As the new year approaches, law enforcement agencies across Hawaii are ramping up efforts to combat the use of illegal fireworks.

As part of the crack down, the state’s Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) confiscated approximately 16 tons of illegal fireworks from a shipping container in the second week of December.

DLE Director Jordan Lowe said the efforts are the result of a collaboration between the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and the local shipping industry to prevent illegal fireworks from entering Hawaii.

Most of the seized fireworks were described as illegal aerial varieties, including multishot “cakes” and launchers, which are prohibited in the state due to the risks of possible bodily injury and property damage.

In Maui, the police department is actively addressing the use of illegal fireworks within communities and encouraging residents to report violations.

Hawaii County also issued a public service announcement reminding residents about persistent drought conditions that heighten the risk of brushfires.

“Our hope is that all of us make it to the new year without incident while enjoying invaluable time with our friends, families, and loved ones,” Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth said in a statement.

The heightened vigilance from law enforcement comes on the heels of a tragic incident earlier in the year, where a 20-year-old man from the Big Island lost his life in a fireworks-related incident on the Fourth of July.

In Honolulu, Mayor Rick Blangiardi, along with the police chief, fire chief and the director of Honolulu EMS, held a press conference to underscore the dangers of illegal fireworks. The officials urged the public to celebrate New Year’s safely and to consider the sensitivities of pets, elders and veterans.

Blangiardi also addressed potential environmental consequences of illegal fireworks and the risk of neighborhood fires.

Since its launch five months ago, the Illegal Fireworks Task Force has investigated and seized over 35,000 pounds of illegal fireworks.