Two East Hawaii men — 52-year-old Darrel Goo of Keaau and 45-year-old Cy Tamura of Hilo — were arrested and charged by federal authorities Monday for criminal offenses relating to importing fireworks into Hawaii and distributing them.

Goo also was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The offenses allegedly occurred from May 2016 through August 2025.

According to a press release from Hawaii U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson, Goo used a fictitious name and Alaska addresses to conceal his annual fireworks purchases he made from a fireworks company on the mainland. He also allegedly paid for the fireworks with money orders and cash.

Tamura allegedly arranged the shipping logistics from the mainland to Hawaii by falsely claiming that the fireworks shipments contained horticultural materials.

Earlier this year, law enforcement engaged in undercover surveillance of Goo’s and Tamura’s alleged operation and covertly seized approximately two shipping containers of fireworks before they were shipped to Hawaii.

In August, search warrants were executed at Goo’s and Tamura’s residences, reportedly resulting in the seizure of thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks and cash.

At Goo’s residence, investigators allegedly seized several firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. According to the criminal complaint, Goo is a convicted felon and cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

“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 in Hawaii,” Sorenson said in the news release. “While we are in the early stages of this particular case, and those charged are presumed innocent, it is our intent to send the clear message that the safety of our local communities remains our number one priority, and those who compromise that safety by violating federal laws related to commercial fireworks will find themselves facing justice in federal court.”

If convicted, Goo and Tamura face imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to $250,000 per count, and Goo faces an additional 15 years of imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.