HB 806: Fireworks; DLE; Enforcement; Safety; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the widespread use of illegal fireworks poses an extreme danger and lethal risk to public health and safety, resulting in fires, serious burn injuries, and fatalities to innocent bystanders.  The cost to the community far outweighs any intrinsic benefit, as numerous lives have been lost over the years from the use of illegal fireworks.  In addition, the potential for wildfires in this time of climate change is a real and present danger and is a top priority for all levels of government today.

     The legislature further finds that fireworks-related tragedies, including the Aliamanu New Year's Eve explosion of 2024 that claimed at least six lives, seriously impact entire neighborhoods in urban Honolulu and across the State.  Fireworks also emit excessive smoke and other toxins into the air, making breathing difficult for thousands of Hawaii residents with respiratory ailments.  Noise from loud fireworks traumatizes many residents, particularly war veterans who may suffer from post-traumatic stress from being in combat.  Pets and vulnerable species in their natural habitats also suffer each holiday season when fireworks noise and environmental pollution levels are especially high.

     The legislature recognizes that, with the increase in fireworks-related calls, public safety agencies are heavily strained to maintain adequate response levels for other critical emergencies, which adds to the cost of state and county resources that could be used for natural disasters and other emergencies.  These agencies are often overwhelmed and are not able to stop the thousands of illegal fireworks being used, making it a death trap for thousands of innocent lives who are not involved in illegal fireworks use.

     The legislature also finds that the State's communities deserve to live in peace and security without the public safety risk and disruptive impact of illegal fireworks.  There can be no more gray areas when lives are lost while this black market flourishes.

     The legislature believes that intelligence-led policing and criminal surveillance of illegal fireworks can be effective approaches in deterring the use of illegal fireworks.  An investment of funds to conduct sting operations by law enforcement to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws on Oahu is one of the first steps to effectively reducing the use of illegal fireworks in the State.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of law enforcement for:

     (1)  Sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws; and

     (2)  An explosives and firearms laboratory on Oahu.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 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 department of law enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for an explosives and firearms laboratory on Oahu.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Fireworks; DLE; Enforcement; Safety; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct fireworks sting operations and establish an explosives and firearms laboratory.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the widespread use of illegal fireworks poses an extreme danger and lethal risk to public health and safety, resulting in fires, serious burn injuries, and fatalities to innocent bystanders.  The cost to the community far outweighs any intrinsic benefit, as numerous lives have been lost over the years from the use of illegal fireworks.  In addition, the potential for wildfires in this time of climate change is a real and present danger and is a top priority for all levels of government today.

     The legislature further finds that fireworks-related tragedies, including the Aliamanu New Year's Eve explosion of 2024 that claimed at least six lives, seriously impact entire neighborhoods in urban Honolulu and across the State.  Fireworks also emit excessive smoke and other toxins into the air, making breathing difficult for thousands of Hawaii residents with respiratory ailments.  Noise from loud fireworks traumatizes many residents, particularly war veterans who may suffer from post-traumatic stress from being in combat.  Pets and vulnerable species in their natural habitats also suffer each holiday season when fireworks noise and environmental pollution levels are especially high.

     The legislature recognizes that, with the increase in fireworks-related calls, public safety agencies are heavily strained to maintain adequate response levels for other critical emergencies, which adds to the cost of state and county resources that could be used for natural disasters and other emergencies.  These agencies are often overwhelmed and are not able to stop the thousands of illegal fireworks being used, making it a death trap for thousands of innocent lives who are not involved in illegal fireworks use.

     The legislature also finds that the State's communities deserve to live in peace and security without the public safety risk and disruptive impact of illegal fireworks.  There can be no more gray areas when lives are lost while this black market flourishes.

     The legislature believes that intelligence-led policing and criminal surveillance of illegal fireworks can be effective approaches in deterring the use of illegal fireworks.  An investment of funds to conduct sting operations by law enforcement to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws on Oahu is one of the first steps to effectively reducing the use of illegal fireworks in the State.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of law enforcement for:

     (1)  Sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws;

     (2)  An explosives and firearms laboratory on Oahu;

     (3)  A new explosive enforcement section, including staffing, within the department's criminal investigation division; and

     (4)  A fireworks program to provide educational campaigns for public safety and awareness of fireworks through advertising and promotional videos.

     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 sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of law enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  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 an explosives and firearms laboratory on Oahu.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  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 sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for a new explosive enforcement division within the criminal investigation section of the department of law enforcement, including:

     (1)  $           for six full-time equivalent (6.0 FTE) exempt investigator V positions;

     (2)  $           for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) exempt investigator VI position; and

     (3)  $           for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) account clerk III position.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  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 a fireworks program to provide educational campaigns for public safety and awareness of fireworks through advertising and promotional videos.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Fireworks; DLE; Enforcement; Safety; Education; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Law Enforcement for various efforts to enforce fireworks law.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the widespread use of illegal fireworks poses an extreme danger and lethal risk to public health and safety, resulting in fires, serious burn injuries, and fatalities to innocent bystanders.  The cost to the community far outweighs any intrinsic benefit, as numerous lives have been lost over the years from the use of illegal fireworks.  In addition, the potential for wildfires in this time of climate change is a real and present danger and is a top priority for all levels of government today.

     The legislature further finds that fireworks-related tragedies, including the Aliamanu New Year's Eve explosion of 2024 that claimed at least six lives, seriously impact entire neighborhoods in urban Honolulu and across the State.  Fireworks also emit excessive smoke and other toxins into the air, making breathing difficult for thousands of Hawaii residents with respiratory ailments.  Noise from loud fireworks traumatizes many residents, particularly war veterans who may suffer from post-traumatic stress from being in combat.  Pets and vulnerable species in their natural habitats also suffer each holiday season when fireworks noise and environmental pollution levels are especially high.

     The legislature recognizes that, with the increase in fireworks-related calls, public safety agencies are heavily strained to maintain adequate response levels for other critical emergencies, which adds to the cost of state and county resources that could be used for natural disasters and other emergencies.  These agencies are often overwhelmed and are not able to stop the thousands of illegal fireworks being used, making it a death trap for thousands of innocent lives who are not involved in illegal fireworks use.

     The legislature also finds that the State's communities deserve to live in peace and security without the public safety risk and disruptive impact of illegal fireworks.  There can be no more gray areas when lives are lost while this black market flourishes.

     The legislature believes that intelligence-led policing and criminal surveillance of illegal fireworks can be effective approaches in deterring the use of illegal fireworks.  An investment of funds to conduct sting operations by law enforcement to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws on Oahu is one of the first steps to effectively reducing the use of illegal fireworks in the State.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the department of law enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws.

     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 department of law enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Fireworks; Department of Law Enforcement; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the widespread use of illegal fireworks poses an extreme danger and lethal risk to public health and safety, resulting in fires, serious burn injuries, and fatalities to innocent bystanders.  The cost to the community far outweighs any intrinsic benefit, as numerous lives have been lost over the years from the use of illegal fireworks.  In addition, the potential for wildfires in this time of climate change is a real and present danger and is a top priority on all levels of government today.

     The legislature further finds that tragedies in the State, including the Aliamanu New Year's Eve explosion of 2024 that claimed at least four lives, seriously impacts entire neighborhoods in urban Honolulu and across the State.  Fireworks also emit excessive smoke and other toxins into the air, making breathing difficult for thousands of Hawaii residents with respiratory ailments.  Noise from loud fireworks traumatizes many residents, particularly war veterans who may suffer from post-traumatic stress from being in combat.  Pets and vulnerable species in their natural habitats also suffer each holiday season when fireworks noise and environmental pollution levels are especially high.

     The legislature recognizes that, with the increase in fireworks-related calls, public safety agencies are heavily strained to maintain adequate response levels for other critical emergencies, which adds to the cost of state and county resources that could be used for natural disasters and other emergencies.  These agencies are often overwhelmed and are not able to stop the thousands of illegal fireworks being used, making it a death trap for thousands of innocent lives who are not involved in illegal fireworks use.

     The legislature also finds that the State's communities deserve to live in peace and security without the public safety risk and disruptive impact of illegal fireworks. There can be no more gray areas when lives are lost while this black market flourishes.

     The legislature believes that intelligence-led policing and criminal surveillance of illegal fireworks can be effective approaches in deterring the use of illegal fireworks.  An investment of funds to conduct sting operations by law enforcement to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws on Oahu is one of the first steps to effectively reducing the use of illegal fireworks in the State.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the department of law enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws.

     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 department of law enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Fireworks; Department of Law Enforcement; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws.  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.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to fireworks.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

PART I

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the widespread use of illegal fireworks poses an extreme danger and lethal risk to public health and safety, resulting in fires, serious burn injuries, and fatalities to innocent bystanders.  The cost to the community far outweighs any intrinsic benefit, as numerous lives have been lost over the years from the use of illegal fireworks.  The potential for wildfires in this time of climate change is a real and present danger and is a top priority on all levels of government today.

     The legislature further finds that tragedies in the State, including the Aliamanu New Year's Eve explosion of 2024 that claimed at least four lives, seriously impacts entire neighborhoods in urban Honolulu and across the State.  Fireworks also emit excessive smoke and other toxins into the air, making breathing difficult for thousands of Hawaii residents with respiratory ailments.  Noise from loud fireworks traumatizes many residents, particularly war veterans who may suffer from post-traumatic stress from being in combat.  Pets and vulnerable species in their natural habitats also suffer each holiday season when fireworks noise and environmental pollution levels are especially high.

     The legislature recognizes that, with the increase in fireworks-related calls, public safety agencies are heavily strained to maintain adequate response levels for other critical emergencies, which adds to the cost of state and county resources that could be used for natural disasters and other emergencies.  These agencies are often overwhelmed and are not able to stop the thousands of illegal fireworks being used, making it a death trap for thousands of innocent lives who are not involved in illegal fireworks use.

     The legislature also finds that Hawaii's communities deserve to live in peace and security without the public safety risk and disruptive impact of illegal fireworks. There can be no more gray areas when lives are lost while this black market flourishes.

     The legislature believes that intelligence-led policing and criminal surveillance of illegal fireworks can be effective approaches in deterring the use of illegal fireworks.  An investment of funds to conduct sting operations by law enforcement to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws on Oahu is one of the first steps to effectively reducing the use of illegal fireworks in the State.

     The legislature also notes that Act 84, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, which authorizes a court to order the forfeiture of one-half of the employees' retirement system (ERS) benefits of an ERS member, former member, or retirant upon conviction of the individual for a felony related to the state or county employment of the individual, was enacted to demonstrate that the State takes the ethics of its employees seriously.  This Act would similarly authorize a court to order the forfeiture of one-half of any pension benefits of an ERS member, former member, or retirant upon conviction of the individual of a felony for certain uses of prohibited fireworks to demonstrate that the State also takes the illegal distribution and use of fireworks by state employees seriously.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Appropriate funds for the Honolulu police department and department of law enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws; and

     (2)  Authorize a court to order the forfeiture of one-half of any pension of an employees' retirement system member, former member, or retirant upon conviction of the individual for a felony related to certain uses of prohibited fireworks.

PART II

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 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 Honolulu police department to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and chapter 20, article 6, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the city and county of Honolulu for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 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 department of law enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

PART III

     SECTION 4.  Chapter 88, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§88-     Forfeiture of benefits; fireworks.  (a)  If a member, former member, or retirant is convicted of a felony under section 132D-14, the court may decree pursuant to section 706‑605(8) a civil penalty of forfeiture by the member, former member, or retirant of one-half of any pension to which the member, former member, or retirant may otherwise be entitled under this chapter; provided that upon the death of the member, former member, or retirant, the designated beneficiary of the member, former member, or retirant may receive the reduced benefits to which the member, former member, or retirant would be entitled under this section; provided further that a designated beneficiary who is also convicted of a felony based on the same set of circumstances as the member, former member, or retirant who were subject to civil penalty under this section, shall not receive any benefits.

     (b)  Upon receipt of a certified copy of the order decreeing forfeiture, the system shall comply with the order and shall reduce, suspend, or deny payment to the member, former member, retirant, or designated beneficiary, if applicable, as provided in the order until such time as the system receives a certified order to:

     (1)  Increase, resume, or make payments to the member, former member, retirant, or designated beneficiary; or

     (2)  Quash or reverse the decree of forfeiture.

The system shall not be required to make inquiry into the propriety of the order decreeing forfeiture or recoup any payments made to the member, former member, retirant, or designated beneficiary prior to receipt by the system of the order decreeing forfeiture.

     (c)  This section shall not impair or diminish benefits accrued prior to the effective date of Act    , Session Laws of Hawaii 2025.

     (d)  This section shall not apply to felonies committed prior to the effective date of Act    , Session Laws of Hawaii 2025.

     (e)  This section shall not apply to accrued retirement benefits that are non-forfeitable pursuant to sections 88-73(f), 88-281(g), and 88-331(f)."

PART IV

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that part II of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Fireworks; Honolulu Police Department; Department of Law Enforcement; Appropriation; Pension

Description:

Appropriates funds for the Honolulu Police Department and Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws.  Authorizes a court to order the forfeiture of one-half of any pension of an Employees' Retirement System member, former member, or retirant upon conviction of the individual for a felony related to certain uses of prohibited fireworks.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 74

Honolulu, Hawaii

                 , 2025

RE:    H.B. No. 806

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 2

       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. 806, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, 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 reduce the use of illegal fireworks by appropriating funds to the Department of Law Enforcement for:

     (1)  Conducting sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws;

     (2)  Establishing an explosives and firearms laboratory on Oahu;

     (3)  Establishing a new explosive enforcement section, including staffing, within the Department's Criminal Investigation Division; and

     (4)  Establishing a fireworks program to provide educational campaigns to promote public safety and awareness through advertising and promotional videos.

     Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting the following appropriation amounts:

          (A)  $500,000 for sting operations on Oahu for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum for fiscal year 2026-2027; and

          (B)  $2,000,000 to establish an explosives and firearms laboratory on Oahu for fiscal year 2025-2026 only;

     (2)  Deleting the unspecified appropriations and positions for the Explosive Enforcement Section and fireworks educational campaigns;

     (3)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2025; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     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. 806, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 806, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1660

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 806

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 2

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. 806, H.D. 1, 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 appropriate moneys to the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks laws.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Ohana Unity Party/Kingdom of Hawaiian Islands and four individuals.

     Your Committee recognizes that effective enforcement actions are necessary to stop the public safety threat posed by illegal fireworks.  Your Committee also recognizes that the Department of Law Enforcement has requested the following appropriations:

     (1)  For an explosives and firearms laboratory on Oahu, $2,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027;

     (2)  For a new Explosive Enforcement Section within the Department's Criminal Investigation Division:

          (A)  $5,042,937 for fiscal year 2025-2026, including:

              (i)   $101,064 each for six (6.0) exempt investigator V positions;

             (ii)  $109,308 for one (1.0) exempt investigator VI position;

             (iii) $45,216 for one (1.0) account clerk III position;

              (iv)  $581,000 for motor vehicles;

             (v)   $2,169,923 for other equipment; and

              (vi)  $916,440 for other expenses; and

          (B)  $2,292,014 for fiscal year 2026-2027, including the same amounts requested for the prior fiscal year for the investigator V and VI positions, the account clerk III position, and other expenses; and

     (3)  For a fireworks program to provide educational campaigns for public safety and awareness of fireworks through advertising and promotional videos, $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting unspecified appropriations to the Department of Law Enforcement to establish:

          (A)  An explosives and firearms laboratory on Oahu;

          (B)  A new Explosive Enforcement Section within the Department's Criminal Investigation Division, including unspecified appropriations for six full-time equivalent (6.0 FTE) exempt investigator V positions, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) exempt investigator VI position, and one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) account clerk III position; and

          (C)  A fireworks program to provide educational campaigns for public safety and awareness of fireworks through advertising and promotional videos; and

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

     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. 806, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 806, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1267

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 806

       H.D. 1

       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. 806, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii State Fire Council, Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Hawaiian Humane Society, and seven individuals.

     Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and three individuals.

     Your Committees find that illegal fireworks continue to pose a threat to public safety in the State.  According to the Department of Law Enforcement in the testimony provided at the public hearing on this measure, effective enforcement of fireworks laws requires proactive measures such as sting operations, which allow law enforcement to identify and apprehend those who distribute and use illegal fireworks.  Sting operations would be strategically designed to target areas with high incidences of illegal fireworks activity, particularly during peak seasons around New Year's celebrations and the Fourth of July.  This measure will enhance the Department of Law Enforcement's ability to enforce fireworks laws by appropriating funding to enable the Department to conduct targeted sting operations on Oahu, including necessary personnel overtime, specialized equipment, and operational costs associated with planning and executing effective sting operations.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Making it effective on July 1, 2025; and

     (2)  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. 806, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 806, H.D. 1, 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,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1107

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 806

      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 Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 806, 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 appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce the Fireworks Control Law.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement; Honolulu Police Department; Hawaiian Humane Society; and four individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and two individuals.

     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. 806, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  735

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 806

      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. 806, 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 appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement; Honolulu Police Department; Kuliʻouʻou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board; Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21; and five individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that targeted sting operations on Oahu will enhance the Department of Law Enforcement's ability to enforce fireworks laws and further protect local communities.  However, the sting operations are resource-intensive and require specialized personnel, equipment, and coordinated efforts.  Your Committee believes that providing funds to conduct sting operations will support the Department of Law Enforcement's enforcement capabilities and serve as a deterrent to individuals who violate fireworks laws.

     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. 806, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  130

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 806

      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 Labor, to which was referred H.B. No. 806 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Honolulu Police Department and Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws.  This measure also authorizes a court to order the forfeiture of one-half of any pension of an Employees' Retirement System member, former member, or retiree upon conviction of the individual for a felony related to certain uses of prohibited fireworks.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement and four individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; and United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the State's communities deserve to live in peace and security without the widespread use of illegal fireworks that pose an extreme danger and lethal risk to public health and safety.  Your Committee believes this measure is an effective approach in deterring the use of illegal fireworks by using intelligence-led policing and criminal surveillance of illegal fireworks.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language which would have authorized a court to order the forfeiture of one-half of any pension of an Employees' Retirement System member, former member, or retirant upon conviction of the individual for a felony related to certain uses of prohibited fireworks;

     (2)  Removing the appropriation to the Honolulu Police Department;

     (3)  Changing the appropriation to the Department of Law Enforcement to an unspecified amount;

     (4)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (5)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 806, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 806, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor,