US EditionHawaii hopes stricter laws will quiet illegal fireworks after deadly New Year's Eve blast
New laws impose felony charges and increased enforcement after six deaths and over a dozen injuries from illegal fireworks at a New Year's Eve party, officials said.
- During the Jan. 1, 2025 New Year's Eve celebration in Aliamanu, a chain of blasts at a house party on Keaka Drive killed six people, including a 3-year-old boy, after crates of illegal fireworks tipped over.
- Professional-Grade aerial fireworks meant for stadiums became common in neighborhoods, and illegal shipments linked to organized crime frequently enter through Hawaii ports, prompting increased enforcement.
- The Legislature reclassified many fireworks offenses as felonies with fines up to $25,000 and prison terms; HPD can issue $300 citations, and buybacks have removed over 40 tons of explosives at the Honolulu Police Training Academy and Aloha Stadium amnesty event.
- Despite arrests, prosecutors say investigations remain active as Honolulu Police Department and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney coordinate, with no formal charges nearly a year later.
- Authorities expect a spike on New Year's Eve and plan stepped-up citations, while State lawmakers will raise penalties if fines fail and some residents remain undeterred.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Preventing tragedy: Honolulu leaders warn public on illegal firework use
As 2026 approaches, the Aliamanu tragedy of last year remains a harsh reminder for how illegal fireworks can impact a community. City and County of Honolulu leaders gathered at Honolulu Hale on Dec. 29 to warn the public of the dangers and serious legal consequences of illegal fireworks, especially during New Year's Eve.
Change comes to Aliamanu in aftermath of fireworks blast
The blast site on Keaka Drive looks almost ordinary again. Nearly one year after a massive illegal fireworks explosion tore through a Salt Lake neighborhood, killing six people and injuring at least 20 others, the three-story home where the blast occurred is repaired and dressed for the holidays, with hanging lights lining the house and glowing Christmas inflatables — a Grinch and Santa Claus — perched on the second-floor porch. Families have mo…
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