Particulate Pollution from New Year Fireworks in Honolulu

Abstract

Fireworks have long been a problem in Hawaii despite restrictions on their use. They cause accidents and high levels of noise and air pollution and are accompanied by admissions to hospitals from accidents and breathing difficulties. There was some initial success in reducing injuries and particulate concentrations after the implementation of the permit requirements from New Year of 2012, but the recent years of 2022 and 2023 have witnessed elevated air pollution at New Year. It seems unlikely that this arises from weather conditions as a random forest analysis suggests that the effects of local climate are quite small, and particulate pollution at New Year arises from fireworks. The pollution does not seem related to the purchase of the permitted 5000 firecrackers. Locally, there is suspicion that injury and pollution more likely arises from illegally purchased aerial fireworks. Regulatory authorities have found it difficult to estimate the quantity of illegal fireworks, and preventing their import has proved a difficult task. Such problems mean that it is important to enhance our understanding of local environmental problems caused by fireworks and improve compliance with the regulations, without diminishing enjoyment of the New Year celebration.