Public encouraged to report illegal fireworks to state-run task force

While fireworks are part of typical Fourth of July celebrations, state officials are encouraging the public to report illegal pyrotechnics.

The Department of Law Enforcement states the public has three ways, including a new smartphone app, to report illegal aerial fireworks to the Illegal Fireworks Task Force. All reports will remain anonymous unless the reporting person wishes to provide their identity or contact information.

The first way to report illegal fireworks is to call the Department of Law Enforcement’s anonymous tip line at 808-517-2182. Callers should leave a detailed message including the address or location involved, the types of illegal fireworks being used, and the descriptions and names of the people who are using the illegal fireworks.

The second way to report illegal fireworks is to leave a tip on the DLE website at law.hawaii.gov. Those who want to leave a tip using the website should fill out the information fields with as much detailed information as possible.

The third way to report illegal fireworks is to load the DLE’s new SaferWatch app on any smartphone by going to GetSaferWatch.com. Once the app is loaded, tipsters can provide information, including videos or photographs of the illegal fireworks being used and the people using them.

DLE staff will collect the information provided by the public and the task force will investigate any leads gained after the information is analyzed.