While state lawmakers were criticized by newspaper editorial writers and many residents for not adopting a statewide ban on consumer fireworks, the law they did pass giving counties the option to ban fireworks has thrown a scare into the fireworks industry.

The new law, signed by Gov. Linda Lingle, allows counties to adopt restrictions that are tougher than state law, which permits consumer fireworks on New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and the Fourth of July.

The fireworks industry is preparing a lobbying push at Honolulu Hale, where the City Council is considering a bill restricting fireworks.

This week, the industry is expected to release the results of a new statewide poll that found that 62 percent of residents interviewed opposed a ban in their county, including 38 percent who were strongly opposed.

The poll found that Neighbor Island residents (50 percent), people born and raised in the Islands (45 percent), and people under 55 are more likely to be strongly opposed to a ban.

Ward Research conducted the poll among 402 residents between May 20 and May 28. The margin of error was 4.9 percentage points.