Death Toll Rises to 5 From Illegal Fireworks Explosion in Honolulu on New Year’s Eve

HONOLULU—A fifth individual has succumbed to injuries sustained during a large explosion of illegal fireworks at a home in Honolulu over New Year’s, prompting Hawaii authorities to reassess the enforcement of the state’s fireworks regulations, police reported on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old man was among six individuals transported to a hospital in Arizona for treatment earlier this month, as Hawaii’s sole burn care facility reached capacity with other victims from the same incident.

The Maricopa County medical examiner’s office identified the deceased as Kevin Vallesteros, although the cause and manner of his death remain undetermined. Honolulu police confirmed he passed away on Tuesday morning.

The catastrophic explosion also claimed the lives of a 3-year-old boy and three women, injuring over 20 others.

This incident sparked renewed calls for stricter measures against illegal fireworks, which have become more prevalent in Hawaii. These contraband explosives disturb communities throughout the year, intensifying particularly around year-end holidays and the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations on Wednesday.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green has proposed new measures, including $300 fines that police could impose on those igniting fireworks, alongside potential class A felony charges and lengthy prison sentences for individuals whose fireworks usage results in serious injuries or fatalities. The state Department of Law Enforcement has requested $5.2 million from the Legislature to hire additional personnel and expand a forensic lab to combat the growing issue of fireworks smuggling.

Lawmakers are anticipated to deliberate on these proposals during the ongoing legislative session that wraps up in May.

Authorities in Hawaii have stated that implementing existing laws is challenging, partly due to the fact that evidence is often destroyed when fireworks are ignited. Moreover, residents frequently hesitate to testify against their neighbors, complicating efforts to build cases in court. With the proposed $300 fines, police would not need to gather extensive evidence, as an officer could act as a witness.

The Kauai Fire Department has urged residents to prioritize safety while celebrating the Lunar New Year with fireworks. Chief Michael Gibson advised supervising children near fireworks and educating everyone about the risks associated with their improper use.

“Fireworks should never be lit in your hand or thrown,” he said in a statement.

The New Year’s explosion in Honolulu occurred when a lit bundle of mortar-style aerial fireworks toppled over and ignited crates of unlit fireworks, triggering a rapid sequence of explosions.

At Governor Green’s request, the U.S. military transported six patients to Phoenix on January 4. All were in their 20s or 30s and suffered burns covering 45% to 80% of their bodies.

The explosion caused flying debris and particles, leaving some patients with injuries akin to those suffered on battlefields.

By Audrey McAvoy