Hawaii

Deadly Hawaii fireworks incident caused “war zone” injuries: Governor

Published

1 year ago

January 2, 2025

Deadly Hawaii fireworks incident caused “war zone” injuries: Governor

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said that a deadly New Year’s fireworks incident in the Honolulu neighborhood of Aliamanu caused “war-zone” injuries.

Newsweek reached out to the Honolulu Police Department via online form for comment Wednesday night.

Why It Matters

The incident that has left three dead and over 20 injured is significant as the United States has stringent laws regarding fireworks possession and usage, and there are not many incidents outside of the 4th of July that result in death or injury from fireworks.

What To Know

The home where a New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion killed and injured people in Honolulu. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said that the deadly incident caused “war zone” injuries.

AP Photo/Marco Garcia

Green told reporters Wednesday about the victims who died, “We’re talking about the worst possible war zone injuries that took their lives.”

Three people died—two women at the scene and a third woman at a hospital—after a lit firework bundle tipped over and fired sideways into crates of additional fireworks, causing a blast that shot out shrapnel.

Several of those injured in the attack were in critical condition.

The explosion that occurred shortly before midnight on Tuesday at a three-story home with a bottom-level carport left debris scattered in front of the house and windows across the street shattered.

The Honolulu Police Department has classified the occurrence as a major incident and, in a statement, said that they were “working diligently to manage the situation and ensure the safety of everyone in the area,” according to Channel2Now.

On December 23, the Honolulu Police Department warned that only individuals with a permit may set off fireworks for the New Year’s holiday and that they can only be lit between 9 p.m. local time on December 31 and 1 a.m. local time on January 1.

What People Are Saying

Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director Dr. Jim Ireland, at a news conference:”I’ve been in EMS over 30 years, and this is probably one of the worst calls I’ve ever been on as far as the immense tragedy and amount of patients and severity of the injuries.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, in a statement: “It is with both frustration and sorrow that I address the tragedy that occurred last night in Salt Lake just after midnight on New Year’s Eve.

“This incident is a painful reminder of the danger posed by illegal fireworks, which put lives at risk, drain our first responder resources, and disrupt our communities,” he added.

What Happens Next

Honolulu Police Chief Arthur Logan said authorities have yet to determine whether charges for the person who lit the firework were warranted.

Meanwhile, Blangiardi said, “My administration remains committed to working with federal and state agencies to shut down this illegal firework trade once and for all. We will push for stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, new technologies, and a united effort to stop the import of illegal fireworks.”

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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Related Topics:deaths Featured Fireworks hawaii Josh Green

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Hawaii

Hawaii launches emergency relief program for farmers, businesses | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

57 minutes ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

Hawaii launches emergency relief program for farmers, businesses | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

JAMM AQUINO / MARCH 20

Sandy Ath Tab, co-owner of Koolau Range Farms, stands in floodwater outside their farmland on Friday, March 20, in Waialua. Ath Tab and her husband were trying to assess damage and find their farm cat.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity today opened up applications for an emergency farm relief program for those impacted by the recent Kona low storms.

Farmers, ranchers, and businesses statewide that experienced losses and damage from the storm can apply for a one-time grant of $1,500 to address immediate needs. They must, however, provide a General Excise Tax license to qualify.

The state has authorized a total of $500,000 for the program from DAB-restricted funds.

“While the full impacts from the Kona Low 1 and Kona Low 2 storms are still being assessed, we know our agricultural producers have been severely impacted by these events,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture, in a news release. “The Emergency Farmer Relief funding aims to support our agriculture industry with grant money to start recovering from the disaster or providing brief financial stability during this time.”

Gov. Josh Green said in a statement that Hawaii’s farmers are a crucial lifeline for the state’s food security and sustainability efforts.

“As we work to increase our islands’ independence from offshore food imports, we must support the farmers and ranchers who supply healthy and nutritious produce and meats for our local people through grocery stores, schools and restaurants,” said Green in the statement. “This emergency funding for our agriculture communities emphasizes their essential role in our state’s food security and our commitment to aid in their recovery.”

Applicants who complete and submit applications by Friday will be prioritized for funding, the release said. Awards will be announced next week.

The application is available online on DAB’s website at dab.hawaii.gov/emergencyfarmerrelief/.

Applicants with limited internet access can call the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency for help with the applications at 808-586-0034.

Questions? Email dab.efr@hawaii.gov.

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Hawaii

New downpours in Hawaii lead to more flooding on Oahu Island

Published

13 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

New downpours in Hawaii lead to more flooding on Oahu Island

TWICE reflect on a decade as a group: ‘There’s so much more we can do’ | AP interview

Speaking backstage at the Kia Forum during a stop on their ‘THIS IS FOR’ World Tour, TWICE sit down with Associated Press entertainment journalist Liam McEwan to reflect on a decade together — and the journey still unfolding. Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu open up about their anniversary release, “TEN: The Story Goes On,” featuring solo tracks from every member for the first time. The group also speaks about their evolving definitions of success, how comebacks come together through group chats and meetings, balancing solo ambitions and subunits, and pushing forward creatively without repeating themselves. They also discuss contributing “Takedown” to the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.”

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Hawaii

Severe flooding triggers road closures, evacuations in Manoa

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Severe flooding triggers road closures, evacuations in Manoa

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Portions of Manoa flooded Monday after several days of heavy rain.

According to Honolulu police, flooding was observed at multiple locations along East Manoa Road, including the intersections with Lowery Avenue, Akaka Place, and Oahu Avenue. That portion of the road is closed, and drivers are being asked to avoid the area.

Your HNN First Alert Weather Team declared Monday a First Alert Weather Day due to the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding.

The area was under a flash flood warning, with rain falling at 1 to 2 inches per hour and stream levels running very high.

Flooding at Manoa Marketplace(Hawaii News Now)

Viewers have been sending Hawaii News Now photos and videos showing flooded roads and vehicles submerged in water at Manoa Marketplace.

Heather Damon said the rain “has not stopped for days. The ground is so saturated.”

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is asking students and employees to stay inside and off roads unless absolutely necessary until further notice, citing severe rain and flooding in some parts of campus.

In an alert, UH said officials are at faculty housing to address issues in the area. UH also said some student housing — Hale Wainani G and H — is being evacuated, and residents should follow all staff instructions.

Stay with Hawaii News Now for the latest First Alert Weather Day coverage.

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