Honolulu Police Arrest Six Individuals Linked to Fatal New Year’s Fireworks Explosion

HONOLULU—Authorities reported that six individuals were arrested in relation to a deadly explosion caused by illegal fireworks in a Honolulu neighborhood on New Year’s Eve. They also seized 500 pounds of unused fireworks from the blast site.

Honolulu police homicide Lt. Deena Thoemmes stated that two couples were apprehended on Wednesday, while one couple was taken into custody last Friday. Additional arrests are anticipated, she noted.

Investigators are collaborating with prosecutors to prepare charges; however, the process is delayed due to the high number of arrests and the extensive evidence being examined, along with the testing of fireworks, she explained.

“We are gathering more evidence and identifying additional individuals. Consequently, further arrests will be made,” Thoemmes mentioned during a news briefing.

The incident resulted in the deaths of three women, one man, and a 3-year-old boy, while approximately 20 others sustained injuries. The explosion occurred when a lit group of mortar-style aerials toppled over and ignited crates of unlit fireworks, triggering a rapid sequence of explosions.

All six suspects face charges of first-degree reckless endangering, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, and multiple fireworks-related offenses. The first two suspects have been released while the investigation continues.

Manslaughter charges are among the most serious potential accusations under investigation, Thoemmes revealed. Detectives will examine how the fireworks were obtained and involve the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to assist with this aspect of the inquiry.

The 500 pounds of fireworks seized were located in the carport and vehicles of those in attendance at the gathering, Thoemmes confirmed.

The use of illegal fireworks—specifically, aerials typically seen in professional displays—has risen noticeably in Hawaii over the past few years. Residents frequently launch fireworks throughout the year, with heightened activity during the holiday season.

State authorities have noted that enforcing current laws is challenging, partly because evidence is often destroyed when the fireworks are ignited. Furthermore, neighbors may be hesitant to testify against one another, complicating prosecutions.

The tragic explosion on New Year’s prompted Governor Josh Green to advocate for a revision of the fireworks enforcement laws, proposing $300 fines for violators. He has also requested lawmakers to consider Class A felony charges, which could result in significant prison time for individuals whose fireworks-related actions lead to severe injury or fatalities.

The state Department of Law Enforcement has requested $5.2 million from lawmakers to hire eight staff members and expand a forensic lab to tackle the ongoing issue of illegal fireworks smuggling.

According to police, the initial suspects arrested—a 33-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman—set off illegal fireworks at the New Year’s Eve event and permitted their children—aged 15, 10, and 1—to also light unauthorized fireworks. The 1-year-old sustained injuries, received medical attention at a hospital, and was later released, as confirmed by police.

Thoemmes stated that the other two couples taken into custody on Wednesday both resided at the location where the explosion happened.

One of the couples—a 35-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman—reportedly attended the gathering with their four minor children, all of whom were injured and required hospitalization, but were later released.

The second couple comprised a 29-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man, who were present with their two minor children, neither of whom sustained injuries.

Thoemmes indicated that some individuals initially interviewed by detectives provided false information.

“Hindering prosecution is a crime and those who do so will face charges,” she warned.

By Audrey McAvoy