Yau Tsim Mong first to light up sky amid concerns

Yau Tsim Mong District Council is organizing a fireworks display over Victoria Harbour on May 4 to celebrate Youth Day.

The event will feature two barges as launch pads to create a display expected to last from 10 to 20 minutes.

In an effort to attract more visitors and boost consumption, the district council is currently in discussions with nearby malls to offer retail and dining discounts during the event. This initiative aims to entice tourists and locals to participate in the festivities.

District councillor Chris Ip Ngo-tung hopes there will be a big crowd, similar to the previous displays witnessed by numerous tourists and citizens on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

Regarding financial aspects of the show, Ip said the details are still being discussed, including considerable sponsorship.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the show, individuals including tourism veterans and legislators have expressed concerns.

Kitson Yang Wing-kit, a Kowloon Central legislator, said that the lack of awareness about such large-scale events might mean tourists and interested parties from Hong Kong do not have the show in their itineraries.

He said that event announcements should be made well in advance to ensure maximum exposure.

"For example, Art March was only announced at the end of February," he said. "Why can't the events in March be announced in January?"

Sara Leung Fong-yuen, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Tourism Industry Employees General Union, expressed worry about the government's heavy investment in the fireworks show and the potential lack of return. She stressed the importance of considering carefully the economic impact of such events.

Green groups are also worried the frequent fireworks shows will create more serious air pollution.

Chan Wing-kit, assistant environmental affairs manager of environmental campaigner Green Earth, remarked that fireworks release carbon, sulfur, variously colored metal powders, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and more.

"Suspended particles are generated during combustion which when inhaled can cause other lung diseases with greater risks for children and the elderly," he said.

Chan also said the Environmental Protection Department should play a monitoring role and suspend fireworks on days when the air quality deteriorates or there is no wind.

marcus.lum@singtaonewcorp.com