Authorities report sharp drop in July 4 fireworks calls on Oahu
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) reported a significant decline in fireworks-related incidents on July 4.
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Officers responded to 58 fireworks-related calls, marking a 52% decrease in calls from last year, officials said.
“We believe this significant reduction in calls for service reflects both the impact of our high-visibility enforcement efforts and the community’s willingness to celebrate responsibly,” said Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar.
Officers also issued 25 fireworks-related citations — a 92% increase from last year’s 13 citations — and made two fireworks-related arrests.
Law enforcement said they maintained a highly visible presence and used drone technology to identify illegal fireworks activity across Oahu.
| 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fireworks-related calls for service | 121 | 58 |
| Fireworks-related citations issued | 13 | 25 |
| Fireworks-related arrests | 0 | 2 |
Officials say the shift comes as law enforcement continues to implement Hawaii’s strengthened illegal fireworks laws.
“This was a true team effort,” Lazar said. “By combining our resources and expertise, we were able to make a meaningful impact while sending a clear message that illegal fireworks will not be tolerated.”
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The operation also benefited from the DLE’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force, which seized approximately 80 tons of illegal fireworks in 2025, reducing the supply of illegal fireworks entering local communities, officials said.
“Although we are making significant progress, we won’t be scaling down our efforts. We won’t be going away,” said DLE Deputy Director Jared Redulla. “We will continue to be in full force with HPD to make sure these dangerous and illegal fireworks are off the streets and out of the hands of our residents.”
Other responders confirm low numbers
Honolulu Emergency Medical Service said crews reported no fireworks-related patient transports on Oahu during the Fourth of July holiday.
EMS officials said crews handled their normal call volume, but no one required transport for injuries directly linked to fireworks.
The Honolulu Fire Department said it did not respond to any fireworks-related incidents on July 4.
The Hawaiian Humane Society said they saw a 22% decrease in lost pets from last year, crediting it to fewer reports of illegal firework activity and stricter law enforcement.
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