No fireworks, No New Years.

Hawaii is one of the many states that allow us to ring in the new year with fireworks. New Years is a time for celebration. Unfortunately this past New Year about 112 were injured by fireworks throughout Hawaii. In addition, the pollution and smoke can be very bothersome especially those with respiratory problems. However these negatives could have been avoided not by banning the use of fireworks but by enforcing safer rules for popping them. One such rule could be to have better enforcement on aerial fireworks. Indeed, popping fireworks has become embedded in the memories of our childhood; the fun of popping fireworks "burned" into the fabric of our family and local cultures. In addition, every New Year would seem incomplete without the awe of the bright lights and booming sounds. With some simple shifts in our way of celebrating New Years we can enjoy a safer holiday--one that is enjoyable with fireworks but without so much of its danger. Celebrating New Years in Hawaii without fireworks would be like having Christmas without a Christmas tree.