Okino’s “Bill 34″: A Honolulu Total Fireworks Ban
At a June 9th Honolulu City Council Meeting, Gary Okino, a Honolulu City Councilman, proposed a bill that would put a total ban on fireworks on the entire island of Oahu. This bill would prohibit the sale and use of fireworks, aerials, and even novelty items such as sparklers, except to those with a license or permit for public exhibition.
Under this bill anyone caught in possession of fireworks, even something as simple as a sparkler, would face up to a $2,000 fine and as much as a year in jail.
This is not the first attempt to put a ban on fireworks use on the island. Earlier this year, lawmakers allowed individual counties to decide whether or not to impose the ban on fireworks. But, the Honolulu Police Department has said “partial bans are difficult to enforce. The only way to do so is with a total ban.”
However, the bill does allow public firework displays New Years Eve, July Fourth, the Chinese New Year and other cultural holidays, by permit only. This type of permit may be able to win over some opponents of the total ban who have been concerned about preserving religious and cultural traditions.
Reading about this ban kind of made me a bit nostalgic. I can remember back in 1997, when I was in Fifth grade living in Honolulu. I have fond memories of New Years Eve, July Fourth and the Chinese New Years there. Fireworks created more of a surreal atmosphere for me rather than a nuisance like Okino is saying. All the smoke, all the fire in the sky, the Chinese tiger dance, and those long rolls of firecrackers by the thousands hanging from poles sounding off like machine guns; that’s how I’ve always wished the holidays were celebrated here in Alabama. The culture and meaning behind fireworks is so rich in Hawaii. The burning of firecrackers signifies a joyful time of year.
I’m sorry Honolulu. I may no longer be a resident there, but I encourage all of you to voice your opinions to your council members. If you’re against this total fireworks ban, then let them know that you are. Support your culture. Don’t let lawmakers take that away from you.
I grew up in Honolulu too! And you’re right, there was nothing better than all those thousands of firecrackers going off all at once. I did voice my opinion with the city council, but who knows. Thanks for the article.
I think the is a fail like how justin bieber thinks hes a man
I think that instead of okino wasting this time trying to ban fireworks, mabe he should take some time to get his brain checked. I mean really, trying to ban a big Chinese culture is the worst way to go!