At bottom, this is a Asian Society here. Don't get in the way of our right to blow off our fingers!
O'ahu getting ready for a big New Year's bang
Light Kona winds and a surge in the sale of firecrackers and permits could add up to a smoky New Year's Eve.
But high humidity and rain showers could blunt the danger of fires breaking out as Hawai'i continues its longstanding practice of lighting fireworks to ring in the new year. The practice is popular among those who believe it chases away evil spirits or others who just get a kick out of loud bangs and flashing colors.
Despite a three-fold increase in the number of firecrackers imported to Hawai'i, retailers yesterday afternoon said most of their shelves were empty.
Gary Tang, assistant manager of the Daiei store on Kaheka, said while novelty items such as sparklers and pop-pops remained well stocked, firecrackers were sold out by Saturday, the second day of sales, even though the store brought in extra cases that day.
A $25 city permit is needed to purchase 5,000 firecrackers, but there is no limit to the number of permits each person can buy. By law, fireworks can be set off between 9 tonight and 1 a.m. tomorrow.
Honolulu Fire Department officials, who keep track of firecracker imports, said 1,000 cases of firecrackers were imported into O'ahu in 2002, compared with 3,000 cases this year.
Stephanie Higa, general merchandise supervisor for Foodland stores, said most of her 29 locations were out of firecrackers by yesterday afternoon. "People are paying $25 for permits and nobody has any (firecrackers)," Higa said
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