ALIAMANU, Hawaii — As the community of Aliamanu prepares for New Year’s celebrations, residents are somberly reminded of the devastating fireworks explosion that claimed six lives just a year ago. The tragedy, which occurred at a home on Keaka Drive on New Year’s Eve 2025, continues to cast a shadow over local festivities.
Those lost in the incident included several individuals, among them Nelie Ibarra, Jennifer Van, Chastina Ramos, Kevin Vallesteros, Carmelita Benigno, and 3-year-old Cassius Benigno. The explosion sent shockwaves through the close-knit neighborhood, which has since remained quieter than usual, embodying a collective respect for those who perished.
Nelson Benigno, who lost multiple family members in the explosion, expressed the profound emotional toll the event has taken on him. He shared how the trauma haunts his daily life, recounting sleepless nights and dreams of his loved ones. “We didn’t say goodbye to each other,” he reflected.
Local residents have noticed a distinct change in the community’s atmosphere this holiday season. Many have opted for a quieter celebration, shunning the fireworks that typically light up the night sky as a mark of honor for the victims of the previous year’s disaster. “It just feels different,” one neighbor stated off-camera, noting the absence of the usual festivities.
In response to the explosion, authorities have intensified efforts to combat illegal fireworks in the area. Honolulu’s interim police chief, Rade Vanic, has reiterated the importance of complying with firework laws. “Illegal fireworks can cause harm and even fatalities,” he stated, urging the community to take safety seriously.
The penalties for using illegal fireworks are severe; violators could face fines of up to $2,000 or a year in jail for using fireworks too close to residential properties. Moreover, possessing or using illegal fireworks can lead to felony charges, which carry penalties as high as $25,000 and up to a decade in prison.
In a community still healing from past trauma, officials are also reminding parents that they can be held accountable if their children are found in possession of fireworks. Landowners could face legal consequences if illegal fireworks are discharged on their property.
As the New Year approaches, authorities and community members alike are urging everyone to celebrate with care and responsibility. The Lee family, with ties to some of those lost, hopes that reflection on the previous tragedy will guide the community toward safer choices during this year’s festivities.