SR 164: requesting the department of law enforcement to provide information related to the disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives, fireworks, and similar hazardous materials in the state.

SENATE RESOLUTION

requesting the department of law enforcement to provide information related to the disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives, fireworks, and similar hazardous materials in the state.

     WHEREAS, the disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives, fireworks, and other hazardous materials pose inherent safety and environmental risks, particularly when conducted in proximity to residential areas or heavily populated regions; and

     WHEREAS, in recent years, concerns have arisen regarding the impact of the disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives and fireworks on neighboring communities, particularly the noise, air quality, and potential harm to public health and safety; and

     WHEREAS, the State and local agencies are entrusted with ensuring that the disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives, fireworks, and hazardous materials is conducted in a manner that minimizes risk and protects the well-being of the public and the environment; and

     WHEREAS, it is crucial to ensure that the protocols followed by the responsible agencies meet the highest standards of safety and best practices, as well as provide transparency and accountability to the affected communities; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Department of Law Enforcement is requested to provide information related to the disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives, fireworks, and similar hazardous materials in the State; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Law Enforcement is requested to specifically provide:

     (1)  A detailed description of the procedures and methods used by the Department of Law Enforcement for the safe disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives, fireworks, and similar hazardous materials, including but not limited to controlled detonations, incineration, and other disposal methods;

     (2)  An explanation of the permitting process for conducting the disposal, detonation, and destruction of hazardous materials, including the criteria for approving these actions and any other agencies involved in authorizing these events; and

     (3)  A summary of the safety protocols, environmental safeguards, and best practices employed by the Department of Law Enforcement to ensure that the disposal, detonation, and destruction of hazardous materials do not cause harm to the environment, Department of Law Enforcement staff conducting the operation, and individuals and communities in the vicinity of the hazardous materials as they are being transported and destroyed; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Law Enforcement.

Report Title: 

Department of Law Enforcement; Fireworks; Explosives; Hazardous Materials; Disposal; Detonation; Destruction; Safety Protocols

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1456

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.R. No. 164

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.R. No. 164 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION RELATED TO THE DISPOSAL, DETONATION, AND DESTRUCTION OF EXPLOSIVES, FIREWORKS, AND SIMILAR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Law Enforcement to provide information related to the disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives, fireworks, and similar hazardous materials in the State.  

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that concerns have arisen regarding the procedures and consequences of state and local agencies disposing of certain hazardous materials.  The disposal methods for hazardous materials that combust, including fireworks and other explosives, often involve detonating the materials as a means of destruction, and there is an understandable apprehension surrounding this practice regarding its effects on both public safety and the environment.  Accordingly, this measure requests the Department of Law Enforcement to provide information relating to the disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives and similar hazardous materials to the public in order to promote transparency and clarify risk exposure for communities. 

     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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 164 and recommends its adoption.

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