Hawaii New Year’s Fireworks Tradition Is Dangerous

Hawaii’s new year’s eve fireworks tradition are dangerous, according to state fire and medical officials. As New Year’s Eve approaches, many people are intent on lighting up noisy, smoke-making fireworks. However, last year, nearly 9,600 people in the nation went to hospital emergency rooms for treatment of fireworks injuries, according to Straub Hospital. The hospital’s Dr. Jeffrey Kam, of the allergy and immunology department, said nearly 79,000 asthma patients in the islands — including 25,000 children — suffer every New Year’s because of the related smoke. Many are forced to seek immediate medical attention.

On the Fourth of July, more than 80 percent of 123 fires on Oahu were started by fireworks. Though winter rain usually dampens brush, several homes are set ablaze every New Year’s Eve. Last New Year’s Eve, 115 people in Hawaii suffered a fireworks-related injury — double the total for the previous year. Children under 14 accounted for half of those injured. The Honolulu Fire Department reported that 10,351 fireworks permits had been sold on Oahu by Wednesday — up by 12 permits from the same day in 2004.

Fire spokesman Kenison Tejada said no heavy rains in recent weeks means the ground will likely be dry, putting grass, and roofs around homes at a higher risk of catching on fire.

“Injuries from fireworks can have devastating and long-term effects,” said Emergency Medical Services Chief Patty Dukes in a news release.