A Hilo man lost his finger Sunday in a fireworks incident at a Keaukaha residence.
Peter Veincent, 47, reportedly severed his index finger New Year’s Eve when an illegal firework, intended to be launched into the sky, detonated in his hand.
According to a Hawaii Fire Department report, the incident was reported at 9:24 p.m. at a residence on Desha Avenue. Responders arrived at the scene to find Veincent with the index finger on his right hand partially amputated.
Emergency responders amputated the finger and transported Veincent and the digit by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center.
Alan Richmond, spokesman for the Hawaii Police Department, said no other injuries were reported at that time. Likewise, no property damage was reported.
Whether Veincent will be charged for possessing and detonating illegal aerial fireworks is still to be determined, Richmond said.
Igniting an aerial firework without a permit is a misdemeanor according to Hawaii statutes.
Richmond said no other fireworks-related injuries were reported to police during the New Year holiday, based on initial reports.