HB 550: DLE; Fireworks; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Recordings; Probable Cause
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-25
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-06-30: Act 244, on 06/30/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1347).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill lets police use photos or video taken by drones to help establish probable cause (the reasonable belief needed to make an arrest) for fireworks offenses when the drone was recording directly above public property and the act happened on public property. It also says drone footage does not need a witness to authenticate it and defines “unmanned aerial vehicle,” excluding remote‑controlled airplanes.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Allows recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property. (CD1)
Allows recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
PART I: Allows recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property. PART II: Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
PART I: Allows recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property. PART II: Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
PART I: Allows video recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating an unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for an arrest under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, easement, or any public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on a public street, sidewalk, or other public property. PART II: Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
550 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 132D-20, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§132D-20 Enforcement; probable cause for arrest. (a) This chapter shall be enforced by the department of law enforcement or each county. The department of law enforcement and counties, or both, are authorized to enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Arrests for offenses under this chapter or under a county fireworks ordinance shall be made in compliance with chapter 803. The facts and circumstances to establish probable cause for an arrest may include but are not limited to:
(1) Statements from individuals who witnessed the offense, even if those individuals are not law enforcement officers; and
(2) Photographs, video recordings, or other recordings that show the commission of the offense and can be authenticated by one or more witnesses; provided that a recording made using an unmanned aerial vehicle shall be exempt from the requirement of authentication by one or more witnesses.
(c) Video recordings or other recordings made by a law enforcement agency using, controlling, or operating an unmanned aerial vehicle may be used to establish probable cause pursuant to chapter 803 for an arrest if:
(1) The unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, or easement, or any public property; and
(d) For the purposes of this [subsection:]
section:
"Other recording" includes any photograph or a video made using an unmanned aerial vehicle.
"Unmanned
aerial vehicle" means any aerial vehicle that is
operated without the possibility of direct human intervention within or on the
aerial vehicle. [The term
"unmanned] "Unmanned aerial vehicle" does not include
a remote-controlled airplane."
SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
DLE; Fireworks; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Recordings; Probable Cause
Description:
Allows recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
550 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 132D-20, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§132D-20 Enforcement; probable cause for arrest. (a) This chapter shall be enforced by the department of law enforcement or each county. The department of law enforcement and counties, or both, are authorized to enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Arrests for offenses under this chapter or under a county fireworks ordinance shall be made in compliance with chapter 803. The facts and circumstances to establish probable cause for an arrest may include but are not limited to:
(1) Statements from individuals who witnessed the offense, even if those individuals are not law enforcement officers; and
(2) Photographs, video recordings, or other recordings that show the commission of the offense and can be authenticated by one or more witnesses; provided that a recording made using an unmanned aerial vehicle shall be exempt from the requirement of authentication by one or more witnesses.
(c) Video recordings or other recordings made by a law enforcement agency using, controlling, or operating an unmanned aerial vehicle may be used to establish probable cause pursuant to chapter 803 for an arrest if:
(1) The unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, or easement, or any public property; and
(d) For the purposes of this [subsection:]
section:
"Other recording" includes any photograph or a video made using an unmanned aerial vehicle.
"Unmanned
aerial vehicle" means any aerial vehicle that is
operated without the possibility of direct human intervention within or on the
aerial vehicle. [The term
"unmanned] "Unmanned aerial vehicle" does not include
a remote-controlled airplane."
SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DLE; Fireworks; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Recordings; Probable Cause
Description:
Allows recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
550 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
PART I
SECTION 1. Section 132D-20, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§132D-20 Enforcement; probable cause for arrest. (a) This chapter shall be enforced by the department of law enforcement or each county. The department of law enforcement and counties, or both, are authorized to enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Arrests for offenses under this chapter or under a county fireworks ordinance shall be made in compliance with chapter 803. The facts and circumstances to establish probable cause for an arrest may include but are not limited to:
(1) Statements from individuals who witnessed the offense, even if those individuals are not law enforcement officers; and
(2) Photographs, video recordings, or other recordings that show the commission of the offense and can be authenticated by one or more witnesses; provided that a recording made using an unmanned aerial vehicle shall be exempt from the requirement of authentication by one or more witnesses.
(c) Video recordings or other recordings made by a law enforcement agency using, controlling, or operating an unmanned aerial vehicle shall establish probable cause for an arrest if:
(1) The unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, or easement, or any public property; and
(d) For the purposes of this [subsection:]
section:
"Other recording" includes any photograph or a video made using an unmanned aerial vehicle.
"Unmanned
aerial vehicle" means any aerial vehicle that is
operated without the possibility of direct human intervention within or on the
aerial vehicle. [The term
"unmanned] "Unmanned aerial vehicle" does not include
a remote-controlled airplane."
PART II
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.
PART III
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DLE; Fireworks; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Recordings; Probable Cause; Appropriation
Description:
PART I: Allows recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property. PART II: Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
550 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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||
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|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
PART I
SECTION 1. Section 132D-20, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§132D-20 Enforcement; probable cause for arrest. (a) This chapter shall be enforced by the department of law enforcement or each county. The department of law enforcement and counties, or both, are authorized to enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Arrests for offenses under this chapter or under a county fireworks ordinance shall be made in compliance with chapter 803. The facts and circumstances to establish probable cause for an arrest may include but are not limited to:
(1) Statements from individuals who witnessed the offense, even if those individuals are not law enforcement officers; and
(2) Photographs, video recordings, or other recordings that show the commission of the offense and can be authenticated by one or more witnesses; provided that a recording made using an unmanned aerial vehicle shall be exempt from the requirement of authentication by one or more witnesses.
(c) Video recordings or other recordings made by a law enforcement agency using, controlling, or operating an unmanned aerial vehicle shall establish probable cause for an arrest if:
(1) The unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, or easement, or any public property; and
(d) For the purposes of this [subsection:]
section:
"Other recording" includes any photograph or a video made using an unmanned aerial vehicle.
"Unmanned
aerial vehicle" means any aerial vehicle that is
operated without the possibility of direct human intervention within or on the
aerial vehicle. [The term
"unmanned] "Unmanned aerial vehicle" does not include
a remote-controlled airplane."
PART II
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.
PART III
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DLE; Fireworks; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Recordings; Probable Cause; Appropriation
Description:
PART I: Allows recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property. PART II: Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
550 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to fireworks.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
PART I
SECTION 1. Section 132D-20, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§132D-20 Enforcement; probable cause for arrest. (a) This chapter shall be enforced by the department of law enforcement or each county. The department of law enforcement and counties, or both, are authorized to enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Arrests for offenses under this chapter or under a county fireworks ordinance shall be made in compliance with chapter 803. The facts and circumstances to establish probable cause for an arrest may include but are not limited to:
(1) Statements from individuals who witnessed the offense, even if those individuals are not law enforcement officers; and
(2) Photographs, video recordings, or other recordings that show the commission of the offense and can be authenticated by one or more witnesses; provided that a recording made using an unmanned aerial vehicle shall be exempt from the requirement of authentication by one or more witnesses.
(c) Video recordings made by a law enforcement agency using, controlling, or operating an unmanned aerial vehicle shall establish probable cause for an arrest if:
(1) The unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, easement, or any public property; and
(2) The act leading to the arrest is committed on a public street, sidewalk, or other public property.
(d) For the purposes of this [subsection:]
section:
"Other recording" includes any photograph or a video made using an unmanned aerial vehicle.
"Unmanned aerial vehicle" means any aerial vehicle that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention within or on the aerial vehicle. The term "unmanned aerial vehicle" does not include a remote-controlled airplane."
PART II
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.
PART III
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Department of Law Enforcement; Fireworks; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Video Recordings; Probable Cause; Appropriation
Description:
PART I: Allows video recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating an unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for an arrest under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, easement, or any public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on a public street, sidewalk, or other public property. PART II: Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Jun 30, 2025 | Act 244, on 06/30/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1347). |
| Jun 30, 2025 | Act 244, 06/30/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1347). |
| May 1, 2025 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25 |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 159). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 159) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Elefante, Rhoads, Kim, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Kitagawa, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 04-25-25 3:30PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-24-25 3:30PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-23-25 3:30PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Tuesday 04-22-25 3:30PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Monday 04-21-25 3:30PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 16, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Thursday, 04-17-25 1:30PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 788). |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Elefante Chair; Rhoads, Kim Co-Chairs; Wakai, Fevella. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Tarnas, Kitagawa Co-Chairs; Shimizu. |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 559). |
| Apr 4, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 546) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | One Day Notice 04-03-25. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1518) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lee, C.. |
| Mar 25, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 03-28-25 10:02AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Reported from PSM/JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1266) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in PSM were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Elefante, Wakai, Fukunaga, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) DeCorte; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 10, 2025 | The committee(s) on PSM/JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 03-13-25 9:30AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to PSM/JDC, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 255). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 03-04-25. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1145) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 13 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Kusch, Reyes Oda, Ward. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 02-25-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Kitagawa, Ward excused (3). |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 616) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 6, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Cochran, Hashem, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Todd; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Shimizu; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Garcia. |
| Feb 3, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Thursday, 02-06-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 2 |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 3, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
|
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Feb 6, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Department of Law Enforcement | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Hawaii County Police Department | ** Support | |
| Hawaii State Fire Council | ** Support | |
| Hawaiian Humane Society | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Honolulu Fire Department | ** Support | |
| Honolulu Police Department | ** Support | |
| Libertarian Party of Hawaii | *** Against | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Maui Fire Department | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| Office of the Public Defender | ** Against | |
| State of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| Young Americans for Liberty | ** Against | |
| Young Americans for Liberty | *** Against | Mar 13, 2025 |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 159
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 550
H.D. 2
S.D. 1
C.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madam and Sir:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 550, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"
having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.
The purpose of this measure is to allow recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by changing the effective date to upon approval.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 550, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 550, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
|
ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
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ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
|
____________________________ BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE Chair |
|
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS Co-Chair |
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____________________________ KARL RHOADS Co-Chair |
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____________________________ LISA KITAGAWA Co-Chair |
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____________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM Co-Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1518
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 550
H.D. 2
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 550, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to facilitate the enforcement of fireworks laws.
Specifically, this measure allows the use of a recording that is made by a law enforcement agency through the use, control, or operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle to establish probable cause for an arrest under the Fireworks Control Law if:
(1) The unmanned aerial vehicle recorded directly above public property; and
(2) The act leading to the arrest was committed on public property.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaiian Humane Society, and six individuals.
Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and two individuals.
Your Committee finds that it is often difficult to establish probable cause for arrests under fireworks laws, especially when the illegal fireworks activities occur in areas that are not easily accessible to traditional law enforcement patrol methods. Your Committee further finds that unmanned aerial vehicles provide a technological solution that allows officers to safely and effectively monitor public areas for illegal fireworks activity.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 550, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1266
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 550
H.D. 2
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 550, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Allow recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on public property; and
(2) Appropriate funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii State Fire Council, Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii County Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Hawaiian Humane Society, and ten individuals.
Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender, Young Americans for Liberty, Libertarian Party of Hawaii, and two individuals.
Your Committees find that illegal fireworks continue to pose a serious threat to public safety in the State and that additional strategies are necessary to enhance the Department of Law Enforcement's ability to enforce fireworks regulations, particularly during peak times such as New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July when violation reports traditionally surge. This measure seeks to establish an additional law enforcement strategy by amending the section of the Hawaii Revised Statutes pertaining to enforcement and probable cause for arrest for violations of fireworks prohibitions to clarify that video recordings by unmanned law enforcement drones shall establish probable cause under certain circumstances.
However, your Committees note the concerns raised in the testimony provided at the public hearing on this measure regarding the constitutionality and legality of the language pertaining to probable cause. Your Committees further note that it is the duty of the court to determine whether probable cause to arrest exists and that the statutory language pertaining to the establishment of probable cause in this measure should therefore be permissive instead of mandatory. Your Committees also note that the Department of Law Enforcement does not require additional funding in the budget.
Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:
(1) Clarifying that video recordings or other recordings made by a law enforcement agency using, controlling, or operating an unmanned aerial vehicle may be used to establish probable cause for an arrest pursuant to chapter 803, Hawaii Revised Statutes, if certain conditions are met;
(2) Deleting language that would have appropriated funds to the Department of Law Enforcement; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Judiciary that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 550, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 550, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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________________________________ BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1145
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 550
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 550, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Allow recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, easement, or any public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on a public park, street, sidewalk, easement, or other public property; and
(2) Appropriate funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 550, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 550, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 616
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 550
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 550 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Allow video recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, easement, or any public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on a public street, sidewalk, or other public property; and
(2) Appropriate funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks.
Your Committee finds that this measure will allow law enforcement to use drone footage as evidence of fireworks violations on public property. This will allow for better enforcement of fireworks violations and deter the use of illegal fireworks in the State.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Clarifying when probable cause may be established by recordings made by unmanned aerial vehicles for acts committed on public property;
(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 550, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 550, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 27, 2025 | HB550_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_03-28-25_.PDF |
| Mar 13, 2025 | HB550_HD2_TESTIMONY_PSM-JDC_03-13-25_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2025 | HB550_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-25-25_.PDF |
| Feb 6, 2025 | HB550_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-06-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
Conference Committee
38SEC
Conference Committee
46SEC
Conference Committee
39SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
24SEC
Senate Floor
14MIN
