UPDATE: Two men from Hawaii’s Big Island, Darrel Goo (52) and Cy Tamura (45), have been charged in a major illegal fireworks operation, with authorities seizing over 37,000 pounds of explosives. The arrests followed a federal investigation that culminated on August 13, 2025, when search warrants were executed at their residences in Keaau and Hilo.
Authorities allege that Goo and Tamura imported fireworks from a business in Prescott, Wisconsin, reportedly spending up to $131,000 annually on these illegal substances. The fireworks were concealed in shipping containers labeled as horticultural materials, aiming to evade scrutiny. This operation has raised significant safety concerns for local communities in Hawaii.
The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, revealed that between May 2016 and July 2025, Goo made bulk purchases and utilized various tactics to disguise transactions, including using fictitious names and multiple cash payments to avoid detection. An undercover operation this year resulted in the seizure of approximately two shipping containers of fireworks before they reached Hawaii.
Both men face serious charges, including conspiracy and transporting explosives into Hawaii. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of $250,000 per count. Goo, a convicted felon, also faces additional charges for illegal possession of firearms. During the raid, authorities confiscated multiple firearms, including a Ruger .22 caliber pistol and a ghost gun, as well as 2,700 rounds of ammunition, further complicating their legal situation.
In a statement, Hawaii U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson emphasized the commitment to uphold federal laws regarding fireworks, stating, “This investigation demonstrates our solemn commitment to pursue and charge those who violate our nation’s laws related to illegal fireworks in Hawaii.”
Both Goo and Tamura made their initial court appearances on Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Wes Reber Porter, who scheduled preliminary hearings for January 20, 2026. They were released on $50,000 bail after posting bond.
As the situation develops, local residents are urged to remain vigilant about the dangers posed by illegal fireworks. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, underscoring the seriousness of this case.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation and its implications for community safety in Hawaii.
