Letters to the Editor

Do smart thing, ban all fireworks

I started a petition on Dec. 3 to boycott illegal fireworks after three explosions sounding like bombs were set off about two blocks from my home.

I live in Wailuku, about two blocks from the county building. Last night, New Year's Eve, after hearing numerous bomb-like explosions like the one on Dec 3, I got in my car around 10 p.m., and followed my ears to the loudest sound. I ended up on two streets: Kuhio, and Makaala, which is to the right of Waiehu Beach Road.

I grabbed my cellphone and videotaped what I saw. I couldn't believe my eyes when I realized I had walked into a scenario that resembled a war zone. I stood and counted how many homes were shooting off illegal fireworks, and homemade bombs. There was at least 30 of them, and smoke was so thick in the air, that when I rolled down my window, I was choking.

So many breaking the law, why do we even have this law, when no one is enforcing it? When we do nothing, it emboldens the perpetrators to just continue this unlawful act.

So, notwithstanding, I called the nonemergency number for police and was told by an officer there that they only had four officers available to patrol both Kahului and Wailuku.

If we are so shorthanded at Maui Police Department, why don't we do the smart thing and ban all fireworks like California has?

Desiree Ann Watson

Wailuku