In an effort to curb the rampant use of illegal fireworks ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations, the Department of Law Enforcement partnered with the Honolulu Police Department to host the final fireworks buyback event of the year. The event, which took place yesterday in Waipahu, provided residents a no-questions-asked opportunity to turn in illegal or unwanted fireworks, in exchange for grocery cards—a measure taken to increase community safety following the tragic Aliamanu fireworks explosion last year, as reported by KITV.
During the buyback at the HPD Training Academy, participants handed over items such as aerial devices, Roman candles, and mortars, receiving $5 per pound for illegal fireworks and $10 per pound for display fireworks, as noted by KITV. Reflecting on the offered rates, there was a maximum redemption limit of $500 in gift cards per turn-in. However, the buyback did not accept retail fireworks, homemade modified explosives, or guns and ammunition.
According to KHON2, an impressive number of over 700 pounds of fireworks have been collected during this event alone, totaling nearly $2,300 in distributed gift cards. "We have some commercial-grade things that were brought in, a few hundred pounds of aerials," Lambert referenced the varied types of fireworks turned in. He noted that the buyback was a final grace period before stricter enforcement of fireworks regulations would be enacted.
Lambert sternly reminded residents that after this buyback, any level of ignorance or confusion would not be tolerated, stating, "We gave everyone ample notice and opportunity to turn those in," and "If you don’t, we assume you knew better — and you’re going to get enforced upon," as mentioned by KHON2. Enforcement could mean a sliding scale of consequences, with possibilities of a ticket for small infractions but potentially climbing to felony charges for those found with larger quantities of illegal fireworks.
The community's response to the event was influenced by last year's devastation in Aliamanu. Keith Nikido told KHON2, "It’s been illegal for a while and because of what happened last year we said, yeah, we don’t want any of that happening." Jessie Lum echoed the sentiment, expressing her relief at parting with the hazardous items: "I just don’t want to see another Aliamanu incident happen again," she said. The policy for the upcoming holiday is clear, landowners will be held accountable for the use of illegal fireworks on their property, and parents will face responsibility for their minors' actions related to fireworks.
Lambert also briefed residents on the mixed approach the enforcement agencies plan to take, combining technology like drones, port inspections, and personalized interventions. With the stakes high, and the penalties severe—up to 10 years in prison for 50 pounds of illegal fireworks—the prevalent message is that safety and legality should be the primary concern for holiday festivities.
