Last we heard, fireworks that go “boom” — i.e. explode — were illegal in the greater part of Kitsap County. Yes, they can be sold on local reservations legally but it is illegal to take said boomers off tribal lands. In reality, this one gets about as much enforcement as jaywalking.

If the voters support the ballot measure and Kitsap County and cities throughout the region agree to “ban” private displays, what will transpire? Other than an end to the “safe-and-sane” stands that are erected each July, probably not much that will effectively put a damper on individual shows. It likely won’t adversely impact sales on tribal lands or deter folks from setting off fireworks prior to and after the existing legal time frame for the “big booms,” which supposedly limits lighting them to certain hours on July 4th. From the police and or sheriff’s departments, that one gets about as much attention as spitting on the sidewalk.

Without enforcement, which is close to impossible, unless deputies and officers plan on stopping cars that have paid a visit to the fireworks stands, a ban will have about as much teeth in it as a newborn.

Public displays on the Fourth will continue despite dry conditions, safety factors, distraught pets, complaints, time frames and resulting litter. Sure a few folks might get dinged with fines here and there but in all likelihood, the majority of residents probably won’t run when this paper tiger meows.