In reviewing what I learned by attending City Council and Public Safety Committee meetings, this issue isn’t complicated enough to require more discussion.
Kent currently allows personal fireworks to be fired off only during the 14 hours between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4. A ban currently exists for the other 364 days plus 10 hours. The proposed ban would merely add the 14 hours between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4. Professional displays could continue, if approved, as allowed by the current ordinance.
The current ordinance has a $250 fine for personal fireworks fired off outside of the allocated 14 hours. The proposed ban includes the current fine. The proposed ban adds an additional penalty: a person possessing 20 pounds or more of fireworks will be charged with a misdemeanor because it shows serious intent. The existing ordinance already prohibits illegal fireworks during anytime of the year.
As for allowing time for public comment, you had that in the election when 63 percent of the votes indicated a fireworks ban was desired. Quit dragging your heels and get on with it.
– Rich Brandau
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