Friday, December 31, 2010

"Next thing you know, they're going to take away our poi and our raw fish."

Touché Joe Valdez of Makakilo, who was recently quoted in a Honolulu Star Advertiser article concerning the Hawaii fireworks ban happening next year.  The fireworks ban, which takes in effect this Sunday, is A HUGE DEAL for the Hawaii population who grew up popping ground blooms, firecrackers, fountains and maybe occasionally an aerial here and there.  The new law ONLY allows adults to light firecrackers and ONLY firecrackers (not even sparklers are allowed).  I have spent the past five/six New Years Eves in Kaneohe with probably the biggest fireworks-pyro-enthusiasts on the planet.  No joke.  New Years Eve is the one day in the 365 days of the year that they look forward to the most, and why is that?  Because of the lingering smoke smell, the thrill of unexpected explosions and even the process of cleaning up the trash--pretty much because they love FIREWORKS.

So when Joe Valdez of Makakilo compares the fireworks ban to the government taking away our poi and raw fish, I nod my head in agreement.  This ban is taking away years of tradition that has brought friends and families together to celebrate the new year.  Tomorrow night will be bittersweet, as it is the last New Years Eve my firework-obsessed friends will get to play with their beloved smoke-inducing, ground-shaking concoctions.  So in memory of the last five NYE, h
ere are some photos:
NYE 2005
NYE 2006 
NYE 2007
NYE 2008
NYE 2009
I wish everybody a safe and happy new years!

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