Hawaii Statewide Rule

Hawaii Fireworks Control Law Statewide Licensing

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Hawaii (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: HRS Chapter 132D
Aerial fireworks: Banned for public
Consumer permit: County issued
Max felony fine: $10,000
Enforcement: State and counties

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Hawaii State Legislature

Summary

Hawaii regulates fireworks under HRS Chapter 132D, requiring state-issued licenses for import, sale, and display, and prohibiting aerial and unauthorized consumer fireworks statewide, while counties may enact more stringent controls.

§132D-5 General fireworks or articles pyrotechnic prohibitions in the first degree. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to: (1) Throw, catapult, or otherwise manually propel any ignited aerial devices, articles pyrotechnic, consumer fireworks, or display fireworks: (A) From, at, or into a vehicle; (B) At a person or an animal; or (C) From above the first floor of any building; or (2) Set off, ignite, discharge, or otherwise cause to explode any aerial devices, articles pyrotechnic, consumer fireworks, or display fireworks: (A) From above the first floor of any building; (B) In any vehicle; or (C) In any building; provided that firecrackers shall be permitted if used in accordance with sections 132D-3 and 132D-10 and all other applicable state and county laws, ordinances, and rules.

Source: Hawaii State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

HRS Chapter 132D establishes Hawaii's Fireworks Control Law, prohibiting the import, sale, possession, or use of aerial devices and display fireworks except by licensed entities. Consumer fireworks (firecrackers) require a county-issued permit and are limited to specific cultural and holiday periods. Aerial fireworks, bottle rockets, and similar devices are banned for public use statewide. The Department of Law Enforcement and county police share enforcement authority. The law explicitly authorizes counties to adopt more stringent regulations, but the state baseline applies universally across Hawaii. Persons illegally importing fireworks face Class C felony charges under HRS 132D-14 with fines up to $10,000.

Violations & Penalties

Illegal possession or use of aerial or unpermitted fireworks is a misdemeanor or Class C felony under HRS 132D-14, with fines up to $10,000 and potential imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any fireworks legal for residents in Hawaii?

Only consumer firecrackers with a valid county-issued permit during designated cultural periods like New Year's Eve. Aerial fireworks and bottle rockets are banned statewide for public use under HRS 132D.

Can counties ban fireworks more strictly than state law?

Yes. HRS 132D explicitly allows counties to enact ordinances more stringent than state law. Honolulu, for example, has banned the importation of consumer fireworks within the city.

What happens if I bring fireworks from the mainland?

Importing aerial or display fireworks without a state license is a Class C felony under HRS 132D-14, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to five years.

Sources

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