HONOLULU — In a tragic incident on New Year’s Eve, law enforcement apprehended six individuals linked to a fatal explosion caused by illegal fireworks in a neighborhood of Honolulu. Authorities reported that they discovered 500 pounds (approximately 227 kilograms) of unused fireworks at the site shortly after the explosion.
Two couples were taken into custody on Wednesday, following the arrest of another couple last Friday, as detailed by Honolulu police homicide lieutenant, Deena Thoemmes. She indicated that further arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
The police are collaborating with prosecutors to press charges, although the process is slower than expected due to the number of suspects and the substantial amount of evidence being analyzed, which includes fireworks undergoing testing. “We are recovering more evidence and identifying more individuals. As a result, additional arrests will be forthcoming,” Thoemmes stated during a press conference.
The explosion resulted in the deaths of three women, one man, and a 3-year-old boy, while injuring about 20 others. The incident reportedly occurred when a lit bundle of mortar fireworks lost its stability and struck unlit firework crates, triggering a rapid cascade of explosions.
The six individuals face serious accusations, including first-degree reckless endangering, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, and various fireworks-related offenses. The first pair of suspects has been released as investigations continue.
Manslaughter charges are being considered, noted Thoemmes, who also mentioned that detectives will scrutinize the origins of the fireworks, seeking assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for that aspect of the investigation.
The fireworks collected from the scene were located in both the carport and vehicles owned by attendees of the gathering. The ignition of illegal fireworks, particularly aerial displays typically used by professionals, has surged in Hawaii over recent years, with residents frequently setting off fireworks throughout the year, especially around the holidays.
Law enforcement in Hawaii has acknowledged that current regulations are challenging to enforce, largely because the evidence often disappears when fireworks are lit. Additionally, resident reluctance to testify against neighbors complicates prosecutions.
The fatal incident has prompted Governor Josh Green to suggest significant changes to fireworks enforcement legislation, including the introduction of $300 citations that law enforcement could issue to offenders. He has also urged lawmakers to consider felonious charges that carry lengthy prison sentences for individuals whose reckless use of fireworks leads to substantial injuries or fatalities.
The state Department of Law Enforcement is requesting $5.2 million in funding from lawmakers to hire eight staff members and enhance a forensic lab aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of fireworks smuggling in the region.
According to police, the first suspects detained—a 33-year-old man and woman—ignited illegal fireworks during the New Year celebration, allowing their children (aged 15, 10, and 1) to participate in lighting the fireworks as well. The one-year-old sustained injuries, received hospital treatment, and was later discharged.
The other two couples arrested on Wednesday resided at the property where the explosion took place. One couple, consisting of a 35-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, attended the gathering with their four minor children, all of whom suffered injuries and were treated at a hospital before being released. The second couple, a 29-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man, brought their two minor children, who fortunately sustained no injuries.
Thoemmes revealed that some individuals initially interviewed by investigators provided misleading information. “Hindering prosecution is a crime and those who do so will face charges,” she warned.
