UPDATE: Two East Hawaii men, Darrel Goo and Cy Tamura, have been charged with illegally importing over 37,000 pounds of fireworks from the mainland, following a significant federal operation that culminated in their arrest on August 13, 2025. Authorities allege that the duo orchestrated an extensive smuggling scheme to distribute these dangerous explosives across Hawaii, raising serious safety concerns for local communities.
The federal complaint reveals that the fireworks were sourced from a business in Prescott, Wisconsin, and the men reportedly engaged in illegal transactions amounting to as much as $131,000 annually. Authorities executed search warrants at their residences, uncovering a staggering cache that included more than 36 M-type explosive devices and multiple firearms, including a ghost gun and significant cash amounts.
This operation, which reportedly spanned from May 2016 to July 2025, involved elaborate measures to avoid detection. Goo allegedly used a fictitious name, “John Branco,” and conducted transactions in small increments to evade scrutiny. Tamura is accused of arranging shipping containers disguised as horticultural products, with authorities seizing two containers earlier this year during undercover surveillance.
These developments mark an urgent escalation in law enforcement’s commitment to combat illegal fireworks distribution in Hawaii. U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson emphasized the importance of community safety, stating, “This investigation demonstrates our solemn commitment to pursue and charge those who violate our nation’s laws related to the possession, transportation, and distribution of illegal fireworks.”
Both men face serious charges, including conspiracy and transporting fireworks into Hawaii, which could result in up to 10 years in prison and fines of $250,000 per count. Additionally, Goo faces further charges related to illegal possession of firearms, which could add another 15 years to his sentence. They made their initial court appearances on Tuesday afternoon, with bail set at $50,000 each, which they have since posted.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, showcasing a unified effort to tackle this alarming issue. As both men await their preliminary hearings scheduled for January 20, 2026, the community remains on high alert regarding the implications of illegal fireworks on public safety.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to fireworks sales as authorities continue to monitor and dismantle illegal operations that threaten safety. The message from law enforcement is clear: those who engage in such dangerous activities will face serious consequences.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
