The city had issued 93 firecracker permits to Oahu residents for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday as of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the last day to obtain them. 

That’s less than the 174 permits the city sold for Independence Day 2010, said Capt. Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman. Several satellite city halls were open until 5 p.m. and had not reported but they were not expected to add significantly to the total.

Each $25 permit entitles an adult to buy up to 5,000 common firecrackers. There is no limit on the number of permits a person can purchase.

A city ordinance that took effect Jan. 2 required people to purchase the permits no later than 10 days before the day fireworks are to be used.

The same new law makes it illegal for Oahu residents to set off any other kind of fireworks, including sparklers, fountains and spinning wheels.

Possessing or setting off illegal fireworks is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.