A recent post got it right when it described Maui’s illegal fireworks displays on July 4th and New Year’s Eve as nothing less than bombs. I nearly lost my home to errant fireworks last 4th of July. Two bare concrete slabs adjacent to me used to be family homes that were totally destroyed in that fire.

This past New Year’s Eve at midnight, I witnessed a solid wall of 100-foot-high explosives as far as the eye could see in both directions that lasted nearly 10 minutes in the neighborhood directly behind me. These bombs were exploding amongst homes, trees, fences, backyards, pets, children, etc.

This cannot continue. The supposed “8-foot rule” (no fireworks higher than 8 feet) is useless and unenforceable. Ask any policeman and he will confirm that. There is only one way to control this senseless obsession some have with standing around for hours watching things sizzle and explode. Ban all fireworks in residential neighborhoods, period! That would make the law easily enforceable and spare our homes. Designate controlled, safe areas only for fireworks — away from people, homes, pets.

I intend to pursue every option to get legislation passed to make this happen. My first effort will be a meeting with our new mayor to enlist his support, hopefully, and then take it from there. If you would like to join this effort, please contact me at Michael@mauira.com. A community effort can get this done. Remember when they use to burn cane on Maui?

Michael Blaz

Kihei