Numbers released from firework violations

80 citations handed out on Oahu; 2 arrests

By Nana Ohkawa

Published  10:01 PM HST Jan 02, 2013

Oahu's ban on fireworks, is it working or not?  Honolulu police just released the number of citations and arrests from firework violations over the holiday.

Aerial fireworks have been illegal for years, but the law didn't stop people from using them this past New Year's Eve.  On Oahu, the city banned all fireworks like sparklers and fountains on Jan. 2nd 2010.

"I really don't think it works at all on New Year's Eve. When I was in Aiea there were fireworks everywhere even the house I was at lit off fireworks," said Angela Dominici.

"When I was at home I heard a lot of fireworks, and so I think people probably bought extras before they put the ban up," said Karina Shea.

Still, others say the ban has made a big impact on their fun.

"There was definitely less fireworks this year than other years," said Mark Chell.

"When I stopped by Kaneohe you smell it but not as much as before," said Diana Venegas.

There have been consequences for those who risked celebrating with illegal fireworks.  Between Dec. 26th and Jan. 2nd of this year HPD officers issued 80 citations and two people were arrested.

But many said they just want the ban lifted.

"So not as fun boring by comparison no where near as fun," said Beate Chell.

"Fireworks is tradition -- you can't step on tradition like that," said Venegas.

Since the ban started, fireworks complaints have almost cut in half. This past New Year's Eve there were about 590 complaints.  That's a lot less than the New Year's Eve before the ban, when there were more than 1,400 complaints.