Fireworks explode in the sky in this photograph from The Maui News archive. Officials with the Maui Fire Department are urging people not to ignite illegal fireworks for the Fourth of July holiday. The Maui News archive photo

With the Fourth of July coming up soon, officials with the Maui Fire Department are reminding the public that igniting any aerial fireworks without a permit is a felony.

For those who would like to see an aerial display, there will be a fireworks show at 8 p.m. July 4 offshore of the Grand Wailea, 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, in Kihei.

According to Maui Fire, fireworks can only be set off legally from 1 to 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July, and setting off fireworks outside that designated time frame can bring fines up to $2,000.

Earlier this week, Maui Fire announced that the sale of fireworks will begin Saturday and end at 8 p.m. July 4. A fireworks permit is not required for consumer fireworks such as sparklers, snakes and cylindrical or cone fountains, which emit effects no higher than 12 feet off the ground.

The U.S. Postal Service is also reminding customers that fireworks are prohibited in the mail system. Fireworks of all kinds including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles are considered hazardous materials and banned from all air and ground transportation through USPS because they pose a threat to safety.

The Postal Service says it uses a range of tools to detect banned items and opened 1,700 investigations last year regarding customers trying to send hazardous materials through the mail.

The fire department says retail stores will not sell firecrackers for Independence Day, and firecracker permits will not be available for purchase.

According to Maui Fire, it is illegal to:

• Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.

• Throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.

• Set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of health care facilities and facilities for animals, or near schools.

• Set off fireworks on public roads, in county parks, at county facilities, cane fields or places of worship.

• It is unlawful for any person without a permit to set off, ignite, discharge or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks within 500 feet of a hotel.

• It is unlawful for any person to sell or give fireworks to minors and for minors to possess or ignite any fireworks, except that the parents or guardians may allow the minor to use fireworks while under the immediate supervision and control of an adult.

Safety tips:

• Young children and fireworks do not mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers, to young children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.

• Always follow all instructions listed by the manufacturer.

• Make sure you have a clear, flat area to use the fireworks, away from structures, dry grass or brush or other readily ignitable materials.

• Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire.

For more on fireworks permits, call Maui Fire at (808) 876-4690.