State collects 1,300+ pounds of fireworks at amnesty event
HALAWA (HawaiiNewsNow) - In the wake of the New Year’s fireworks tragedy in Aliamanu, the state Department of Law Enforcement hosted a fireworks amnesty event in Halawa Saturday.
Over 1,300 pounds of fireworks were collected at Aloha Stadium.
“We’re also getting bigger fireworks than we did before,” said Cpl. Jeff Llacuna, a bomb technician with the Honolulu Police Department. “They’re professional-grade shells being bought and sold illegally. We’re seeing a lot more of these cakes; every one of these cakes you see are illegal. If you have multiple cakes in your closet or garage, it’s just an accident waiting to happen.”
DLE said all fireworks will be safely disposed with, no questions asked.
“Recent events have clearly illustrated just how dangerous illegal fireworks can be,” said Gov. Josh Green. “Out of respect to those we’ve lost in the Aliamanu incident, I am strongly encouraging everyone to take a pause on fireworks activities.”
The event was designed to offer the public a secure way to dispose of unused fireworks, which officials say should not be thrown away in everyday household rubbish or stored at home.
Officials did not accept homemade or modified fireworks, improvised explosives, guns and ammunition.
This year’s event exceeded the 515 pounds collected last year.
The amnesty event was hosted by DLE, the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, the Honolulu Police Department, the Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
