Each year, federal agents in Hawaiʻi intercept hundreds of pounds of illegal fireworks sent through the mail, highlighting a significant risk to public safety and air travel.
Despite the ongoing seizures, little accountability exists for the individuals involved in sending and receiving these explosive items.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has reported over 130 fireworks seizures in the last six years, but only a mere six arrests were made, according to data obtained by Civil Beat through the Freedom of Information Act.
This alarming statistic raises questions about the enforcement of laws surrounding the mailing of fireworks, as prosecutions remain exceedingly rare.
In fact, only one notable arrest involved a 29-year-old man who faces no apparent criminal charges related to a significant shipment of 1,500 pounds of fireworks from California to Honolulu and Waipahu.
Mike Lambert, the Department of Law Enforcement Director, acknowledged that the lack of enforcement appears to be encouraging more people to use the mail system for sending undeclared explosives into Hawaiʻi.
Lack of accountability allows individuals to disregard the risks involved, including the potential for midair explosions, as fireworks shipments regularly travel on commercial and cargo planes.
Hawaiʻi has seen a rise in illegal fireworks over the past several years, sparking joy in some residents while also prompting concerns about safety and nuisance complaints.
A tragedy on New Year’s Eve, when an explosion killed six people, including a young child, has intensified calls for law enforcement action against illegal fireworks and the legal loopholes allowing them.
Legislature members, like Rep. Scot Matayoshi, have expressed deep concern about the dangers presented by mailing fireworks, calling it ‘a recipe for disaster.’
Against this backdrop, the federal statutes prohibiting fireworks mailing come with light penalties, categorized as misdemeanors with a maximum sentence of only a year in jail and fines.
Federal law enforcement prioritizes more severe offenses, often focusing on major drugs or firearm trafficking rather than fireworks violations, creating a lack of urgency for enforcement actions.
During an interview, Lambert pointed out that federal agencies often prioritize major national issues, leaving fireworks as a lower concern for prosecutors.
Amidst this gap in enforcement, illegal fireworks continue to flow into Hawaiʻi, largely celebrated in festive displays during holidays but contributing to growing community dissatisfaction due to disturbances.
In recent years, U.S. Postal Service officials noted that illicit fireworks are frequently sent through packages, and operational efforts classifying them as a dangerous item are ongoing.
Postal Inspector Brian Shaughnessy emphasized the commitment to safe mail operations but did not elaborate on arrest data trends or specific case details.
Local law enforcement agencies are also limited in their ability to intervene effectively in fireworks transport cases due to federal jurisdictional constraints.
For instance, packages are routinely intercepted, yet state prosecutors indicate they have not received any referrals associated with fireworks from postal inspectors for several years.
Lambert explained that federal and state law enforcement have differing standards regarding searches and seizures, complicating direct collaboration on cases.
Nevertheless, a recent legislative proposal aims to tackle the fireworks dilemma, introducing a state crime for sending or receiving illegal fireworks by any air delivery method.
Such changes could allow more robust enforcement against illegal fireworks activity.
Hawaiʻi’s fireworks import situation became starkly evident in the case of John Allan Jr., who was investigated after shipping over 7,600 pounds of fireworks to the islands through U.S. mail.
For nearly two years, Allan operated an illegal fireworks business profiting from Hawaiʻi’s demand for fireworks, generating around $750,000 in revenue before being caught.
As investigators zeroed in on his operations through package searches and social media, Allan eventually pleaded guilty to mail and tax violations.
Curiously, while Allan faced repercussions, many of his customers in Hawaiʻi appear to escape accountability for their roles in the illegal transactions.
Among the numerous fireworks seizures, the investigations continue to reveal patterns—often evidenced by packages shipped to community neighborhoods, with the intention of avoiding scrutiny.
According to Lambert, illicit fireworks importation relies on deception, such as fake addresses and sending packages to recipients’ neighbors to evade law enforcement detection.
Law enforcement’s approach to confiscating fireworks packages largely focuses on disrupting the distribution of illegal fireworks rather than immediate prosecutions.
An official perspective posits that mere confiscation acts as a form of punishment since it eliminates the inventory and interferes with illegal operations.
Lambert noted the complexities of pursuing covert operations to build cases against fireworks distributors, often weighing the spending against the value of the seized goods.
Recent legislation also approaches fireworks control by incorporating funding for sting operations targeting illegal importers, highlighting a renewed advocacy for striking at the heart of the fireworks distribution network.
Legislators stress the importance of deterring would-be offenders by instilling awareness of potential consequences if they engage in illegal fireworks trading.
Activists and residents alike express hope that tighter regulations and stronger enforcement will finally address the ongoing fireworks concerns that plague their communities.
Despite the frustrations surrounding current enforcement practices, local leaders remain adamant that recent legislative efforts could pave the way for a safer environment in Hawaiʻi that discourages illegal fireworks trafficking.
With these evolving legal frameworks and renewed discussions on enforcement priorities, the outlook for reducing illegal fireworks in Hawaiʻi remains uncertain but more hopeful than before.
Community collaboration will be essential in addressing these long-standing concerns, as residents seek to balance their enjoyment of fireworks with the need for safety and order in their neighborhoods.
image source from：https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/05/criminals-mailing-illegal-fireworks-hawaii-get-away-with-it/
