have a tragedy on New Year’s, sign a law in July, and expect no fireworks the following year,” he stated. Nevertheless, he anticipates that some individuals may choose to abstain from setting off fireworks, influenced by both the deadly accident and the enhanced enforcement measures.

State Representative Scot Matayoshi, who authored two of the five anti-fireworks bills, noted, “Before, you could shoot it off with impunity. Everyone knew they weren’t going to bust you.” Now, police have the authority to issue $300 tickets to those caught using fireworks, while repeat offenders or those whose actions lead to serious injury or death could face felony charges and prison time.

Matayoshi began drafting legislation the day after the New Year’s Eve tragedy in 2025, when crates of illegal fireworks tipped over in the Aliamanu neighborhood, resulting in a series of devastating explosions that left over a dozen people with severe burns. “It affected me a lot,” he reflected. “I couldn’t imagine being the neighbor of someone who had basically bombs in their house going off and hurting and killing my kids.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, none of the 12 individuals arrested have been charged with a crime as Honolulu police continue to collaborate with prosecutors to seek appropriate charges. A positive development was observed during an amnesty event last month, where residents turned in 500 pounds (227 kilograms) of illegal fireworks. Lambert’s department has also intensified searches at all ports, as illegal fireworks often have connections to organized crime.

As of earlier this month, Honolulu police reported issuing 10 fireworks citations, a notable improvement from previous years where no citations were recorded. Matayoshi expects this number to rise significantly as New Year’s Eve approaches.

Firecrackers have long been a staple of New Year celebrations in Hawaii, but the last decade has seen a rise in the use of professional-grade aerials. “You’re seeing fireworks that were meant to be let off at stadium and hotel events,” Lambert explained. These pyrotechnics can have a blast radius of up to 900 feet (274 meters), posing a serious risk in densely populated neighborhoods where homes are often just a few feet apart.

Army veteran Simeon Rojas, who grew up on Oahu in the 1980s and ’90s, has fond memories of setting off firecrackers and sparklers. However, the sudden explosions now trigger his post-traumatic stress disorder from his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. “When fireworks explode unexpectedly, it does rock my heart,” he shared. “I stay with my wife and kids on New Year’s Eve, so I feel safe.”

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics
Legislation

In the aftermath of a tragic New Year’s Eve incident that claimed six lives, including that of a 3-year-old boy, Mike Lambert, director of Hawaii’s Department of Law Enforcement, has noticed a significant decrease in illegal fireworks activity in his suburban Honolulu neighborhood. The shocking blasts from a house party last year have left a lasting impact on residents, prompting many to reconsider their use of fireworks.

Historically, the sound of fireworks has been a common occurrence in Hawaii, with residents igniting them for various celebrations, sporting events, or sometimes for no reason at all. However, Lambert speculates that the recent tragedy may have sparked a change in attitudes towards illegal fireworks. “In some neighborhoods, it was typical to hear loud booms at any hour,” he remarked.

This year, authorities are equipped with stricter laws aimed at curbing illegal fireworks usage. Lambert has warned that citations will be issued to offenders. “We have no delusions that you can have a tragedy on New Year’s, sign a law in July, and expect no fireworks the following year,” he stated. Nevertheless, he anticipates that some individuals may choose to abstain from setting off fireworks, influenced by both the deadly accident and the enhanced enforcement measures.

State Representative Scot Matayoshi, who authored two of the five anti-fireworks bills, noted, “Before, you could shoot it off with impunity. Everyone knew they weren’t going to bust you.” Now, police have the authority to issue $300 tickets to those caught using fireworks, while repeat offenders or those whose actions lead to serious injury or death could face felony charges and prison time.

Matayoshi began drafting legislation the day after the New Year’s Eve tragedy in 2025, when crates of illegal fireworks tipped over in the Aliamanu neighborhood, resulting in a series of devastating explosions that left over a dozen people with severe burns. “It affected me a lot,” he reflected. “I couldn’t imagine being the neighbor of someone who had basically bombs in their house going off and hurting and killing my kids.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, none of the 12 individuals arrested have been charged with a crime as Honolulu police continue to collaborate with prosecutors to seek appropriate charges. A positive development was observed during an amnesty event last month, where residents turned in 500 pounds (227 kilograms) of illegal fireworks. Lambert’s department has also intensified searches at all ports, as illegal fireworks often have connections to organized crime.

As of earlier this month, Honolulu police reported issuing 10 fireworks citations, a notable improvement from previous years where no citations were recorded. Matayoshi expects this number to rise significantly as New Year’s Eve approaches.

Firecrackers have long been a staple of New Year celebrations in Hawaii, but the last decade has seen a rise in the use of professional-grade aerials. “You’re seeing fireworks that were meant to be let off at stadium and hotel events,” Lambert explained. These pyrotechnics can have a blast radius of up to 900 feet (274 meters), posing a serious risk in densely populated neighborhoods where homes are often just a few feet apart.

Army veteran Simeon Rojas, who grew up on Oahu in the 1980s and ’90s, has fond memories of setting off firecrackers and sparklers. However, the sudden explosions now trigger his post-traumatic stress disorder from his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. “When fireworks explode unexpectedly, it does rock my heart,” he shared. “I stay with my wife and kids on New Year’s Eve, so I feel safe.”

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics
Legislation