Hawai'i may be an archipelago with the Pacific Ocean somewhat isolating one county from another. But once something enters the state — whether it's a commodity or an invasive pest — it has a way of island-hopping.

If this state is serious about a fireworks crackdown, that can't be allowed to happen.

The proliferation of illegal aerial fireworks evident this past New Year's Eve underscored the safety hazard it poses to residents and the risk of fire and property damage. It also is fueling a renewed effort to implement a statewide ban of consumer fireworks, except under permit for public displays. Police Chief Boisse Correa has confirmed his intent to lobby the Legislature for such a ban.

This remains the correct approach. By contrast, a resolution introduced by City Councilman Charles Djou seeks instead a change in state law allowing a county to impose stricter regulations than what's imposed by the state.

Djou's argument is that the dense population on O'ahu makes the problem acute on this island, where the rules should be more stringent. The other counties would be free to set their own restrictions.

This approach should be set aside while a statewide ban, the better solution, is pursued.

Regulations on home-based fireworks displays are tough to enforce under the best of circumstances, virtually impossible while goods are allowed into the state by the containerload. Even with an an O'ahu-only ban, the merchandise brought into Neighbor Island ports could easily find its way to the big city.

State lawmakers should follow the urging of fire and police officers and restrict fireworks to permitted functions. Public exhibitions, on New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July, can be enjoyed in safety.

There also should be allowances for traditional firecrackers for events such as Chinese New Year.

If the political will to take this step fails state lawmakers, perhaps a limited ban on O'ahu could be considered as a stopgap measure. But policing cargo traffic between islands will be costly and difficult, resulting in a porous barrier through which fireworks will easily flow.

How much better to take a necessary step — an outright ban on casual fireworks — for the protection of all citizens.