HONOLULU -- Fireworks injuries were up this year for the Independence Day holiday, according to figures released Thursday by the state Department of Health.

The number of injuries reported from recent Fourth of July fireworks season was the highest since the department began keeping records.

Department of Health Fireworks Injuries Data:

57 people hurt

75 percent of those injured were under 18

Most injuries were to children 14 years old or younger

Males were injured more often than females (3-to-1)

Most injuries were burns

The health department's injury prevention program surveyed hospital emergency rooms across the state.

Doctors said they see a lot of injuries from seemingly tame legal fireworks.

"One of the worst things we see is young children playing with sparklers. Although parents think they're harmless, they cause significant burns. They burn very, very hot," said Dr. William Lee, of Straub Clinic and Hospital.

The DOH wants to publicize the injury report to warn parents.

"We basically try to create an awareness of the danger involved the potential for injury, especially in young children. And we try to publicize these findings in advance of fireworks use periods," said Dan Galanis, of the DOH.

Doctors say one of the biggest effects of fireworks isn't part of the survey.

"We see a lot of asthmatics from all the smoke from the fireworks. We have a big problem with asthmatics having asthma attacks," Lee said.

Doctors and health officials want the public to know that injuries are preventable.