SB 227: DLE; Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division; 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 illegal use, possession, and distribution of fireworks continue to endanger public safety, property, and the environment in the State.  Despite existing laws and enforcement efforts, the unauthorized use of fireworks persists, causing disturbances and posing significant risks to residents.

     On June 7, 2023, the governor signed Act 67, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, into law, establishing an illegal fireworks task force within the department of law enforcement.  The illegal fireworks task force was required to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to address the systemic problem of illegal firework trade and usage within the State.  The illegal fireworks task force submitted a final report to the thirty‑third legislature containing the task force's findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation, which included a recommendation that the legislature fund a new crime unit within the department of law enforcement to address illegal fireworks enforcement on a full-time basis.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish an illegal fireworks enforcement division within the department of law enforcement to enhance regulatory oversight, increase enforcement, and further coordination among agencies to combat illegal fireworks activities.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§353C-     Illegal fireworks enforcement division.  (a)  There shall be established within the department an illegal fireworks enforcement division.  The division shall use the findings from the illegal fireworks task force established pursuant to Act 67, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, as a basis for developing a comprehensive strategic plan to stop the importation and distribution of illegal fireworks and explosives in the State, promote compliance with the state fireworks control laws, and ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure against the discharge of illegal fireworks.

     (b)  An administrator shall be the head of the illegal fireworks enforcement division and shall have charge, direction, and control of the division and all matters relating to the enforcement of illegal fireworks by the department, subject to the direction and control of the director; provided that the department and counties, or both, are authorized to enforce and administer the provisions of chapter 132D pursuant to section 132D-20."

     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 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including:

     (1)  The operation of the illegal fireworks enforcement division; and

     (2)  The reimbursement of funds to law enforcement agencies for division-related law enforcement operations, including law enforcement personnel, overtime and other salary-related payments, charges for fuel, equipment, technology, and storage and disposal of confiscated fireworks.

     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 same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of     permanent positions within the illegal fireworks enforcement division of the department of law enforcement as follows:

     (1)      full-time equivalent (    FTE) division administrator position;

     (2)      full-time equivalent (    FTE) state law enforcement investigator positions; and

     (3)      full-time equivalent (    FTE) clerk position,

who shall be exempt from chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

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

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2028.

Report Title:

DLE; Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement.  Appropriates funds.  Sunsets 6/30/2028.  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.

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 illegal use, possession, and distribution of fireworks continue to endanger public safety, property, and the environment in the State.  Despite existing laws and enforcement efforts, the unauthorized use of fireworks persists, causing disturbances and posing significant risks to residents.

     On June 7, 2023, the governor signed Act 67, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, into law, establishing an illegal fireworks task force within the department of law enforcement.  The illegal fireworks task force was required to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to address the systemic problem of illegal firework trade and usage within the State.  The illegal fireworks task force submitted a final report to the thirty‑third legislature containing the task force's findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation, which included a recommendation that the legislature fund a new crime unit within the department of law enforcement to address illegal fireworks enforcement on a full-time basis.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish an illegal fireworks enforcement division within the department of law enforcement to enhance regulatory oversight, increase enforcement, and further coordination among agencies to combat illegal fireworks activities.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§353C-     Illegal fireworks enforcement division.  (a)  There shall be established within the department an illegal fireworks enforcement division.  The division shall use the findings from the illegal fireworks task force established pursuant to Act 67, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, as a basis for developing a comprehensive strategic plan to stop the importation and distribution of illegal fireworks and explosives in the State, promote compliance with the state fireworks control laws, and ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure against the discharge of illegal fireworks.

     (b)  An administrator shall be the head of the illegal fireworks enforcement division and shall have charge, direction, and control of the division and all matters relating to the enforcement of illegal fireworks by the department, subject to the direction and control of the director; provided that the department and counties, or both, are authorized to enforce and administer the provisions of chapter 132D pursuant to section 132D-20."

     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 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including:

     (1)  The operation of the illegal fireworks enforcement division; and

     (2)  The reimbursement of funds to law enforcement agencies for division-related law enforcement operations, including law enforcement personnel, overtime and other salary-related payments, charges for fuel, equipment, technology, and storage and disposal of confiscated fireworks.

     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 same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of six permanent positions within the illegal fireworks enforcement division of the department of law enforcement as follows:

     (1)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) division administrator position;

     (2)  Four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) state law enforcement investigator positions; and

     (3)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) clerk position,

who shall be exempt from chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

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

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2028.

Report Title:

DLE; Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement.  Appropriates funds.  Sunsets 6/30/2028.  (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:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the illegal use, possession, and distribution of fireworks continue to endanger public safety, property, and the environment in the State.  Despite existing laws and enforcement efforts, the unauthorized use of fireworks persists, causes disturbances, and poses significant risks to residents.

     On June 7, 2023, the governor signed Act 67, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, into law, establishing an illegal fireworks task force within the department of law enforcement.  The illegal fireworks task force was required to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to address the systemic problem of illegal firework trade and usage within the State.  The illegal fireworks task force submitted a final report to the thirty‑third legislature containing the task force's findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation, which included a recommendation that the legislature fund a new crime unit within the department of law enforcement to address illegal fireworks enforcement on a full-time basis.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish an illegal fireworks enforcement division within the department of law enforcement to enhance regulatory oversight, increase enforcement, and further coordination among agencies to combat illegal fireworks activities.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§353C-     Fireworks enforcement division.  (a)  There is established within the department of law enforcement an illegal fireworks enforcement division.  The division shall use the findings from the illegal fireworks task force established pursuant to Act 67, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, as a basis for developing a comprehensive strategic plan to stop the importation and distribution of illegal fireworks and explosives in the State, promote compliance with the state fireworks control laws, and ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure against the discharge of illegal fireworks.

     (b)  An administrator shall be the head of the illegal fireworks enforcement division and shall have charge, direction, and control of the division and all matters relating to the enforcement of illegal fireworks, subject to the direction and control of the director."

     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 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including:

     (1)  The operation of the fireworks enforcement division; and

     (2)  The reimbursement of funds to law enforcement agencies for division-related law enforcement operations, including law enforcement personnel, overtime and other salary-related payments, charges for fuel, equipment, technology, and storage and disposal of confiscated fireworks.

     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 same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of six permanent positions within the illegal fireworks enforcement division of the department of law enforcement as follows:

     (1)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) division administrator position;

     (2)  Four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) state law enforcement investigator positions; and

     (3)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) clerk position,

who shall be exempt from chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2028.

Report Title:

DLE; Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement.  Appropriates moneys.  Sunsets 6/30/2028.  (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 illegal use, possession, and distribution of fireworks continue to endanger public safety, property, and the environment in the State.  Despite existing laws and enforcement efforts, unauthorized fireworks persist, causing disturbances and posing significant risks to residents. 

     On June 7, 2023, the governor signed Act 67, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, into law, establishing an illegal fireworks task force within the department of law enforcement.  The illegal fireworks task force was required to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to address the systemic problem of illegal firework trade and usage within the State.  The illegal fireworks task force submitted a final report to the thirty-third legislature containing the task force's findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation, which included a recommendation that the legislature fund a new crime unit within the department of law enforcement to address illegal fireworks enforcement on a full-time basis. 

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish an illegal fireworks enforcement division within the department of law enforcement to enhance regulatory oversight, increase enforcement, and further coordination among agencies to combat illegal fireworks activities. 

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§353C-   Fireworks enforcement division.  (a) There is established within the department of law enforcement an illegal fireworks enforcement division.  The division shall use the findings from the illegal fireworks task force as a basis for developing a comprehensive strategic plan to stop the importation and distribution of illegal fireworks and explosives in Hawaii, promote compliance with the state fireworks control laws, and ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure against the discharge of illegal fireworks.

     (b)  An administrator shall be the head of the illegal fireworks enforcement division and shall have charge, direction, and control of the division, subject to the direction and control of the director, of all matters relating to the enforcement of illegal fireworks."

     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 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including the operation of the fireworks enforcement division, reimbursement of funds to law enforcement agencies for division-related law enforcement operations, including law enforcement personnel, overtime and other salary-related payments, charges for fuel, equipment, technology, and storage and disposal of confiscated fireworks.

     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 same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of six permanent positions within the illegal fireworks enforcement division of the department of law enforcement as follows:

          (1)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) division administrator position;

          (2)  Four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) state law enforcement investigator positions; and

          (3)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) clerk position,

Who shall be exempt from chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of law enforcement for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2028.

Report Title:

DLE; Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement.  Appropriates funds.  Sunsets 6/30/2028.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  2017

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 227

      S.D. 1

      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 S.B. No. 227, S.D. 1, 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)  Establish a temporary Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds to the Department for the operation of the Division, to reimburse law enforcement agencies for Division-related law enforcement operations, and to establish positions within the Division.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from three individuals.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the number of full-time equivalent positions to unspecified numbers; and

     (2)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

     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 S.B. No. 227, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 227, S.D. 1, H.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1328

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 227

      S.D. 1

      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 S.B. No. 227, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement; Hawaiian Humane Society; Oʻahu County Committee of Oʻahu County Democrats; and nine individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and five individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the continued illegal use and distribution of fireworks poses significant safety, environmental, and enforcement challenges across the State.  Despite prior legislative efforts, unauthorized fireworks remain prevalent, necessitating a dedicated enforcement approach.  This measure establishes an Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement to enhance regulatory oversight, improve interagency coordination, and strengthen enforcement efforts, ensuring greater public safety and compliance with state laws.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division has charge, direction, and control of all matters relating to the enforcement of illegal fireworks by the Department of Law Enforcement and that the Department and counties, or both, are authorized to enforce and administer the provisions of the Fireworks Control Law; and

     (2)  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)  $4,647,155 to carry out the purposes of this measure, including the operation of the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division and reimbursement of funds to law enforcement agencies for division-related law enforcement operations; and

     (2)  $1,916,210 for the establishment of six permanent positions within the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division.

     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 S.B. No. 227, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 227, S.D. 1, 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,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 727

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 227

       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 S.B. No. 227 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish and appropriate moneys for the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement, subject to a sunset date of June 30, 2028.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaiian Humane Society, and five individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that establishing the proposed new division, with specially trained and dedicated personnel focused specifically on investigating illegal fireworks, will help coordinate and sustain efforts to enforce applicable laws and protect local communities.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     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 S.B. No. 227, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 227, S.D. 1.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 277

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 227

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 227 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement;

     (2)  Appropriate funds; and

     (3)  Sunset on June 30, 2028.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement and three individuals.

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

     Your Committee finds that the creation of an Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement would allow for more coordinated and sustained enforcement efforts using specially trained and dedicated personnel focused specifically on illegal fireworks interdiction and investigation.  This structure would enhance the Department of Law Enforcement's ability to protect local communities from the dangers of illegal fireworks through year-round enforcement and prevention efforts.  Your Committee further finds that the sunset date of June 30, 2028, provides an appropriate period to assess the Division's effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 227 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,