On social media, some people are angry at the ban, claiming that "fireworks are a local tradition" even though it didn't exist in Hawaii before Captain Cook!
Fireworks are just as "local tradition" as typing comments on social media. In other words, it's not really a "local tradition", it's an imported activity that people do because their attitude is "f--- you, because I can". The same reason people in other places fire gunshots in the air to celebrate the New Year.
As for me, I prefer going to nightclubs to celebrate the New Year.
Sure, the music at the nightclubs can be loud (don't get too close to the loudspeaker). But at least you can dance to the music! And if someone attractive is dancing near you, you might share a magical moment together.
But more importantly, partying at the nightclub is vastly superior to popping fireworks because fireworks are ......
- severe fire hazards
- flying fire hazards that can land on someone's house
- fire hazards that can blow off your hands and can burn yourself
- cause tons of smoke that can really hurt those with respiratory problems
- cause land pollution by materials left on the ground after they explode (so much for caring for the ʻaina)
Also, while the nightclub music may be loud, it doesn't do the following
- make loud booming noises that scares pet, children, people with heart conditions, people with sensitive hearing, people with PTSD
- make sounds that sounds like bombs and gunshots that reminds people of wartime traumas
However, people who pop fireworks think they're "badass" for causing trouble for other people. They think that "real men" (and "tough chicks") don't care about people with respiratory problems, heart conditions, sensitive hearing or PTSD. They think that showing concern for the vulnerable means that you're a "overly sensitive snowflake".
And even more stupidly, they get defensive and claim it's "the haoles" (people of European ancestry) that want to ban fireworks just to oppress "the locals", nevermind that firework bans have been passed by locally-raised legislators who are of non-European ancestries. There are local people of non-European ancestries who have expressed concerns about fireworks causing problems for pets and humans with vulnerabilities.
Also, being that I am from the housing projects in Kalihi, I've noticed the allegedly low-income people blowing up fireworks. Think about this, people who are allegedly so low-income that they need government assistance to pay their rent and buy food for their families spend big money just to pop fireworks! I know what it's like to struggle and whatever little disposable income I had to was used to buy a stereo and play music when I want to celebrate stuff! At least a stereo can last years, whereas fireworks are useless after you pop them. In other words, I rather spend money on something that can last long and not cause problems for other people. It's called spend your money wisely!
So no, I'm not impressed by how "badass" you think you are by popping fireworks. A real "badass" would boycott the fireworks and instead come to the nightclub and impress people on the dancefloor!
