The air smelled of sulfur and smoke, the streets were covered in the red shreds of firecracker casings. A thick haze blurred Waiehu, Maui, glowing with the bursts of aerials. Some legal, most not. It was New Year’s Eve in Hawai‘i, and for as long as I could remember, this was the way we welcomed the new year.

As a kid, I’d sit on the driveway with my family, lighting fountains and bright spinning flowers while Maoli played on the speaker. The crackling pops echoing down the street. Uncles would set off the more “giant” fireworks in the backyard, while my cousins and I lit sparklers from Walmart. The chaos, the noise, the smell, it was all part of the tradition.

This New Year’s Eve, celebrations took a dark turn when the terrible explosion in Salt Lake left six people dead and many seriously injured. This reignited the debate over Hawai‘i’s long-standing love affair with fireworks.

The question now isn’t whether something needs to change, it’s how we can balance safety with tradition. 

Because for many of us, New Year’s Eve just wouldn’t be the same without fireworks.

“For those that have grown up here, we’ve seen how fireworks has sort of become a part of tradition and culture,” says Sen. Brandon Elefante, who chairs the Public Safety Committee. “In this day and age, fireworks has gotten out of hand and out of control, especially with illegal fireworks, to a point where people have lost their lives or have been seriously injured.”

So, how can lawmakers crack down on illegal fireworks while preserving a tradition deeply woven into Hawai‘i’s culture?

Enforcement remains the biggest obstacle. Law enforcement officials argue that current regulations are nearly impossible to uphold, as illegal aerials continue to flood in through shipping containers. While an outright ban was initially considered, legislators backed off, instead shifting their focus to stricter penalties and port inspections.

Senate Bill 1226 proposes a shipping container inspection program to stop illegal fireworks at the source. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 999 increases fines for minor offenses and Senate Bill 302 protects the use of fireworks for cultural purposes but requires a permit for that use.

With such widespread participation, acquiring a permit would likely be a challenge, especially with a cap on how many permits can be issued per person. The demand would far outweigh the supply, leaving many unable to obtain legal access to fireworks.

Even so, no matter how strict the laws become, people will find a way to pop fireworks, whether through secret underground purchases or simply ignoring enforcement efforts.

The balance between safety and tradition remains delicate and the idea of a silent New Year’s Eve feels unimaginable. Fireworks are more than just noise and light, they symbolize renewal, a way to cast out bad luck and welcome a fresh start. It’s an act of community bonding, a connection to heritage and a part of our local culture here in Hawai’i.

Growing up in Waiehu, fireworks were an essential part of my New Year’s Eve. As someone of Chinese and Filipino heritage, my family has always embraced the belief that fireworks ward off evil spirits, ensuring a fresh start to the new year. The deafening cracks of firecrackers and sparkly bursts of aerials were more of a tradition for my family, rooted in cultural superstition and the hope for prosperity, protection and good fortune.

Alongside the loud pops coming from neighboring streets, there was always an unspoken awareness of the risks. We all knew someone who had burned their fingers lighting a firework too soon or had a close call with an unexpected explosion. Reflecting back, it is almost like we turned a cold shoulder to the news reports of homes catching fire, pets running away in fear and all the injuries. We thought we were invincible.

I was a very anxious kid when it came to fire and lighters; I was always hesitant to light fireworks myself. However, my aunties who were firm believers in the tradition always found a way to persuade me, reminding me that lighting at least one firework would bring me good luck for the new year. Instead of a lighter, I’d use a green mosquito repellent coil, my own little compromise between fear and tradition.

Despite my initial hesitation, there was always that thrill in finally lighting the fuse and quickly stepping back, watching as the sparks traveled down before erupting into a burst of color. In that moment, fear gave way to excitement, and I felt a sense of connection to the generations before me who had upheld this tradition.

New Year’s Eve nights carry the sound of laughter and cheers with a lingering scent of smoke. This night is so important to many of us. It reminds us that this is the one night the entire island is united in celebration, bound by culture, superstition and the unshakable belief that the new year should begin with a bang.

Yet it is still so important to recognize the responsibility that comes with the use of fireworks. Following the rules and using fireworks responsibly ensures that this tradition can continue without causing harm. By finding a balance between celebration and safety, we can preserve what makes these moments of the New Year so special while respecting the well-being and safety of our communities.