WAIPAHU, Hawaii (KHON2) — The State Department of Law Enforcement gave media members a first-hand view of their efforts to crack down on illegal fireworks through a ride-along on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
New Year’s Eve in 2025 was the first time the DLE used new drone technology above Oahu neighborhoods to watch for illegal aerial fireworks. The head of the Department said it was much quieter across the island compared to previous years.
Fireworks violations, arrests reported on New Year’s: HPD
“The drones are definitely helping, but we still need to validate that with the ground troops,” DLE director Mike Lambert said. “It’s encouraging to see that it seems like the vast majority of the community is complying. As you guys are out there with us, there are unfortunately, some people who still don’t get it.”
HPD said they responded to 592 calls for service regarding fireworks violations and two arrests were made. The media ride-along lasted from 8 to 10 p.m. — Lambert credited the increased official presence for the significant decrease in loud booms heard across Oahu…