The number of firecracker permits issued for the Fourth of July celebration continues to be low.

As of the end of business Tuesday, only 69 permits had been issued by the city to those wishing to purchase firecrackers. At the end of June 29 last year, 54 permits had been sold, said Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig.

But last year, June 29 was a Monday, and there were four more days to get permits. The permit total was 119.

This year the last day to get permits is today, leaving two fewer days than last year for permits. Satellite city halls, the only places people can buy them, are closed tomorrow since it is a city Furlough Friday.

Each $25 permit allows for the purchase of 5,000 firecrackers, and there is no limit on the number of permits a person 18 and older can buy.

The public has until 8 p.m. Sunday to purchase fireworks.

Fireworks may be set off only between 1 and 9 p.m. on Independence Day.

Seelig said the trend in recent years has been away from traditional firecrackers and more toward novelty fireworks, including so-called "smokeless" firecrackers that do not require permits.

The Fire Department, which has consistently lobbied for an overall ban on fireworks, encourages the public to attend a public display on Sunday night rather than pop their own.

The department urges people to obey existing fireworks laws.