Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai) follows Hawaii's strict statewide Fireworks Control Law (HRS Chapter 132D). Aerial fireworks, mortars, bottle rockets, and Roman candles are illegal statewide. Consumer fireworks (fountains, sparklers) require a $25 Fireworks-Use Permit from the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau for cultural events on non-holiday dates. Firecrackers (up to 5,000 per permit, $25) are legal only on New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year, and July 4th. After the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, enforcement and 2025 Act 243 elevated penalties significantly.
Fireworks in Maui County are governed primarily by Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 132D (Fireworks Control Law) with local administration by the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau (313 Manea Place, Wailuku; 808-876-4690) and county code enforcement under Title 16 (Building/Fire Code) and Title 13 (Parks). Aerial devices, display fireworks, articles pyrotechnic, and any item that flies or detonates are prohibited statewide without a license or permit. Consumer fireworks are limited to ground-based, non-aerial, non-explosive items. Three permits are administered locally: (1) Fireworks-Use Permit ($25, applicants 18+) authorizing consumer fireworks for cultural events from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on days other than New Year's Eve/Day, Chinese New Year's Day, or July 4th; (2) Firecracker Permit ($25 each, no per-person cap on permit count) allowing purchase of up to 5,000 firecrackers per permit, usable only December 31 (9 p.m.) to January 1 (1 a.m.), Chinese New Year's Day (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and July 4 (1 p.m. to 9 p.m.); applications are available at licensed retailers no more than five calendar days before each window. (3) Aerial Display Permit, required to set off, ignite, or discharge aerial devices, display fireworks, or articles pyrotechnic, requiring a state-licensed pyrotechnic operator, plan review by the Fire Prevention Bureau, and proof of insurance under HRS 132D and NFPA 1. A separate Fireworks Import/Storage/Retail/Wholesale License is required for each business location. Maui County Code Title 13, Chapter 13.04A.070 prohibits fireworks of any kind in all county parks and recreational facilities except under a separately permitted special event. The 2025 Hawaii legislature enacted multiple fireworks bills signed by Governor Green on June 30, 2025: Act 243 (HB 1483) restructured criminal penalties on a weight-based tier (under/over 25 lbs), elevated repeat offenses within 10 years to a class C felony, and made parents, guardians, and property owners accountable for fireworks violations by minors or on their property; Act 244 (HB 550) authorizes drones operated by the state Department of Law Enforcement and counties (including MFD support agencies) to record over public property to establish probable cause for fireworks arrests. The Maui Fire Department continues post-Lahaina (Aug. 8, 2023) heightened wildfire vigilance, though MFD/ATF concluded the Lahaina fire itself was caused by re-energization of broken electrical lines rather than fireworks.
Under HRS 132D-14, importing aerial devices, display fireworks, or articles pyrotechnic without a valid license is a class C felony (up to 5 years prison and $10,000 fine). Purchasing, possessing, setting off, igniting, or discharging aerial devices without a permit is a class C felony if total weight is 25 pounds or more, or a misdemeanor if less than 25 pounds. After Act 243 (2025), discharging aerials within 500 feet of a dwelling is a separate offense punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine; a prior fireworks conviction within 10 years elevates a new offense to a class C felony; resulting substantial bodily injury is a class B felony; serious bodily injury or death is a class A felony. Property owners who knowingly allow aerials to be set off from their property without a permit face a petty misdemeanor (30 days/$1,000); allowing storage of aerials is a misdemeanor (1 year/$2,000), or class C felony if 25+ pounds. Firing fireworks in a Maui County park violates Maui County Code 13.04A.070 and is enforced by the Department of Parks and Recreation in addition to fire/police agencies.
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