Onlookers watch the fireworks over the ocean in Wailea. New Year’s Eve fireworks displays are planned for the Four Seasons Resort in Wailea in South Maui and on Lanai. The Maui News/Gary Kubota

As Maui County remains sensitive to wildfires, county officials are issuing a limited number of firecracker permits to consumers while warning them that firecrackers can only be set off legally from 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.

Violations are subject to fines of up to $5,000.

“There has been less illegal activity,” said She Patel, president of the Lahaina Town Action Committee.

Patel said there seems to be a heightened sensitivity in the community following the 2023 Lahaina wildfire.

However, Kihei Community Association president John Laney said he’s aware of pockets of illegal fireworks activity.

“Our position is that people should abide by the law,” Laney said. “We want people to be respectful.”

Some pet owners stay home on New Year’s Eve out of concern for their animals.

“During this season, my dogs are terrified,” said Kihei resident Mike Moran.

A fireworks permit is not required for consumer fireworks such as sparklers, snakes and cylindrical, and cone fountains that emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground.

The use, transfer or sale of aerial fireworks is illegal and can bring a felony conviction.

There will be two public aerial fireworks displays in Maui County — one at the Four Seasons Resort in Wailea in South Maui and another in Lanai City — on Dec. 31.

Each firecracker permit costs $25, and allows for the purchase of up to 5,000 firecrackers. Permit applicants must be 18 years or older and show proof of age at the time of purchase. There is no limit for the number of permits issued to each person, but a limited number of firecracker permits will be available at 12 locations on Maui, one on Lanai and two on Molokai. The locations are:

• Foodland Kaahumanu at 90 Kane St. in Kahului.

• Foodland Pukalani at 55 Pukalani St. in Pukalani.

• Foodland Kehalani at 255 Kehalani Village Drive in Wailuku.

• Foodland Farms Lahaina at 345 Keawe St. in Lahaina.

• Longs Drugs Wailuku at 135 Kehalani Village Drive in Wailuku.

• Longs Drugs Kulamalu at 55 Kiopaa St. in Pukalani.

• Longs Drugs Lahaina at 1221 Honoapiilani Highway in Lahaina.

• Longs Drugs Kihei at 1215 South Kihei Road in Kihei.

• Longs Drugs Kahului at 70 Kaahumanu Ave. in Kahului.

• King’s Cathedral at the Walmart parking lot at 101 Pakaula St. in Kahului.

• King’s Cathedral at Safeway Maui Lani parking lot at 58 Maui Lani Parkway in Wailuku.

• Pacific Starr Fireworks at the Piilani Village Shopping Center at 281 Piikea Ave. in Kihei.

• Pine Isle Market at 356 8th St. in Lanai City, Lanai.

• Misaki Market at 78 Ala Malama Avenue, Kaunakakai, Molokai.

• Take’s Variety Store at 29 Mohala St. in Kaunakakai, Molokai.

General prohibitions include:

• It is unlawful to remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.

• It is unlawful to throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.

• It is unlawful to set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of health care facilities and facilities for animals.

• It is unlawful to set off fireworks near schools.

• It is unlawful to 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 any hotel.

• It is unlawful for any person to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors and for any minors to possess, purchase or set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode 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.