KAHULUI – The county Department of Fire and Public Safety announced that the sale of New Year’s Eve fireworks is underway until Tuesday, Jan. 1, at 12:01 a.m.

A fireworks permit is not required for consumer fireworks such as sparklers, snakes and cylindrical or cone fountains that emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground. However, a fireworks permit is required for the use of firecrackers.

Each permit costs $25, payable by check or money order to the County of Maui. Cash will be accepted at the Fire Prevention Bureau only. ?

Each permit allows a purchase of up to 5,000 pieces of firecrackers ?

There is no limit to the number of permits issued to each person ?

Permit applicants must be 18 years or older and show proof of age at the time of permit processing.

Permits are available from now until Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations: WEST MAUI – County Parks & Recreation Permit Office, Lahaina Civic Center, 1840 Honoapiilani Highway; CENTRAL MAUI – Fire Prevention Bureau, 313 Manea Place, Waikapu Consolidated Baseyard.

A limited number of fireworks permits are available at the following locations: KAHULUI – Phantom Fireworks in the front parking lot of Queen Ka’ahumanu Center at 275 West Kaahumanu Avenue; KIHEI – Pacific Starr Fireworks at Piilani Shopping Village, 225 Piikea Avenue.

Permit required firecrackers will be sold at the following retail locations: all Maui locations of CVS Longs Drugs, Foodland Supermarkets (with the exception of Lahaina Farms, Sack N Save and Walgreens in Wailuku, Phantom Fireworks in Kahului and Pacific Starr Fireworks in Kihei.

Maui Fire Department also would like to remind residents of the following rules regarding fireworks use:

Fireworks can only be legally set off from 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Setting off fireworks outside designated times is punishable by law. Violations are subject to fines of up to $2,000.

Aerial fireworks are illegal and extremely dangerous. The import, transfer, sale or use of aerial fireworks without a permit is a Class C Felony.

It is unlawful to: remove or extract pyrotechnic contents; throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle; set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of healthcare facilities and facilities for animals; set off fireworks by schools; set off fireworks on public roads, in county parks, at county facilities, cane fields or places of worship; and set off, ignite, discharge or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks within 500 feet from any hotel.

It is unlawful for any person to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors, and for any minors to possess, purchase or set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except that the parents or guardians may allow the minor to use fireworks while under the immediate supervision and control of an adult. ?

Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries. ?

Young children and fireworks do not mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers, to young children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. ?

Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult. ?

Always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer for the safe use and handling of fireworks.

Make sure you have a clear, flat area to use the fireworks, away from structures, dry grass or brush, or other readily ignitable materials. ?

Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire. A public aerial fireworks display is slated at the Grand Wailea Resort (offshore barge) at 11:59 p.m. ?

For additional information on fireworks permits, contact the Maui Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 876-4690 or refer to the Hawaii Revised Statutes 132D.