HONOLULU -- Several thefts of aerial fireworks from Hawaii companies have federal agents concerned that New Year's Eve may be a dangerous one.

Agents with the bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms declined to comment on any investigations that may be ongoing with regard to the thefts. However, they said that this type of theft is a problem nationwide.

(Watch News Report)

Illegal aerial fireworks light up Oahu's skies every New Year's Eve. Those in the industry said that in the past few years, illegal aerial usage seemed to be down, possibly because of tougher laws and penalties that went into effect in 2000.

However, this year things may change.

"I think it's possible there may be more around this year than in the past because that's what we're hearing as well," said Jerry Farley, of American Promotional Events.

Farley works with TNT Fireworks, a major distributor of novelty fireworks and firecrackers. Farley helped write legislation outlawing aerials.

"If they're brought in illegally that can only mean the manifest document that are being supplied by the shipper and the person accepting them here are forged or wrong and therefore that's a serious federal crime," Farley said.

Federal agents said several Hawaii companies licensed for aerial display fireworks shows have been ripped off, quite possibly adding to black market sales.

"We get anonymous calls from people that tell us they've witnessed people with illegal fireworks," ATF Agent Tracy Elder said.

ATF agents worry not only about the hazards of setting off aerial fireworks, but about residents storing them at their homes.

"If it's in a very confined area, and you have that large amount of explosives, you're talking you could take out a city block," Elder said.

With the New Year's holiday just days away, Hawaiian Electric Co. is reminding residents not to string fireworks on overhead power lines or utility poles. The company stressed that the lines are energized and can cause serious electrical shock.